Newsroom

The Cape Cod Commission launched the Freshwater Initiative in 2022, responding to growing concerns about the health of the region's 890 ponds and lakes. Cape Cod's freshwater resources are dynamic natural systems that contribute to the region's identity. A strategy to support protection and restoration of Cape Cod’s ponds is nearly complete. It includes data, research, and re

The Town of Eastham has partnered with the Cape Cod Commission to develop a municipal climate action plan. This plan builds on Eastham's ongoing planning efforts, including its hazard mitigation plan, participation in the state's Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program, and involvement in the Cape Cod Commission’s Low-Lying Roads project.  The Cape Cod Climate Action Plan identifies municipal climate action planning as a critical strategy to support local adaptation, mitigation, and resiliency mea

The Seasonal Communities designation recognizes Massachusetts communities with substantial seasonal variations in housing demand, visitor populations, and employment. The designation provides distinctive tools to address these unique housing needs. The law also created the Seasonal Communities Advisory Council to provide expertise on issues related to municipal government, the hospitality and tourism industries, housing law, and housing development and finance. The Council offers advice and recommendations on policies and programs tailored to the needs of seasonal communities. The Advisory Council held its first meeting earlier this month.

Built in 1935, the Bourne and Sagamore bridges span the Cape Cod Canal and connect residents, businesses, and visitors on the Cape and Islands to the mainland. The bridges are essential for general transportation, freight, and tourism, and in an emergency are critical routes for evacuation. The bridges are the only connection to and from Cape Cod for vehicular traffic. 

The nearly 90-year-old bridges are both considered “functionally obsolete” and a plan to replace both bridges is underway. Much has happened this year to bring us toward construction

Over the past decade, historic preservation organizations nationwide have focused on telling the whole story—not just the story of wealthy white men who controlled our country for many years but the story of all the other groups that have been important in our history and the development of our regions. Bringing underrepresented histories to light also improves equity and builds strong communities.

Cape Cod has no shortage of these stories to highlight. Local preservation groups are expanding their historic inventory work to recognize previously overlooked stories, and new museums and exhibits in the region are bringing these stories into focus. 

The Cape Cod Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a list of transportation system projects to be implemented with federal and state funds available for Cape Cod. The TIP is developed and approved by the Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization, the regional body comprised of local, regional, state, and federal officials charged with overseeing the region's transportation planning process.   

The following are updates on some of the TIP-funded projects underway across the region. 

This Regulatory Update provides a status on projects currently under review by the Cape Cod Commission. Visit www.capecodcommission.org/regulatory for a full overview of our Regulatory program and answers to frequently asked questions.   

So much of our daily lives happen online - connecting with friends and family, paying bills, managing healthcare, completing school or professional work, and staying involved in the community. The Cape Cod Commission is working with several towns in the region to complete digital equity plans to ensure no one feels left behind in this increasingly online world.  Digital equity plans in Bourne, Sandwich, and Orleans are complete, and the Commission is currently collaborating with Barnstable and Falmouth. 

This Regulatory Update provides a status on projects currently under review by the Cape Cod Commission. Visit www.capecodcommission.org/regulatory for a full overview of our Regulatory program and answers to frequently asked questions.   

As stated in the Regional Housing Strategy, Cape Cod needs bold and swift action to address the housing crisis. Completed in May 2024, the strategy provides recommendations for addressing the region's housing supply, affordability, and availability challenges.  

One of the key regional recommendations is establishing a housing land bank and a community land trust. These two potential entities could work together to facilitate swifter acquisition, stewardship, development, and redevelopment of properties to advance attainable and affordable housing.