Improving safety at key intersections across Cape Cod

The Cape Cod Commission has launched a regional initiative to improve safety at key intersections throughout Barnstable County. Under the 2027 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), the Various Intersection Study will evaluate five priority intersections: one each in Falmouth, Sandwich, and Barnstable, and two in the Harwich and Chatham area.

Cape Cod's aquifer - What to know about our water supply

Ongoing drought declarations and questions from local officials have brought new attention to Cape Cod’s water supply. In recent months, Cape Cod Commission staff have shared updates on water conditions and long-term planning efforts tied to the 2025 Regional Policy Plan. One of the Plan’s key goals is simple: maintain a reliable supply of clean drinking water while protecting the Cape’s ponds, streams, and coastal waters.

Proposed changes impacting the decennial census

The Census Bureau is proposing to add two new parts to the Code of Federal Regulations (15 CFR Parts 60 and 70) in advance of the 2030 decennial census to change how people determine their residency for the Census and to make changes to demographics questions.

Public comment on the proposed changes closes November 2, 2026.

Read more to learn about the proposed changes and download an informational handout prepared by Commission staff.

Mapping Yarmouth's cultural assets

Through the District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) program, the Cape Cod Commission partnered with the Town of Yarmouth to develop a GIS-based inventory that captures the full spectrum of Yarmouth’s cultural resources—including museums, art galleries, historic sites, theaters, scenic vistas, public art, and veterans memorials.

Improving road work notifications

Public updates about upcoming roadway project are shared throughout the planning process, but many residents become most aware of a construction project once signs are posted and crews begin work on the roadway.

To strengthen the timing and clarity of these notifications, the Commission is launching a research initiative as part of the 2027 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The goal is to better understand current roadwork communication practices across the region and identify opportunities to make public information clearer, more consistent, and easier for residents to find.

Truro adopts Climate Action and Resilience Plan

The Town of Truro has taken a significant step in its long-standing commitment to climate action by adopting its first Climate Action & Resilience Plan, making it the second town on Cape Cod to develop a municipal climate action plan. The plan provides a structured roadmap to help Truro visualize, prioritize, and implement the strategies needed to meet its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

Before and After: Transportation Improvements on Cape Cod

Roadway improvement projects across Cape Cod aim to enhance safety and mobility. Evaluating outcomes after construction is essential to determine whether these investments are meeting their objectives. 

Cape Cod Commission staff recently completed a Before and After Safety Study, analyzing crash trends at 12 locations across six towns. The study covers various recently completed projects, including traffic signal and intersection upgrades, roundabouts, changes in traffic circulation, and roadway reconfiguration. These projects were completed using federal and state dollars. 

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