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Cape Cod’s housing crisis requires bold action to implement creative and collaborative solutions. One approach being explored is the creation of a housing land bank and community land trust to help address the region’s housing needs.   

Since its launch in 2022, the Cape Cod Commission’s Freshwater Initiative has made significant strides. This science-based, information-driven planning process is designed to promote actionable steps to protect and restore Cape Cod’s freshwater resources. Commission staff is set to finalize a draft strategy, outlining recommendations and implementation plans, later this calendar year. While efforts such as the Regional Pond Monitoring Program and remote sensing project will continue, data and findings inform articulation of the region’s freshwater challenges, as well as recommendations and priorities. The strategy will be complemented by resources to support implementation, such as a water quality data portal and pond buffer guidelines, both of which are currently in development.  

The Town of Barnstable is working with the Cape Cod Commission to develop a municipal digital equity plan to assess the digital divide across the community and to identify opportunities to advance digital equity. 

Residents, businesses, and organizations are invited to attend an upcoming event to learn about the digital equity plan and contribute to the development of the plan through group exercises and conversations.  Discussion topics will include internet availability, affordability, and reliability; technology and devices necessary for civic, social, and economic life; and skills to participate safely, confidently, and effectively online. 

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.

The 2024 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), developed by the Cape Cod Commission and Barnstable County Economic Development Council, outlines a vision for a strong and vibrant Cape Cod—a vision that shaped discussions throughout OneCape 2024. The conference explored the region's potential to lead in climate technology and the blue economy, focusing on how these sectors could drive sustainable growth. Sessions emphasized the importance of strengthening Cape Cod's natural, built, and community systems to ensure economic prosperity. Additionally, strategies for supporting a year-round economy, from fisheries to local businesses, showcased a commitment to fostering inclusivity and long-term economic vitality across the regio

Ten years ago, OneCape was launched to address the region's pressing water quality challenges, with a focus on wastewater management. A decade later, the progress is evident, but the scope has expanded. This year's Summit highlighted the successes of the Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund and focused on advancing efforts to protect our vital freshwater resources.

Housing, one of Cape Cod's most pressing challenges, was a major focus at OneCape 2024. Throughout the conference, speakers urged local leaders to collaborate on solutions to create more affordable, attainable housing for year-round residents. The event also showcased innovative ideas from national experts, from infill design to parking reform, as key strategies for tackling the region’s housing cris

The Cape Cod Commission invites the public to attend the first Cape Cod Vision Zero Action Plan virtual public meeting on September 24, 2024, at 12:00 pm.

The Center for Coastal Studies will continue to monitor water quality in the waters surrounding Cape Cod.

Improving safety along Cape Cod’s roadways is a key component of the Cape Cod Commission’s transportation work, and now even more is being done as the Commission is developing a Vision Zero Action Plan for the region.

Funded by a federal Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant awarded in January 2022, Vision Zero is a vision to eliminate roadway fatalities and serious injuries on the nation’s roadways. In partnership with local, state and federal stakeholders, and assistance from our consultant, the Commission will develop a Vision Zero Action Plan and High Injury Network for Cape Cod.