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This Regulatory Update provides a status on projects currently under review by the Cape Cod Commission. Visit www. capecodcommission.

Each year, the Cape Cod Commission receives funding through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities’ District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) program. This initiative enables the Commission to support Cape towns with technical planning assistance that fosters sustainable development and aligns with both state and regional priorities. This year, DLTA funding is helping advance two important local housing initiatives in the towns of Sandwich and Falmouth, each addressing different but important aspects of housing development and smart growth. 

To help towns proactively address risks associated with severe storms and the growing impacts of climate change, the Cape Cod Commission works closely with local municipalities to develop Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-certified multi-hazard mitigation plans. These plans serve as critical tools for identifying and reducing vulnerability to climate change-induced disasters, improving emergency preparedness, and strengthening resilience across the region. 

High-speed internet. Reliable devices. Affordable service. For many Cape Codders, these basic tools for participating in the digital world remain out of reach. As everyday life becomes increasingly dependent on digital access — for work, education, healthcare, and civic engagement — ensuring that every resident can connect affordably and reliably is no longer optional. It is essential. 

The Cape Cod Commission, in partnership with the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA), has launched a two-year Transit Needs Assessment to better understand how public transportation is serving Cape Cod and how it can be improved for the people who rely on it every day. Whether you're a year-round resident, a seasonal resident or visitor, or a commuter heading over the canal bridges, your voice matters. This study is focused on evaluating current services, identifying gaps, and developing strategies to make public transit safer, more accessible, and more effective for everyone.

Cape Cod’s longtime LGBTQ history is deeply intertwined with the region’s artistic and cultural evolution, particularly in Provincetown, which became a haven for LGBTQ individuals in the early 20th century. Drawn by the town’s reputation for inclusiveness and creativity, artists, writers, and performers, including prominent LGBTQ figures like Tennessee Williams and poet Mary Oliver, flourished in the supportive environment.  

A status on projects currently under review by the Cape Cod Commission.

The Cape Cod Climate Action Plan encourages the region to support low- and no-carbon transportation alternatives, expand charging infrastructure, and promote programs that increase EV adoption. Since 2020, EV ownership on Cape Cod has nearly tripled, and charging infrastructure continues to grow. The Cape Cod Commission supports this progress through a range of initiatives, including several new programs focused on expanding EV access, improving infrastructure, and promoting equity. 

The Cape Cod Commission is developing program frameworks to preserve and expand year-round housing opportunities. This work, undertaken in partnership with Outwith Studio, builds on recommendations outlined in the Cape Cod Regional Housing Strategy and aims to identify practical, effective ways to incentivize and support year-round residents.

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.