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The Cape Cod Commission recently conducted an economic analysis of Rock Harbor in response to a request from the Town of Orleans. The study aimed to assess the harbor’s contribution to the local economy and to better understand visitor behaviors. Using data collected through business surveys, intercept surveys, cellphone data analysis, and economic modeling, the report sheds light on the harbor’s importance as both a working waterfront and a desirable community destination.  

Each year, the Cape Cod Commission receives funding through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Living Communities to provide technical assistance to towns in our region. The District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) program helps municipalities with sustainable development and encourages partnerships to achieve planning and development goals that align with state and regional priorities. 

Over the years, DLTA funds have supported housing and wastewater initiatives, studies of redevelopment options and economic development strategies, and targeted local planning and zoning efforts. Four projects received 2025 DLTA funds.

Eight Cape Cod organizations have been awarded a total of $300,000 in Cape Cod and Islands License Plate Grant funds to support initiatives that advance regional economic diversity and sustainability. The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners approved the awards on January 28, 2025, as recommended by the Barnstable County Economic Development Council (BCEDC). 

Whether you're looking for one of the best spots to catch a sunset on Cape Cod, take a chartered fishing boat, grab some local seafood, take a day trip on the water, or spend time on the endless flats of Cape Cod Bay, you can find it all at Rock Harbor in Orleans. Home to a small fleet of local fishing boats, Rock Harbor is a popular spot for locals and visitors arriving by car, foot, or bicycle. Read more to learn how the Commission is working to quantify the economic impact of this iconic location.

The Cape Cod Commission has released the draft 2024 Cape Cod Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for a 21-day public comment period. The CEDS is a five-year strategic plan for economic development on Cape Cod. The plan is updated every five years in collaboration with the Barnstable County Economic Development Council (BCEDC) and local and regional stakeholders. It defines an action plan with priority projects to move Cape Cod's economy toward a sustainable future.   

Each year, the Cape Cod Commission receives funding through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Living Communities (previously the Department of Housing and Community Development) to provide technical assistance to towns in our region. The District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) program helps municipalities with sustainable development and encourages partnerships to achieve planning and development goals that align with state and regional priorities.

Cape Cod leaders from various sectors, including business, education, nonprofit, and government, came together at the Cape Cod Museum of Art on March 5 for the Cape Cod Economic Summit, a day designed to inform development of the next economic development plan for the region.

The Lower and Outer Cape, comprised of the towns of Chatham, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown, is a highly desirable vacation, second home, and retirement destination. Commission Chief Planner Chloe Schaefer recently presented data on the subregion's economic and demographic trends to the Lower Cape Community Development Partnership’s Board of Directors.

New and improved data tracking users on the Cape Cod Canal bike paths is now available.

Bourne Digital Equity Community Workshop
November 13, 2023 | 6:00 PM
Bourne Veteran’s Memorial Community Center
235 Main Street, Buzzards Bay