Welcome to Chatham
Chatham sits at the elbow of Cape Cod where the Atlantic Ocean meets Nantucket Sound. Known for its picturesque Main Street, working fishing fleet, and the iconic Chatham Lighthouse, the town combines a strong year-round community with one of the most popular visitor destinations on the Cape.
Villages of Chatham
Chatham is governed by a five-member Select Board elected to three-year terms, working alongside a professional Town Manager. Perched at the elbow of Cape Cod with 66 miles of shoreline, Chatham is one of the Cape’s most affluent and environmentally active communities, facing rising sea levels, a major multi-phase sewer expansion, and a persistent year-round housing crisis.
Key Officials (2025)
| Role | Name / Body | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Town Manager | Jill R. Goldsmith | Day-to-day operations; reports to Select Board |
| Select Board Chair | Dean Nicastro | Elected, 3-year term |
| Select Board Vice Chair | Jeffrey Dykens | Elected, 3-year term |
| Select Board Clerk | Stuart Smith | Elected, 3-year term |
| Select Board Member | Shareen Davis | Elected, 3-year term |
| Select Board Member | Cory Metters | Elected, 3-year term |
Active Issues (2025–2026)
$32 Million Sewer Phase Expansion
At the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting, Chatham voters approved $32 million to extend the sewer collection system to more than 300 parcels on Cedar Street, the Barn Hill/Oyster River area, Katie Ford Road, and surrounding side streets. This is a continuation of Chatham’s long-running effort to protect Pleasant Bay and Nantucket Sound from nitrogen-laden septic runoff.
Why it matters: Chatham’s shellfishing beds and coastal estuaries are particularly vulnerable to excess nitrogen from aging septic systems. The Pleasant Bay Alliance has repeatedly flagged nutrient loading as the bay’s top ecological threat.
Resident impact: Property owners in the new sewer zone will face connection requirements and betterment assessments. Construction is ongoing through 2026 on Cedar Street and Oyster Pond extensions; expect road disruptions and contractor activity in affected neighborhoods.
Commercial Fishermen Housing Designation
The 2025 Annual Town Meeting approved a home rule petition asking the state legislature to classify commercial fishermen as a targeted group eligible for affordable and attainable housing in Chatham. The Community Housing Partnership pushed this measure as Chatham’s fishing fleet — the largest remaining commercial fleet on the Cape — struggles to keep working crew members living locally year-round.
Why it matters: Chatham’s median home value exceeds $1.3 million, making it nearly impossible for working fishermen, service workers, and tradespeople to live in the town where they work. The year-round vs. seasonal divide creates real strain on public safety, schools, and local businesses.
Watch for: State legislature action on the home rule petition in 2026; and the outcome of an active 40B comprehensive permit application before the Zoning Board of Appeals that could add rental units near the town center.
Source: Cape Cod Chronicle — Housing Articles Proposed For Town Meeting →
FY2027 Budget Process — Annual Town Meeting 2026
Town Manager Jill Goldsmith released the FY2027 Digital Budget Book in January 2026, and the Finance Committee and Select Board have been holding joint sessions through February and March to finalize department budgets ahead of the 2026 Annual Town Meeting.
Why it matters: Chatham’s tax base is heavily weighted toward seasonal second-home owners who pay property taxes but use fewer services, yet year-round residents and working families bear the brunt of service demands. Budget decisions directly affect road maintenance, beach access, and services for the permanent population.
Watch for: Annual Town Meeting date (typically May) where residents vote on all FY2027 budget articles, capital spending, and any remaining sewer-related appropriations.
South Coastal Harbor Management Plan Update (2025)
Chatham’s harbormaster and planning staff are updating the South Coastal Harbor Management Plan to address changing inlet locations, storm overwash events, and increased boating activity in Stage Harbor, Oyster Pond River, and the Chatham Fish Pier area.
Why it matters: The harbor supports Chatham’s commercial fishing industry, recreational boating, and multiple public landings. Updated management rules affect where boats can anchor, how dredging is prioritized, and how public waterfront access is maintained.
Watch for: Public comment periods during the plan update and any Select Board votes adopting new harbor rules or fee structures in 2026.
Issue Timeline — Chatham
Town Resources
- Town Website
- Assessor — Property Records
- GIS / Property Maps
- Dog Licenses (Town Clerk)
- Beach Stickers
- Transfer Station
- Building Permits
- Town Clerk — Vital Records
- Animal Control
How to Stay Involved in Chatham
Meeting Agendas & Minutes
Official agendas for Select Board, Planning Board, and other meetings
Town Meeting Information
Warrant articles, schedules, and how to participate in Chatham Town Meeting
Voter Registration & Elections
Register to vote, check your status, and find polling locations
Join a Board or Committee
Volunteer openings on town boards — Planning, Conservation, Finance, and more
MA Secretary of State — Elections
Official state election information, candidate filings, and campaign finance
Upcoming Meetings
Chatham TV — Government Access (YouTube)