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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBarnstable LCP Draft Economic Development ChapterBarnstable LCP – DRAFT Economic Development Section 1 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER INTRODUCTION Why Economic Development Matters The Town of Barnstable serves as the Cape Cod region's central hub for commerce, transportation, and education, earning its reputation as the “hub of the Cape”. Boasting essential infrastructure such as the regional airport, the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority’s Regional Transportation Center, and two ferry terminals, Barnstable acts as the gateway to all of Cape Cod and the neighboring islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Beyond its pivotal transportation role, Barnstable hosts numerous regional resources, including the county government seat, Cape Cod Community College, the largest enclosed mall and industrial park in the region, Cape Cod Hospital, and bustling commercial harbors. Barnstable sustains a strong and diverse economy year-round relative to the other communities in Barnstable County, with over half of its workforce residing within its borders and a notably low unemployment rate of 4.0 percent in 2023, outperforming the state average. Additionally, Barnstable exhibits a significant percentage of self-employed residents (15.1%), reflecting a thriving entrepreneurial spirit within the community. Despite these strengths, challenges persist, particularly in aligning local job opportunities with resident employment preferences, with transportation and construction industries showing notable mismatches. Through strategic economic development initiatives, Barnstable aims to leverage its unique position and resources to foster continued growth and prosperity for its residents and businesses alike. Please see the Local Economy section (under Section 5: Community Systems) of the Existing Conditions Report for information on existing local economy, trends, and the Town’s current economic development tools and policies. DATA SHEET [Insert Data Sheet Graphics.] Economic Development Actions Since 2010 Since the last update of the Local Comprehensive Plan in 2010, the Town has actively worked to address the goals and actions included in the plan. Below is a high-level overview of some notable implementation achievements related to economic development. Growth Incentive Zone and Downtown Hyannis Zoning The Growth Incentive Zone (GIZ) was established in 2006 and redesignated in 2018. The purpose of a GIZ is to direct growth and redevelopment to an area of Barnstable with existing development, and to encourage a concentrated mix of residential and commercial uses within Hyannis while ensuring that all growth is properly served by adequate public infrastructure. To achieve this goal, the Town has and continues to implement planning initiatives, make planned infrastructure investments, and enact regulatory changes to support continued public and private investment in the Downtown Hyannis GIZ. Barnstable LCP – DRAFT Economic Development Section 2 The economic development incentive provided by the GIZ is exemption of Cape Cod Commission review for developments in designated categories. Downtown Hyannis zoning revisions were approved in 2023, focusing on promoting residential and mixed-use development that responds to local context through size, form, placement, and design considerations. The new zoning allows for up to four-story multi-family developments by-right, which streamlines the permitting process and allows for predictable outcomes. The reduction of minimum parking requirements, coupled with the increased density subject to building form and placement, was implemented to promote walkability, affordability, and sustainability in the downtown area. The result of these revisions has been new interest from developers to invest and redevelop underutilized properties for residential and mixed-use projects. Local Business Support A permit coordinator position was established in 2019 to facilitate the permitting process for small businesses and provide a single point of contact for businesses with questions or concerns about the regulatory process. A Business Barnstable website was created in 2022 and provides resources to local business owners and potential new business owners. In 2022, Barnstable was selected by MassDevelopment to become a full-time Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) District, a program for Gateway Cities designed to accelerate economic growth within focused districts. The program works with cross-sector partnerships to engage community members in actionable planning, implement local economic development initiatives, and spur further public and private investment. Barnstable’s TDI District is in Downtown Hyannis and through this program Barnstable receives technical assistance for economic development expertise, as well as access to grants to support local development and investment in the Downtown. Utilizing funding from this program the Town partnered with the Hyannis Main Street Business Improvement District in 2023 and 2024 to implement a Downtown Hyannis Façade Improvement Grant Program for small businesses. Recreation The Community Services Department actively supports and maintains various community facilities and amenities, such as the Hyannis Youth Community Center (HYCC), golf courses, and beaches. Ongoing efforts include improvements and updates to these facilities and programs to ensure accessibility, a welcoming atmosphere, and proper maintenance. Collaborating closely with the Department of Public Works (DPW), the Town has implemented various field upgrades throughout the villages and introduced new recreational amenities, including the pickleball complex in Marstons Mills. Currently, efforts are underway to redesign the Centerville and Osterville Playgrounds in collaboration with DPW. Additionally, there are plans to seek CIP funds to redesign the HYCC grounds, aiming to expand recreational opportunities, including an updated skate park, outdoor fitness court, and a splash pad. At the Town golf courses, an environmentally sustainable land management plan has been implemented to reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Recent improvements have also been made to the Barnstable Adult Community Center. Barnstable LCP – DRAFT Economic Development Section 3 Cultural Economy The Town of Barnstable recognizes and supports the role of arts and culture in making its seven villages vibrant and economically prosperous communities. The Town’s arts & culture program has grown to include two state designated cultural districts, a year-round arts campus with community art space, 12 artist shanties, multiple partnerships with cultural nonprofits and creative economy businesses, and marketing efforts to promote the cultural gems in the seven villages. Barnstable supports the cultural economy by prioritizing ongoing efforts in small business and entrepreneurship, particularly through the TDI partnership. Additionally, the Town is working with the Cape Cod Chamber to advance initiatives to support the “blue economy.” Notably, the Town has two cultural districts: the Hyannis HyArts Cultural District and the Barnstable Village Cultural District. The Arts & Culture program supports two artists in residence and the Town Hall artist spotlight program, maintains the ongoing arts shanty program, and organizes programming for public spaces. The Town also continues to support museums through Cultural District partnerships. The Town also supports special events, which are an economic driver as well as a community-building effort for residents. The Town produces an annual Fourth of July event, featuring the Cape Cod Symphony at Aselton Park, arranges and manages a Labor Day fireworks event, and supports events with other community partners including Unity Day and Hyannis Open Streets. MAPS & DATA Map X: Regional Economic Center and GIZ Map X: Downtown Hyannis Barnstable LCP – DRAFT Economic Development Section 4 ISSUES & OPPORTUNITIES Barnstable, as the regional economic center and largest town on Cape Cod, grapples with familiar economic development challenges shared by other communities in the region, including seasonal fluctuations, the costs of improving, maintaining, and expanding public infrastructure, traffic congestion, housing affordability, and limited job opportunities. However, amidst these challenges, the Town possesses a wealth of assets, such as hosting the region’s hospital, county government, educational institutions, major transportation hubs, and natural and cultural attractions, providing a strong foundation for economic growth. However, achieving economic resiliency and sustainability requires a delicate balance between fostering growth and addressing pressing issues like housing affordability, natural resource protection, and infrastructure constraints. Moreover, Barnstable's concentrated development, coupled with its status as a regional economic hub, presents opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and lead in fostering a resilient and sustainable economy. By leveraging its strengths and addressing its challenges, Barnstable can continue to thrive as a vital year-round economic and cultural center within the Cape Cod region. The issues, opportunities, goals, and strategies outlined below are informed by feedback gathered by the Town through multiple public meetings, surveys, interviews, and focus groups. [insert summary of subject expert presentations] Vision Statement To guide the LCP, the Town of Barnstable created a vision statement. Below are the portions of the vision statement that point to the local economy. The town of Barnstable is a vibrant and diverse community where people and nature thrive together. We are committed to creating a healthy, safe, inclusive, and equitable place for all residents and to restore, enhance and protect our natural resources for future generations. To achieve our vision, we will proactively: • Maintain healthy coastal ecosystems along with commercially viable harbors. • Promote a diverse economy that supports living wages and local businesses and restores, enhances, and protects the natural environment. • Commit to providing affordable and attainable year-round housing options. • Provide access to high-quality public education, healthcare, human and social services, and a healthy environment. • Incentivize redevelopment and encourage new development toward locations with adequate infrastructure and away from environmentally sensitive areas town wide. • Strengthen community connections and communication town-wide and seek opportunities for collaboration with neighboring towns. • Recognize and build upon previous efforts by citizens and the Town to make Barnstable the best that it can be. Barnstable LCP – DRAFT Economic Development Section 5 Regional Economic Center and Industrial Areas Both the Regional Economic Center and industrial areas serve important roles in the local and regional economies containing many commercial and industrial businesses that provide year-round employment opportunities. The Town recently collaborated with the Cape Cod Commission to raise Development of Regional Impact (DRI) thresholds in both areas, aiming to foster economic development in established year-round commercial centers. By encouraging planned private investment in mapped Regional Economic Centers and Industrial Service and Trade Areas, the Town anticipates increased development potential that is both cost-effective and predictable for businesses. While sufficient regulatory and infrastructure measures are in place to manage potential impacts on local and regional systems, there are opportunities to further amend regulations to address traffic, economic development, and community character concerns. Particularly in the Regional Economic center, which is characterized by a mix of commercial and light-industrial uses, there's potential for interspersed residential development, offering a larger customer base for local businesses and more connected and livable neighborhoods. Maintaining commercial and industrial uses remain pivotal in the Industrial & Service Trade Area for local and regional economic stability. Growth Incentive Zone (GIZ) The Growth Incentive Zone (GIZ) presents both challenges and opportunities for local development. While the GIZ aims to direct growth towards areas with established infrastructure and away from sensitive resource zones, issues such as balancing residential and commercial uses, ensuring adequate infrastructure support, and maintaining strong design standards arise. The designation also offers opportunities for enhancing overall design and functionality through infill and redevelopment. By simplifying the permit process and empowering local decision-making the GIZ encourages economic growth and makes development opportunities more attractive. Ongoing assessment and refinement of GIZ standards are essential to address these issues effectively and capitalize on opportunities for sustainable development that meet the evolving needs of the community. Blue Economy The “Blue Economy” is defined as the sustainable use of water resources for economic growth, improved quality of life, and the creation/retention of jobs while preserving the health of ecosystems. The blue economy is experiencing steady growth across Cape Cod, representing significant economic opportunities for Cape communities. Across the Cape, tourism and recreation and research, education, advocacy, and support services comprise a significant portion of the sector. However, there are opportunities for growth in sectors like marine technology and renewable living resources, particularly in fostering year-round jobs, businesses, and organizations. Initiatives such as the Hyannis Harbor Master Plan are aimed at capitalizing on this growth potential in Barnstable. Additionally, transitioning to renewable energy and addressing water and climate challenges not only present economic opportunities but also contribute to the sustainability of ocean resources and ecosystem health. To maximize the benefits of the blue economy, Barnstable should continue to support existing blue economy businesses while attracting new ventures that align with key sectors such as Barnstable LCP – DRAFT Economic Development Section 6 maritime transportation, fisheries and aquaculture, tourism and recreation, and renewable energy. This support should extend to initiatives aimed at promoting educational programs that foster knowledge and appreciation for the blue economy and maritime traditions. Wastewater management projects, coastal resilience initiatives, and climate change adaptation planning represent ways in which the Town has already invested in the Blue Economy. Furthermore, sustaining the growth and productivity of coastal communities necessitates preserving public access to working waterfronts and harbors. This involves encouraging activities like fish markets and waterfront restaurants, which enhance economic vibrancy. By preserving maritime areas from overdevelopment and actively supporting existing water-based and maritime uses, Barnstable can create economically vibrant and resilient waterfronts that contribute to the overall prosperity of the region. Housing Supply/Lack of Affordability The availability of affordable housing in Barnstable is intricately linked to the health of the local economy and is closely tied to other economic issues outlined in this section. Barnstable’s limited housing supply (particularly the lack of rental options) and lack of affordability has contributed to labor supply issues in both the year-round and seasonal economies. Across the country, the shortage of affordable housing costs the American economy about $2trillion a year in lower wages and productivity. Without affordable housing, families have constrained opportunities to increase earnings, causing slower economic growth. With a limited supply of rentals and an overwhelming dominance of single-family homes, the cost of housing remains high and continues to rise. This scarcity of affordable housing presents a significant challenge for employers, who struggle to attract and retain workers. The average household income in Barnstable as of 2022 is $94,387, which is less than half the amount of income needed ($199,000) to purchase the median single-family home in town without being housing cost-burdened. The seasonal nature of Cape Cod's economy compounds these issues, as there is insufficient housing to accommodate seasonal workers. The town can alleviate housing and labor supply issues while also fostering a more resilient and inclusive community. Additionally, attracting more year-round residents is crucial to support essential services like grocery stores, further emphasizing the need for affordable housing solutions. Transportation and Infrastructure Accessible and affordable transportation systems are vital for economic vitality and community resilience. While Barnstable offers residents access to various transit options like buses, ferries, rail, and planes, auto-centric travel remains predominant, and many areas of Town are not accessible via public transportation (namely West Barnstable, Barnstable, and Cotuit). Efforts to promote multi-modal transportation are underway, particularly in Downtown Hyannis. Similarly, adequate and existing infrastructure plays a critical role in economic growth and development decisions. Efforts are underway to review existing conditions and regulations, particularly in the Growth Incentive Zone (GIZ), to identify infrastructure needs and develop plans for improvement. Furthermore, Barnstable LCP – DRAFT Economic Development Section 7 the Town aims to concentrate development where infrastructure can be efficiently provided, ensuring access to transportation and services for all residents. Adequate broadband infrastructure is increasingly seen as essential for attracting remote workers and supporting economic activity, and as such the Town utilized CDBG funds in 2023 to expand broadband access for businesses and residents in downtown Hyannis. The Town is actively improving infrastructure to foster business growth and ensure residents’ access to goods and services. Collaboration opportunities are emerging, such as with the Cape Cod Gateway Airport, which seeks to expand services and build stronger relationships with the community. Challenges include limited bus routes, infrastructure maintenance issues in Hyannis, and the need for improved pedestrian and cyclist connectivity across the Town. Addressing these issues while leveraging existing transportation assets could enhance overall connectivity and community well-being. Commercial Nodes Barnstable's commercial areas and shopping centers exhibit a range of performance levels, with a number of larger retail spaces and key main street storefronts currently vacant. Opportunities for revitalization exist, as has been recently demonstrated through the redevelopment of Capetown Plaza and reinvestment in the Cape Cod Mall area. Introducing multi-family uses in these areas could address the need for housing diversity but also create a larger local customer base for businesses. While Hyannis serves as the primary commercial hub, other villages rely on their historic New England charm and cater to the seasonal community. The Town has the opportunity to explore innovative solutions, such as commercial land trusts and retail condos to activate vacant properties and revitalize commercial areas, thereby fostering economic vibrancy and community engagement. Cape Cod Community College The presence of Cape Cod Community College in Barnstable presents a valuable yet potentially underutilized asset for workforce and economic development. Recognizing specific opportunities, such as the dental hygiene and nursing programs, as well as the introduction of a new blue economy associate degree, showcases the college's commitment to addressing industry needs. However, high housing costs pose a challenge, hindering students from remaining on the Cape after graduation. To leverage the college's full potential, Barnstable should persist in exploring opportunities for partnership and workforce development initiatives, fostering collaboration that benefits both the community and the college. Diverse Year-Round Economy The seasonal economy of Cape Cod poses significant challenges for local communities, characterized by dependence on tourism and retail trade, resulting in lower wages and high unemployment rates during the off-season. Economic downturns exacerbate these challenges, as less money is spent in the tourism sector during times of recession. Despite this, Barnstable, as the regional economic center, maintains a more year-round economy compared to other Cape towns, actively working to attract visitors during shoulder and off-seasons. Initiatives such as tourism mini grants to promote events across the seven villages aim to draw visitors and mitigate the seasonality of the economy. Additionally, efforts by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce to establish a tourism destination marketing district hold promise for Barnstable LCP – DRAFT Economic Development Section 8 designated tourism promotion funds, offering opportunities to bolster the local economy beyond the traditional peak tourist periods. Addressing the persistent dependence on tourism and the need for year-round visitors and residency remain crucial for long-term economic sustainability. In addressing the challenges of the seasonal economy, Barnstable faces specific hurdles such as the difficulty in retaining tradesmen due to housing affordability issues and a lack of apprenticeship opportunities. While educational institutions exist, the missing link lies in providing affordable housing for workers in training. Addressing this gap may involve engaging with organizations or groups to find solutions. Moreover, the Town faces challenges in retaining economic value, including healthcare services. Many residents travel off Cape for medical needs despite the existing healthcare industry providing high-wage jobs. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, such as Cape Cod Hospital, could help retain economic value within the community. Another opportunity to bolster the year-round economy might be the potential establishment of a sports facility in the Town that would draw visitors and provide employment opportunities. Overall, while the seasonal economy remains a core aspect of Cape Cod's identity, diversifying economic activities is crucial for fostering resilience and prosperity year- round. Downtown Hyannis Downtown Hyannis stands as the primary economic hub of Barnstable, acknowledged by residents as both a strength and a focal area for improvement. Challenges such as worn-out facades, inadequate sidewalk and streetscape maintenance, and a lack of connectivity to other parts of town hinder its potential as a vibrant urban center. However, ongoing efforts, including the Hyannis Main Street Business Improvement District and the Downtown Hyannis Façade Grant Program, have already made strides in revitalizing the area. The implementation of new zoning regulations along Main Street is anticipated to be transformative, fostering diversity and attracting real services to create a more vibrant and walkable community. Efforts to promote placemaking in Downtown Hyannis is essential for strengthening connections between people and places, reducing automobile dependency, and fostering a safe, livable, and compact urban environment. Enhancements such as pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, the promotion of cultural events, and the provision of everyday amenities like grocery stores and arts centers are vital for attracting young residents and creating a vibrant neighborhood. Continued investments in infrastructure and transportation, including improved sidewalks and safer intersections, are necessary to create a more walkable and active community. Moreover, initiatives like Barnstable’s TDI District, which has already invested significant funds in Downtown Hyannis, underscore the town's commitment to revitalizing this vital economic and cultural center. Continued support for existing programs and the exploration of innovative solutions will be instrumental in addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by Downtown Hyannis. Barnstable LCP – DRAFT Economic Development Section 9 GOALS and STRATEGIES Place-Based Economic Development Support a market-driven, place-based approach that builds on our existing assets, a tradition of entrepreneurship, and encourages economic balance, diversity, and sustainability.  Strategy: Create an economic impact assessment tool to determine the net fiscal impact of development proposals. The project’s tax revenue, infrastructure, service, and resource impacts shall be analyzed.  Strategy: Determine feasible and attractive incentives to encourage local developers and business owners to reinvest profits in Barnstable and implement incentive programs.  Strategy: Proactively share development and comprehensive plan policies with the business community so development reflects community priorities. Zoning and Regulatory Tools Revise and simplify land use regulations including zoning to foster economic development.  Strategy: Modernize the zoning ordinances pertaining to the Regional Commercial Center to reflect desired patterns of development, a mix of land uses, and updated design standards.  Strategy: Maintain the Downtown Hyannis Growth Incentive Zone and the commitment to long- term, iterative planning, infrastructure investment, and community engagement downtown. Design Review Establish a design review process for commercial development.  Strategy: Amend the town’s Site Plan Review Zoning Ordinance to add design review criteria for coordination of design standards throughout the Town of Barnstable. Local Business Retain and strengthen business in the Town of Barnstable.  Strategy: Increase the commercial tax base by encouraging economic development in areas identified as appropriate for growth.  Strategy: Determine feasible and attractive incentives to encourage locally owned developments to reinvest profits in our community and implement a program to utilize these incentives.  Strategy: Retain in-house community development and planning resources. Collaborate with economic development efforts at the municipal and county levels. Barnstable LCP – DRAFT Economic Development Section 10 Infrastructure Provide infrastructure required for growth centers and redevelopment areas.  Strategy: Develop, apply for, and support creative funding mechanisms to build and maintain infrastructure needs: workplace housing, renewable energy, wastewater treatment, public water supply, educational support, public transportation, parking, and efficient roadways.  Strategy: Seek out and support upgrades to telecommunication infrastructure for public and commercial broadband access within Barnstable. Support the creation of Wi-Fi networks and access to high-speed broadband options.  Strategy: Continue to participate in and implement solutions from the state Hyannis Access Study, and Downtown Hyannis Great Streets to improve traffic flow. Recreation Support the maintenance and development of recreational activities for residents and visitors. Fund and implement findings and actions from the state approved Open Space and Recreation Plan.  Strategy: Increase availability of public access to the water. Enhance public beaches and support water-dependent activities with amenities, both public and private.  Strategy: Maintain, improve, and promote high quality public recreational facilities including beaches, trails, fields, and parks. Increase maintenance and add amenities that respond to emerging recreational trends.  Strategy: Support and maintain town-owned golf courses to attract visitors and to continue to serve as an attractive amenity for year-round residents.  Strategy: Support the Hyannis Youth and Community Center, including the ability to host events that bring visitors into town and provide a year-round recreational gathering places for all ages.  Strategy: Promote the Hyannis Harbor Hawks and Cotuit Kettleers, and support the presence of the Cape Cod Baseball League in Barnstable.  Strategy: Attract and support the development of an indoor recreational facility. Economic Sector Growth and Development Provide for the growth of existing sectors and development of new sectors and enterprises that create stable employment and livable wages for residents at diverse economic levels.  Strategy: Identify and actively support the development of economic sectors offering stable employment, livable wages, and career advancement opportunities.  Strategy: Continue to develop resources for economic development and small businesses by publishing timely and relevant information on funding/grant opportunities, technical assistance possibilities, and relevant community data. Seek to develop additional public facing data tools that include relevant economic indicators and information. Barnstable LCP – DRAFT Economic Development Section 11 Education Sector Continually work to establish the Town of Barnstable as a place where education “happens”. Emphasize educational efforts that serve as economic drivers to expand collective intellectual capital and support an emerging workforce. Our educational focus begins at kindergarten level and includes higher educational opportunities.  Strategy: Support development of educational curricula that connects to existing or desirable employment opportunities and career advancement such as renewable energy, medical services and sciences and technologies focusing on coastal, marine, and environmental sectors.  Strategy: Support the development of entrepreneurial enterprises. Cultural Sector Support and promote arts and culture in the Town of Barnstable to make its seven villages vibrant and economically prosperous communities for the well-being of its residents. Encourage continued development of the creative economy to increase cultural tourism, capture sector dollars and to position the Town as a year-round cultural destination.  Strategy: Work with arts-oriented organizations, local cultural council and cultural district partners to inform policymakers about the Town’s creative economy  Strategy: Encourage arts focused developments in downtown Hyannis with public-facing amenities.  Strategy: Work with local creative, cultural and economic development entities to identify funding, planning and development resources to support the creative economy.  Strategy: Attract, encourage and promote new and existing cultural entities to develop and expand programming to generate year-round interest and increase visitation throughout the town’s seven villages.  Strategy: Collaborate with other town departments to incorporate the arts to creatively deliver town services, design shared spaces, engage citizens in town government and improve residents’ quality of life.  Strategy: Work with appropriate town entities to incorporate artist elements into streetscapes, public spaces and municipally provided amenities and publications.  Strategy: Promote and support the cultural districts to increase year-round visitation.  Strategy: Facilitate opportunities for the public to interact with members of the creative economy via town-run programs that engage the public and artists. Barnstable LCP – DRAFT Economic Development Section 12 Visitor Based Sector Strengthen and enhance our visitor-based economy to make Barnstable a year-round destination.  Strategy: Allocate a portion of the current room occupancy tax revenue to visitor marketing and promotion (expand Town’s Tourism Fund).  Strategy: Enhance and expand the Walkway to the Sea to encompass more of the harbor front, the Cape Cod Maritime Museum, JFK Memorial, Veteran’s Beach, the end of Ocean Street and Kalmus Park.  Strategy: Improve traffic plans for visitors including a roadway signage system. Mark roadways, travel lanes, barriers, and limit access where necessary for safety and efficiency.  Strategy: Create a simple, legible wayfinding system for attractions, destinations and parking where needed.  Strategy: Work with appropriate public and private transportation entities to ensure provision of year-round, reliable transportation and trolley service in support of visitors and the workforce.  Strategy: Identify locations for parking garages downtown, at the Cape Cod Gateway Airport, the Transportation Center, the hospital, and the harbor. Where feasible, expand existing facilities to provide adequate parking for recreational areas.  Strategy: Support the continued development of eco-tourism, tourism that explores, experiences, and observes nature.  Strategy: Consolidate all restaurant, hotel and motel operating permits and fees into one process with a single time frame. Continue Town department inspections on an appropriate schedule. Healthcare Sector Support the healthcare sector by fostering economic growth, improving access to healthcare, and enhancing the overall well-being of the community.  Strategy: Explore incentives to encourage healthcare providers to locate offices and services within appropriate areas.  Strategy: Support the expansion and modernization of healthcare infrastructure. Hyannis Growth Incentive Zone Continue business retention and expansion work through Town economic development, partnerships with the Hyannis Main Street Business Improvement District (BID), and Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) partnership.  Strategy: Identify specific actions designed to support and attract businesses to the GIZ over the next five years. This should be a collaborative effort with BID, Hyannis Chamber, and other stakeholders. This strategy should link to other plans including the Harbor Plan and the Historic Properties Inventory.  Strategy: Continue to build an inventory of potential redevelopment sites, and procedures for preparing sites for redevelopment from remediation to clearing title issues. Barnstable LCP – DRAFT Economic Development Section 13 Blue Economy Blue Economy balances our economic and environmental health, creates a new regional identity focused on pride in our water and coastal resources, and supports a sustainable year-around economy for its residents. By leveraging partnerships with organizations such as the Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation and the Cape Cod Commercial Fisherman’s Alliance, we aim to cultivate innovative initiatives that stimulate economic growth, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for our residents.  Strategy: Support the development, growth, and retention of innovative technologies that can be shared and exported.  Strategy: Identify skill gaps in marine industries for workforce development and conversion from jobs to careers. Work with educational community and workforce development organizations to help them target curriculum.  Strategy: Continue to seek ways to support the commercial fishing industry, including investment in relevant waterfront facilities.