Cape Cod Commission invites comments on draft updated Regional Policy Plan

Jun 27, 2025

Draft establishes goals and planning actions for a resilient Cape Cod

The Cape Cod Commission is pleased to release the draft 2025 Regional Policy Plan for public comment. The public is invited to review the document and submit comments by Monday, August 25, 2025.

Informed by public and stakeholder meetings, focus groups, and a resident survey, the updated Regional Policy Plan strives to support the vision for the future of Cape Cod as a region of vibrant, sustainable, and healthy communities, and protected natural and cultural resources. Modest updates to the 2018 Regional Policy Plan recognize actions taken to implement its recommendations and to align regional priorities with Cape Cod’s current needs.

The updated RPP includes a new set of recommendations across all systems, including the coordination of a regional open space plan, developing a dynamic groundwater model, advancing actions that reduce risk in the coastal flood zone, supporting post-disaster planning, continuing to elevate under-represented histories, and fostering zoning changes to support greater housing opportunities throughout the region.

Feedback from stakeholders informed changes to the goals and objectives and growth policy, which recognizes and emphasizes the region’s finite resources and reiterates the need to protect the region’s environment.

“Since the last Regional Policy Plan update, Cape Cod has faced longstanding and unprecedented challenges. At the same time, the region has made significant progress advancing infrastructure investments, completing key regional initiatives, and strengthening our capacity to plan for the future," said Kristy Senatori, Cape Cod Commission Executive Director. "The decisions we make now will shape the region for decades. This draft RPP reflects a commitment to protecting our natural and cultural resources, supporting resilient and well-planned development and redevelopment, and ensuring a high quality of life for all who live, work, and visit Cape Cod.”

Comments on the draft RPP are being accepted through Monday, August 25, 2025.

Submit comments in writing by mail to the Cape Cod Commission, P.O. Box 226, 3225 Main St. Barnstable, MA 02630 or online using the form located at https://capecodcommission.org/comment.

The public is invited to attend a public hearing to learn more about the Regional Policy Plan and provide comment.

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Association of Realtors, 22 Mid Tech Dr., West Yarmouth, MA 02673

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Falmouth Public Library, 300 Main St., Falmouth, MA 02540

Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
This meeting will be held virtually via ZOOM and can be attended using the following methods:
- Online by clicking on the following link: www.capecodcommission.org/ccc/join passcode: join
- Calling in to (929) 205-6099 and entering meeting ID 968 0382 0087