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

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. 

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.

With support from a state grant, Cape Cod Commission interns are compiling a comprehensive inventory of outdoor recreational areas across the region. The project will consolidate data from towns, land trusts, and planning documents into an online map and statewide database. The goal is to improve access to information about parks, trails, and other open spaces for residents and visitors alike.

Traffic technicians are collecting data across Cape Cod to support the implementation of the Vision Zero Action Plan and other planning efforts. Interns are installing traffic counters, assessing pavement conditions, and responding to town data requests. Their work provides critical input for safety improvements and infrastructure planning while offering students hands-on experience in engineering and data analysis. 

With support from a grant awarded by the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR), within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Commission will collaborate with the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and the Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts to create a comprehensive database featuring detailed site descriptions and images of recreational areas across Cape Cod. The project aims to improve planning and public access to information about the region's diverse natural resources.