Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce - eCapeChamber
Economic Development

A breakdown of Cape Cod’s economic base shows that tourism is its largest segment, representing 43%. Retirement represents the next largest segment with 15.3%, which when combined with tourism represents two-thirds of the jobs in Barnstable County. These two industries are extremely compatible as what generally serves and attracts the visitor also serves and attracts the retiree.

The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, however, is about more than tourism. After extensive market research, industry capacity analysis and community capacity and unemployment concerns, the Chamber adopted a new program of work. Recognizing that all economies are regional, five major issues were addressed in addition to tourism that affected residents and businesses across the peninsula. The five areas are:

• Growing entrepreneurial activity
• Smart growth
• Affordable housing
• Access to child care and family support services
• Public transportation amenities

Still, tourism remains an important part of our economic development.
By fine-tuning we are better able to serve and protect those Cape
Codders who make their livelihood in this important industry - one
which offers a lucrative career path.

Economic Development News

December 4, 2009: The Town of Barnstable has been singled out in a national publication for its Smart Growth initiatives! Congratulations to the Growth Management Department under the direction of Jo Anne Miller Buntich, whose efforts were recognized in Smart Growth for Coastal and Waterfront Communities. This highlight recognizes Barnstable’s efforts to develop a strategy for Hyannis that encourages growth in an urban center. 

Click here to view the findings of the 2008 Survey of Cape Cod Second-Home Owners.

"Cape Cod Healthcare breaks ground on new Ambulatory Complex"  9/3/09, WickedLocal.com