The board explored various strategies to bolster the affordable housing stock, including the potential implementation of municipally owned housing projects. The idea of municipally owned housing was seen as a way to exert control over housing affordability, with a proposal to complete at least one such project within five years. However, concerns were raised about the financial implications and the feasibility of managing such projects without expanding town staff. The discussion revealed a consensus that further evaluation and structured planning were necessary before committing to this direction.

Another focal point was the integration of the town’s housing production plan with its strategic objectives. The board recognized the need for alignment between the strategic plan and the housing production goals, which currently emphasize increasing the number of affordable rental units. The Select Board discussed the practicality of setting precise targets for affordable housing and debated whether the goals should reflect current community income distributions rather than rely solely on area median income (AMI) figures. This approach aimed to ensure that the housing initiatives address the actual economic realities of Falmouth’s workforce.

The board also considered the introduction of financial incentives and legislative measures to encourage year-round rentals and the conversion of existing properties into affordable housing. A particular point of interest was the potential for real estate tax breaks to incentivize landlords to offer year-round rentals, though it was acknowledged that such measures would likely require state legislative action. The board expressed a commitment to exploring these options further, emphasizing the need for structured decision-making and input from the affordable housing committee.

Discussions on creating a more equitable property tax assessment process also emerged, highlighting the perceived flaws in current practices that may disproportionately affect lower-income residents. The board debated the potential benefits of revising assessment methods to generate additional town revenue while alleviating the tax burden on lower-value homes. There was a shared understanding that accurate assessments could address fairness issues while enhancing Falmouth’s fiscal capacity.

The importance of maintaining community character while increasing housing supply was a recurring theme, with discussions about adaptive reuse of properties and updated zoning laws to facilitate more diverse housing options.

The Select Board also addressed procedural aspects of the strategic planning process, with a focus on refining and prioritizing goals across various areas. The need for clear, measurable objectives was emphasized, with suggestions to use the SMART goals framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to guide planning efforts. The board recognized the importance of collaboration among members and with the broader community to ensure that the strategic plan reflects shared values and aspirations.