From the Executive Director | | |
I am pleased to announce the release of the draft 2025 Cape Cod Regional Policy Plan (RPP). The RPP is a foundational document that provides a comprehensive framework for protecting, preserving, and enhancing the natural, built, and community systems that comprise Cape Cod. First adopted in 1991, the plan has long served as both a guide for regional and local planning and land use regulation.
As Cape Cod evolves as a region, the RPP must also adapt to meet the needs of the Cape today. The draft RPP maintains the long-term vision for Cape Cod as a region of vibrant, sustainable, and healthy communities, supported by resilient infrastructure and protected natural and cultural resources. It includes goals and objectives that continue to provide a high level of protection for natural resources and their inherent values and incentivizes appropriate development and redevelopment that meets the needs of our communities.
This draft RPP is the result of an extensive planning process that included input from municipal and regional leaders, non-profit organizations, the business community, and other stakeholders, as well as members of the public who responded to a region-wide residents survey. The contributions of all who participated in this collaborative effort has helped shape a document that reflects a diversity of perspectives and priorities. I encourage continued participation during the public comment period and look forward to your feedback.
-Kristy Senatori
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Save the Date: OneCape 2025
The annual OneCape Summit is a regional forum for information, collaboration, and innovation across major policy issues and areas that impact Cape Cod. The 2025 OneCape Summit will take place on September 16 and 17 at the Wychmere Beach Club in Harwich, MA. Registration will open soon.
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Draft Regional Policy Plan released for review and comment
The Cape Cod Commission is pleased to release the draft 2025 Regional Policy Plan for public comment. The public is invited to review the document and submit comments by Monday, August 25, 2025. Informed by public and stakeholder meetings, focus groups, and a resident survey, the updated Regional Policy Plan strives to support the vision for the future of Cape Cod as a region of vibrant, sustainable, and healthy communities, and protected natural and cultural resources. Modest updates to the 2018 Regional Policy Plan recognize actions taken to implement its recommendations and to align regional priorities with Cape Cod’s current needs.
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Supporting electric vehicles on Cape Cod
The Cape Cod Climate Action Plan encourages the region to support low- and no-carbon transportation alternatives, expand charging infrastructure, and promote programs that increase EV adoption. Since 2020, EV ownership on Cape Cod has nearly tripled, and charging infrastructure continues to grow. The Cape Cod Commission supports this progress through a range of initiatives, including several new programs focused on expanding EV access, improving infrastructure, and promoting equity.
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Cape Cod Freshwater Strategy complete
The Cape Cod Commission is pleased to announce the release of the final Freshwater Strategy, a comprehensive, data-driven plan that defines a path forward for Cape Cod to support healthy, functioning ponds and lakes. Grounded in extensive research, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement, the Freshwater Strategy provides a framework for improving the health of Cape Cod’s ponds and lakes. It identifies key challenges, proposes targeted solutions, and offers actionable strategies for municipalities, pond organizations, and community stakeholders to ensure long-term water quality and ecosystem health.
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Incentivizing year-round rentals
Only 12% of all housing units in Barnstable County are rented year-round. Meanwhile, the median home price on Cape Cod is approaching $800,000. That’s not affordable for most working residents. To address this challenge, the Cape Cod Commission is developing program frameworks to preserve and expand year-round housing opportunities. This work, undertaken in partnership with Outwith Studio, builds on recommendations outlined in the Cape Cod Regional Housing Strategy and aims to identify practical, effective ways to incentivize and support year-round residents.
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Summer traffic technicians provide critical data collection
Traffic technicians are collecting data across Cape Cod to support the implementation of the Vision Zero Action Plan and other planning efforts. Interns are installing traffic counters, assessing pavement conditions, and responding to town data requests. Their work provides critical input for safety improvements and infrastructure planning while offering students hands-on experience in engineering and data analysis.
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Students help compile regional outdoor recreation database
With support from a state grant, Cape Cod Commission interns are compiling a comprehensive inventory of outdoor recreational areas across the region. The project will consolidate data from towns, land trusts, and planning documents into an online map and statewide database. The goal is to improve access to information about parks, trails, and other open spaces for residents and visitors alike.
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Honoring Cape Cod's LGBTQ History
Cape Cod’s longtime LGBTQ history is deeply intertwined with the region’s artistic and cultural evolution, particularly in Provincetown, which became a haven for LGBTQ individuals in the early 20th century. Drawn by the town’s reputation for inclusiveness and creativity, artists, writers, and performers. By the mid-20th century, Provincetown became a sanctuary for the LGBTQ community, especially during the rise of the gay rights movement. The Cape Cod Commission's Under-Represented Histories Story Map includes stories of Cape Cod's rich LGBTQ history.
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State to host Seasonal Communities listening sessions
Join the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) for three virtual listening sessions to share your hopes for the Seasonal Communities Designation.
Established by the Affordable Homes Act in August 2024, the Seasonal Communities Designation is designed to provide a unique set of housing tools to communities with significant seasonal variation in housing and employment. You can read more about the designation by clicking here.
In each session, EOHLC will provide a brief overview of the designation and the work we are doing alongside the Seasonal Communities Advisory Council to develop regulations structuring the tools it makes available to communities before opening for public feedback.
Regulations are still in development, and as a result, these sessions will not provide definitive answers on questions about final regulations, but rather, will give residents the chance to shape how regulations answer these questions.
Seasonal Communities Virtual Listening Sessions
Register in advance using session-specific links.
July 9, 2025, 6:00 PM – Register Here
July 17, 2025, 11:00 AM – Register Here
Questions? Contact eohlcseasonalcommunities@mass.gov
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