This was the Nantucket many once knew. Yes, the island has always had problems, but today, the problems are mounting. Our quality of life — the reason many of us came here — is eroding. ACK•Now was formed to stop the erosion.

Our four main goals are:

1. COMPLEMENT THE WORK OF THE TOWN

Town government has a lot on its plate. And it faces a few harsh realities: It can only accomplish what the voters will fund. It cannot control the narrative. And many citizens are disengaged. Together, we want to work with the town, voters and stakeholders to help local government change and work more effectively.

2. RESTORE BALANCE TO GROWTH

The island community has not controlled its own rate of growth. Developers have. Off-island investors buy, build and profit, increasing the need for roads, water, sewer, transportation, education, police, and fire — a cost borne largely by taxpayers. We are literally building our community out of existence. Together, we hope to change that.

3. LOVE NANTUCKET WITHOUT LOVING IT TO DEATH

Nantucket can’t physically grow beyond its shores. While the true carrying capacity of the island is debatable, one point is not. The increase in people, vehicles, buildings, and special events has come at a price: Declining water quality, increasing traffic, scarce parking, and non-stop noise. As a community, we need to take steps toward managed growth.

4. BE A CHAMPION OF YEAR-ROUND HOUSING

Without housing that is both reliable and affordable, the island’s community becomes weaker with every passing decade. While the island currently has several governmental and non-governmental entities working on the problem, a fresh point of view could uncover new solutions.

ACK•NOW WANTS TO DO WHAT ITS NAME SUGGESTS

With strong leadership, a small, energized staff, an active, engaged board of year-round and summer residents, and a clear mission, ACK•NOW will develop the resources to engage thought leaders, stakeholders, and community members to bring new, actionable ideas to the island. We aim to do the work to gather data and disseminate the hard-won insights required for change. And ensure that the ACK•Now platform is embraced and actively supported, politically and financially — by both year-round and seasonal residents. Our sincere hope is that, working together, we will halt and reverse the negative forces acting upon Nantucket.

THE TIME IS NOW. THE SOLUTION IS ACK•NOW.