Following the meeting, Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Cabinet member toured the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute

Falmouth - On August 14, 2024, the Healey-Driscoll administration held their third regional cabinet meeting at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in Falmouth to discuss the administration’s priorities and leadership in the area. At the conclusion of the meeting, WHOI hosted cabinet members on a tour of the David Center for Ocean Innovation.  

In an effort to promote statewide collaboration, the administration aims to hold a cabinet meeting in every region across the state. This meeting follows one in Amherst and another in Worcester. 

“Our entire administration is committed to frequently visiting every region in this state to best support our communities and understand their needs,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Making Massachusetts more affordable, equitable and competitive starts with meeting with residents and business leaders where they are. Today’s visit allows us to focus on needs of the Cape and Islands, including the impacts of climate change on our oceans and our commitment to being a global hub for climatetech innovation.” 

“Across our administration, we look forward to our regional cabinet meetings because it gives us all the opportunity to get out in the state and engage with the people of Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We know that each region of the state has its own unique set of needs and challenges. Our administration works for all 351 cities and towns, and we’re here to listen. We’re excited to be on the Cape today and are grateful to WHOI for hosting us.” 

While at the WHOI, Cabinet members were briefed on WHOI’s work on climate and climatetech innovation. The organization works on a broad suite of ocean research, from the subsea floor, to air/sea interactions, and from coastal water to the high seas, including both polar regions. After the briefing, Cabinet members were given a tour of the Quissett Campus and the Iselin Marine Facility.  

“We were pleased and honored to host Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, and members of the Cabinet for their regional cabinet meeting,” said Dr. Peter de Menocal, President and Director of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). “The Commonwealth has always had a deep connection with the ocean, and for the past 90 years WHOI has built on that legacy to become a key part of the region’s excellence in marine innovation, including climate research and development. Together with our many partners, we have shown that a healthy blue economy can be both an engine of economic growth and a source of information to give decision-makers the tools they need to address some of the most pressing challenges confronting communities throughout Massachusetts and the nation.”   

At the conclusion of the meeting and tour, cabinet members continued to different events across the region:  

Governor Healey stopped by Four Seas Ice Cream, to promote the first-ever Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail. The trail celebrates the rich history of ice cream making in the Bay State, supports our regions dairy farms and farmers, and encourages people to visit the many ice cream destinations across Massachusetts.  

Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus toured the Sandwich Housing Authority with local officials to learn more about how the state can be a better partner, hear from residents and talk about how the recently passed Affordable Homes Act can benefit them. The Affordable Homes Act authorizes a historic $2 billion to support the repair, rehabilitation and modernization of over 43,000 state-aided public housing units across the state.

Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper visited the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR), a living laboratory and regional resource nestled in one of the Northeast’s most extensively studied estuaries. As part of the Massachusetts State Parks system and one of the 30 sites in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS), the Reserve is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in partnership with NOAA. During the visit, the Secretary met with DCR staff and went on a guided tour to explore the Waquoit Bay along with some of the Reserve’s diverse ecosystems. The visit highlighted the Reserve’s crucial role in research and conservation efforts in the region, as well as the value of this state park as an educational and recreational resource for all.  

Secretary of Technology Services and Security Jason Snyder met with the Mashpee IT Director to discuss cyber initiatives and how the town can better utilize state resources. Secretary Snyder also met with the Cape Cod Technology Council Board to learn more about their work.  

Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones met with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution registered apprentice to speak about their experience in the HVAC program. In both the FY24 and FY25 budgets, the Healey-Driscoll administration has made historic investments in Registered Apprenticeship and has made significant efforts to expand the successful workforce development model into more industries like health care, life sciences, clean energy, and education. Secretary Jones, along with Executive Office of Economic Development Undersecretary Ashley Stolba, then visited Ghelfi’s Candies and Ice Cream of Cape Cod in Falmouth, which is part of the recently announced Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail to support and highlight local, small businesses.    

Secretary of Veterans Services Jon Santiago visited with Falmouth Together We Can, a nonprofit dedicated to using innovative strategies to address veterans’ mental health through various outdoor activities. The Executive Office of Veterans Services recently awarded the organization $25,000 through the Veterans Community Initiative Grant to fund innovative programming focused on peer support to enhance suicide prevention efforts within the veteran and servicemember community in Massachusetts. Among the various programs supported by Falmouth Together We Can, is “Wet Vet,” a program that uses peer support therapy to help veterans treat mental health and substance abuse issues. During the visit, the Secretary participated in a typical charter excursion with “Wet Vet” founder Brian McCutcheon and met with various veterans. 

Secretary of Transportation Monica Tibbits-Nutt learned about the activities and operations of the US Coast Guard Sector of Southeastern New England while on a tour of the station.