Orleans: Behind the Scenes

Latest Episodes:

Building a Resilient Downtown | Orleans' Ecological Infrastructure Project (S3, 09) May 28, 2026

Show notes

What does it take to make Downtown Orleans more resilient to flooding, water quality threats, and a changing climate?

We sit down with Elizabeth Jenkins from the Town's Planningand Community Development department along with Peter Flinker and Nate Burgess from landscape architecture firm Dodson & Flinker to find out - and along the way, we uncover some surprising local history.

In this episode:

• The difference between ecological, green, and grey infrastructure

• Why saltmarshes are one of Orleans' most important climate defenses

• The buried story of Jeremiah's Gutter - the Cape's first canal

• Phragmites: the invasive plant blocking the view at Window on the Cove

Want to get involved?Join the Community Charrette on June 5–6 and help shape the future of Downtown Orleans.

https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/1898/Downtown-Town-Cove-Resiliency-Project

Sun, Sand & Stickers | Getting Ready for Orleans Summer (S3, 08) May 14, 2026

Show notes

We've been waiting for this!

Stacy Faber from the DPW & Natural Resources Sticker Office joins Mia and Amanda to cover everything you need for a great Orleans summer - from beach stickers and over-sand vehicles to shellfish permits and getting on the water.

All the links are at town.orleans.ma.us/544.

Fire-Rescue Station & Town Meeting | A Project Update for Orleans Residents (S3, 07) Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we take a closer look at the proposed new Fire-Rescue Station and the articles on the upcoming Town Meeting warrant.

Hosts Mia and Amanda are joined by Fire Chief Geof Deering to walk through where the project stands today, what progress has been made since last fall’s Town Meeting vote, and what residents are being asked to consider this spring.

The conversation covers:

Why the current Fire-Rescue Station no longer meets today’s needs
What has happened since funding for the design phase was approved
A clear breakdown of the two warrant articles related to the project
What the timeline looks like moving forward
Responses to common questions submitted by residents

Whether you’ve been following the project closely or are just starting to learn more, this episode provides a straightforward overview to help you feel informed ahead of Town Meeting.

Learn more, view project materials, and stay up to date:
https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/1742/Orleans-Fire-Rescue-Station-Headquarters

Wastewater Planning and Projects | What to Expect at Town Meeting (S3, 06) Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, we sit down with Rich Waldo to walk through upcoming wastewater-related items that will be before voters at Town Meeting.

The conversation focuses on two key areas: continuing the planning and design work needed to move future phases of the Town’s Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan forward and ensuring that a previously approved sewer project for the Lakes and Ponds area can proceed as expected if construction costs come in higher than originally estimated.

Listeners will hear why these investments are necessary, how the Town is approaching wastewater as a long-term, phased effort, and what steps are being taken to manage and offset costs through low-interest financing and outside funding sources.

If you’re looking to better understand what’s ahead and how these decisions fit into the bigger picture of protecting Orleans’ water quality, this episode offers a clear and accessible overview.Show notes:

John Nelson, Sewer Program Coordinator, Contact Information: jnelson@orleansma.gov

Understanding the FY27 Town Budget | What Residents Need to Know (S03, 05) Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Annual Town Meeting is where Orleans residents vote on the Town’s budget - and in this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, we’re breaking down what that actually means.

Amanda and Mia are joined by Assistant Town Manager Mark Reil and Finance Director Darrin Tangeman to walk through the FY27 budget in a clear and approachable way.

They cover how the budget is developed, what shaped this year’s priorities, and what residents should know before heading into Town Meeting. The conversation also touches on commonly asked questions, including the Council on Aging position, how to understand discussions around a potential override, and what happens after Town Meeting.

The episode also introduces the Town’s new OpenGov platform - an interactive tool that allows residents to explore the budget in more detail.

Whether you’re new to Town Meeting or just looking for a clearer understanding of how the budget impacts daily life in Orleans, this episode is designed to help you feel more informed and prepared to participate.

Understanding the Role of the Select Board (S03, 04) Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

What does the Select Board do - and how does it help guide the direction of the Town?

In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, we sit down with Select Board Chair Kevin Galligan to take a closer look at the role of the Select Board and how it fits into Orleans’ town government.

The conversation begins with what draws someone to serve in this capacity, before moving into the fundamentals - how the Select Board is structured, what responsibilities it holds, and how it works alongside the Town Manager to set priorities and make decisions.

We also explore how issues come before the board, the role of public input, and what serving in this position looks like beyond what residents see at meetings.

Whether you’re following local issues, preparing for Town Meeting, or simply curious about how decisions get made, this episode offers a clear and helpful overview of one of the Town’s key leadership bodies.

On the Water with Natural Resources (S3, 03) Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, Mia and Amanda sit down with Nate Sears, the Town of Orleans’ Natural Resources Manager and Harbor Master. Nate shares his background, how he came into the role, and what it takes to manage Orleans’ harbors, waterways, beaches, and coastal resources.

The conversation explores the many facets of the job and how the work shifts with the seasons, along with the team that helps support the town’s natural resources. Nate also discusses the ongoing Rock Harbor project, a major investment in Orleans’ working waterfront and maritime heritage.

It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the people and work that help keep Orleans’ coastal environment healthy, accessible, and thriving.

Inside the Town Manager’s Office (S3, 02) Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Kim Newman to talk about her role as Orleans’ chief administrative officer and what happens behind the scenes at Town Hall. She also shares her path into public service and what continues to motivate her in municipal leadership.

If you’ve ever wondered how the Town Manager's office operates day to day - this episode offers a clear and personal look inside.

2025 in Review | Progress, Priorities, and What’s Next (S3, 01) Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

As Orleans enters a new year, this episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes takes a step back to reflect on what defined 2025 - and looks ahead to what’s coming in 2026.

Hosts Mia and Amanda are joined by Town Manager Kim Newman and Assistant Town Manager Mark Reil for a wide-ranging conversation about the themes, priorities, and behind-the-scenes work that shaped the past year. Together, they discuss community support, housing, public service, staffing, communications, and the major initiatives that set the stage for the Town’s future.

The episode also offers insight into how Town government approaches long-term planning, what residents may not always see, and what the community can expect in the year ahead - making it a helpful starting point for anyone who wants to better understand how Orleans works and where it’s headed.

Understanding Town Finances and the Budget Process (S2, 23) Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

How does a town manage its finances - and what goes into building the annual budget?

In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, Amanda Converse and Mia Baumgarten take a behind-the-scenes look at how municipal finance works in Orleans with new Finance Director Darrin Tangeman.

The conversation breaks down what the Finance Department does, how the town’s budget is developed, and why financial planning matters for both day-to-day services and long-term sustainability.

Listeners will learn how departments work together during the budget process, what challenges towns face when balancing priorities, and how residents can stay informed and engaged as the budget takes shape.

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