Supporting Cape Cod’s Economy: CEDS Year One Progress 

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is Cape Cod’s blueprint for regional economic growth. Aligned with the Cape Cod Regional Policy Plan, the CEDS outlines a vision, goals, and an actionable five-year strategy to support a resilient and inclusive regional economy. 

Commission staff recently presented the Year One Annual Report to the Barnstable County Economic Development Council (BCEDC), detailing the region’s progress on the 2024-2029 CEDS. Highlights from the first year include efforts that support zoning reform, climate planning, infrastructure investment, housing incentives, and broadband expansion. 

Zoning Reform to Enable Diverse Housing 

Through the development of the CEDS and Regional Housing Strategy, stakeholders identified restrictive zoning and complex development processes as key barriers to creating diverse, affordable housing; simplifying development in suitable areas is essential to address this challenge. To address this, the Commission contracted with a consulting team to create model plans for small-scale housing types that could be pre-reviewed or pre-approved at the local level. Commission staff also began working with the Town of Sandwich to draft new zoning for a key growth center in town, emphasizing diverse housing types and integrating model bylaws developed as part of the Regional Housing Strategy.  

Advancing Local Climate Action 

Commission staff worked with towns to identify paths for adopting a suite of model bylaws and regulations aimed at helping communities better manage development in the floodplain. Commission staff also worked with Cape Cod municipal DPW directors to identify and prioritize vulnerable low-lying road segments to address through the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) and identify other funding sources. In the fall of 2024, the Cape Cod Commission commenced a partnership with the Town of Eastham and the Eastham Energy and Climate Action Committee to facilitate development of a municipal climate action plan that will serve as a vital tool for the Town and its residents, guiding local actions, priorities, and investments. 

Investing in Wastewater Infrastructure 

In 2025 the Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund Management Board awarded over $105 million in subsidies to 10 towns for wastewater projects. Provincetown received additional support for earlier water pollution abatement work, and funding was continued for regional coastal water quality monitoring and expanded to include freshwater pond monitoring. 

Analyzing the Economic Impact of Bridge Closures 

The Commission completed an economic impact analysis of potential closures of the Cape Cod Canal bridges due to maintenance or major rehabilitation. Findings were shared in public forums and with decision-makers to underscore the urgency of bridge replacements. 

Incentives for Year-Round Housing 

The Commission contracted with a consultant to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of short-term rentals and strategies to encourage year-round occupancy. The study will evaluate tools like deed restrictions, tax incentives, and rental conversion programs, and provide recommendations tailored for Cape Cod communities. 

Broadband Needs Assessment and Digital Equity 

Recognizing digital access as a key economic enabler, a Regional Fixed and Wireless Broadband Needs Assessment was completed with consultant support. Staff presented the findings to stakeholders and contributed to the state’s BEAD program, identifying underserved areas, including community anchor institutions. The Commission also supported regional and local digital equity efforts, helping to address affordability and access issues beyond infrastructure deployment. 

The CEDS Year One report will next be presented to the Cape Cod Commission board for review and approval before being submitted to the U.S. Economic Development Administration.