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Natural systems are central to Cape Cod’s identity and resilience, shaping the region’s environment, economy, and quality of life. A series of lightning talks by Commission staff highlighted efforts to protect ponds, enhance outdoor access, and build resilience in the face of climate stress, sharing practical actions communities and residents can take.  

Across multiple sessions, speakers at OneCape 2025 examined Cape Cod’s infrastructure not just as pavement and projects, but as the foundation of daily life, safety, and community character. Together, the discussions highlighted how bridges, streets, transit, preservation, and redevelopment can be designed with people at the center. 

Across Cape Cod, leaders are moving from diagnosing the housing crisis to delivering solutions. At OneCape, state officials, local innovators, and community partners highlighted strategies, from adaptive reuse to deed-restricted rentals, that are showing that the Cape can expand year-round housing while preserving its character. 

The impacts of climate change, including erosion, sea level rise, flooding, and increased coastal storms, are reshaping Cape Cod today. At the 2025 OneCape Summit, regional and state leaders addressed the urgency of climate challenges and the innovative responses already underway.  

At this year's OneCape Conference, Erin Perry, Deputy Director of the Cape Cod Commission, reflected on the 10-year journey since the adoption of the region's Section 208 Water Quality Management Plan. She reminded the audience that in 2015, wastewater was the central topic of discussion: "Ten years ago at OneCape, all we talked about was wastewater - it was the entire content of the summit."

OneCape 2025 sessions on economy, culture, and placemaking highlighted how fiscal health, vibrant downtowns, and creative communities are inseparable from Cape Cod’s future. Together, they made the case that building resilience isn’t just about housing, water, or climate, it’s also about identity, connection, and the cultural assets that make communities thrive. 

The Cape Cod Commission is proud to honor the legacy of longtime legislator and public servant Tom Cahir with the 2025 OneCape Award, presented during this year’s OneCape Summit. 

The OneCape Award is presented annually to a person or organization exemplifying outstanding leadership and dedication to Cape Cod. This year’s award recognizes Cahir’s remarkable contributions to transportation, regional planning, and public service. 

The annual OneCape Summit convenes a diverse gathering of local leaders, state officials, and national experts to reflect on the challenges facing Cape Cod and chart a path forward together. This year’s program brings experts who offer their perspectives, practical solutions, and inspiration to advance Cape Cod’s most pressing priorities. 

Earlier this month we welcomed more than four hundred people from Cape Cod, the Commonwealth, and beyond to the Wychmere Beach Club for our 10th annual OneCape. We had an exciting lineup of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, mobile workshops, and plenty of networking and connecting opportunities. With passionate and knowledgeable speakers and attendees, the summit undoubtedly left us all feeling inspired to take on the important work that lies ahead.

Strategies to adapt to the impacts and mitigate the causes of climate change took center stage at OneCape 2024, with speakers highlighting the state's ambitions for growing the climate tech sector and reaching net zero.