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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.  

When creating digital plans, it’s essential to have an accurate representation of the natural and built environment. But how do you achieve that?

These representations of our landscape aren’t just developed on a computer screen—they are digitized versions of the real-world environment of the region. Planimetric data are digital points, lines and polygons representing features on the ground, such as manholes, coastal infrastructure and catch basins, that can be used in geographic information system mapping applications.

The Cape Cod Commission invites the public to attend a Cape Cod Vision Zero Action Plan public meeting to learn more about efforts to eliminate fatalities and serious injury crashes on Cape Cod's roadways. The meetings will provide an overview of the region’s High Injury and High Risk roadway and intersection network and a draft list of potential countermeasures, projects and strategies to reduce serious injury and fatal crashes in our region. Attendees will have an opportunity to provide feedback on potential solutions in their communities as we prepare the Action Plan document later this spring.  

Leaders across Cape Cod are embracing Vision Zero principles and committing to prioritizing safety. In February, the Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners adopted an official Vision Zero goal to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries by 2050 and to reduce fatalities and serious injuries by 50% by 2035. This commitment ensures that Vision Zero principles will be integrated into transportation planning and investment decisions across the region. 

Unanticipated changes to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund’s financing of local wastewater projects have prompted urgent action from local officials. 

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.

On January 13, 2025, the CCIWPF Board voted to approve two key motions to enhance financial support for water quality monitoring programs, highlighting their connection to the Fund's mission. These programs aim to improve the understanding of both coastal and freshwater ecosystems, ensuring informed, science-based decision-making for the region.    

Passengers on Cape Cod’s public transportation network have a variety of ways to catch a ride, but by far, the most popular way is to flag a bus down anywhere along its route. While convenient, this method does pose some safety challenges. To help assess the most popular access points, the Cape Cod Commission and Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority collaborated to develop an online tool that, using ridership data from 2022, shows where riders are getting on and off the bus.   

Each year, the Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization, with advisement from the Joint Transportation Committee, guidance from Cape Cod Commission transportation staff, and input from the public, helps to create the Transportation Improvement Program and Unified Planning Work Program to guide funding for infrastructure improvement projects on Cape Cod. 

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).