News/press

May 5, 2026

The Community Development Partnership (CDP) hosted its 34th Annual Meeting on April 29 at the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, bringing together community members, board members, partners, and supporters to reflect on the organization’s impact and recognize outstanding leaders across the Lower and Outer Cape.

The evening highlighted the CDP’s ongoing work to support year-round communities through housing development, small business assistance, and community engagement. In 2025, the organization supported more than 300 small businesses, assisted over 100 individuals on their path to homeownership, and continued advancing a pipeline of more than 1,500 affordable and attainable homes across the region.  

In her first Annual Meeting as President and CEO, Andrea Aldana emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the region’s housing and economic challenges. 
“Housing is not just a social issue—it’s an economic strategy,” Aldana shared.  

Community Awards Recognize Leadership and Impact

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the CDP’s annual community awards, honoring individuals whose work strengthens the region.

Gwen Pelletier Award for Excellence in Community Service 
Lori Meads, President and CEO of Seamen’s Bank, was recognized for her decades of leadership and service to the Lower Cape. A former CDP Board Chair, Meads played a key role in advancing regional housing collaboration and strengthening the organization’s long-term impact.  

Norm Edinberg Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship 
Mariah Fidalgo, Co-Founder and Owner of Wild Water Collective in Orleans, was honored for her community-centered approach to entrepreneurship. Since opening in 2021, she has built a vibrant space supporting independent artists, expanding in 2025 to triple the number of artisans represented and deepen her impact on the local creative economy.  

Employee of the Year Award 
Pelinda Deegan, Housing and Business Development Program Manager, was recognized for her outstanding contributions supporting both homeownership and small business clients.  

Leadership in Community Advocacy Award (Newly Named) 
Jay Coburn was honored for his transformative leadership and lasting impact on the region. In recognition of his legacy, the award will now be named the Jay Coburn Leadership in Community Advocacy Award.  

Coburn also received a special citation from Senator, Julian Cyr in recognition of his years of leadership and his contributions to advancing housing, economic opportunity, and community development across the Lower and Outer Cape.

Board Leadership and Organizational Strength

As part of the Annual Business Meeting, CDP members elected four new members to its Board of Directors: Kolby Blehm, Nathaniel Mayo, Katie McManus, and Rob Zindman. Together, they bring experience across community services, local government, entrepreneurship, and housing—reflecting the intersection of sectors critical to building a strong year-round community on the Lower and Outer Cape.

The organization also reaffirmed its leadership with the re-election of returning board members and approved a bylaw amendment to ensure the Board continues to reflect the diversity of the communities CDP serves.

The Business Meeting highlighted the organization’s strong financial position. For Fiscal Year 2025, CDP reported a surplus of $724,090, with total revenues exceeding $4 million and expenses remaining well-managed and in line with budget. The organization also reported over $2.1 million in unrestricted reserves and a healthy operating reserve, positioning CDP to navigate future challenges and opportunities with stability and confidence.  

CDP also received a clean audit for the fiscal year, with all prior findings addressed—marking an important milestone in strengthening financial systems and accountability.

A Call to Action: “We’re All In”

Throughout the evening, CDP leaders emphasized that while meaningful progress has been made, the work to ensure a thriving year-round community is far from finished. A shared call-and-response— “Join the journey” followed by “We’re all in”—emerged as a unifying message, inviting attendees to actively support the work ahead.

In his closing reflections, former President & CEO, Jay Coburn, reminded the audience that the challenges facing the Lower and Outer Cape require continued commitment and collective effort. He encouraged the community to remain engaged and “all in” to ensure the region remains a place where people can live, work, and thrive.

Looking Ahead

The Annual Meeting underscored both the urgency of the region’s housing and economic challenges and the power of community-driven solutions. CDP leadership encouraged attendees to stay connected, support local initiatives, and help advance the organization’s mission.