Newsroom

Over the past decade, historic preservation organizations nationwide have focused on telling the whole story—not just the story of wealthy white men who controlled our country for many years but the story of all the other groups that have been important in our history and the development of our regions. Bringing underrepresented histories to light also improves equity and builds strong communities.

Cape Cod has no shortage of these stories to highlight. Local preservation groups are expanding their historic inventory work to recognize previously overlooked stories, and new museums and exhibits in the region are bringing these stories into focus. 

So much of our daily lives happen online - connecting with friends and family, paying bills, managing healthcare, completing school or professional work, and staying involved in the community. The Cape Cod Commission is working with several towns in the region to complete digital equity plans to ensure no one feels left behind in this increasingly online world.  Digital equity plans in Bourne, Sandwich, and Orleans are complete, and the Commission is currently collaborating with Barnstable and Falmouth. 

As stated in the Regional Housing Strategy, Cape Cod needs bold and swift action to address the housing crisis. Completed in May 2024, the strategy provides recommendations for addressing the region's housing supply, affordability, and availability challenges.  

One of the key regional recommendations is establishing a housing land bank and a community land trust. These two potential entities could work together to facilitate swifter acquisition, stewardship, development, and redevelopment of properties to advance attainable and affordable housing.

A new study conducted by the Cape Cod Commission focuses on the entrance and exit ramp intersections of the region's highway system, seeking to identify the highest crash intersections to better prioritize improvements and enhance roadway safety. 

As Cape Cod towns work to address challenges related to affordable housing, climate and coastal resiliency, and economic stability, a Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) can serve as a blueprint for a sustainable future. LCPs help communities navigate change while protecting the Cape's defining character and resources.  

Falmouth Digital Equity Community Workshop
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Hermann Meeting Room, Falmouth Public Library
300 Main Street, Falmouth, MA 02540

During a meeting held on November 18, 2024, the Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) released the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025-2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment 2 for a 21-day public review and comment period. A copy of the document may be downloaded at www.capecodcommission.org/mpo.  

During a meeting held on October 21, 2024, the Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) released the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025-2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment 1 for a 21-day public review and comment period.  

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.