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Barnstable County - Cape Cod Regional Government

Barnstable County

Barnstable County’s Mission

Barnstable County transcends municipal boundaries to address the vital needs of its residents across the 15 towns on Cape Cod. We provide solutions to regional challenges, deliver exceptional government services, and ensure the health, safety, economic strength, and environmental protection of our communities. 

County Government Structure

County government has been a significant part of Cape Cod’s heritage for over three hundred years.  The Barnstable County Home Rule Charter establishes a governing structure that follows the pattern of government in the fifteen towns.

Executive Functions – The executive functions are embodied in a three-member board of county commissioners analogous to the Select Boards or selectmen of town government.

Legislative Functions – The Assembly of Delegates is similar to local town meeting and exercises all legislative functions.

This structure allows for a healthy system of checks and balances between the two branches of government.

This framework allows Barnstable County to address problems that transcend the boundaries of all Cape Cod towns, allowing us to address regional issues more effectively.

Learn more about Barnstable County, Cape Cod Regional Government

Assembly of Delegates

The Assembly of Delegates, in conjunction with the Board of County  Commissioners, the executive branch of the Cape Cod Regional Government, work together to preserve and enhance regional services in Barnstable County.  This is the branch of County government responsible for adopting new legislation (ordinances) and maintaining checks and balances over the executive branch.

Human Rights Advisory Commission

The Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission (BCHRAC) promotes equal opportunity in housing, employment, education, public accommodations, town and county services, insurance, banking, credit, and healthcare for all persons in Barnstable County regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, sexual or affection preference, marital, family, or military status, source of income, neighborhood, or disability.

The BCHRAC is an advisory body established by Barnstable County Regional Government in 2005 (and governed by Ordinance 22-01) to promote human rights for all persons of Barnstable County (the fifteen towns on Cape Cod).