Newsroom

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.  

This Regulatory Update provides a status on projects currently under review by the Cape Cod Commission. Visit www.capecodcommission.org/regulatory for a full overview of our Regulatory program and answers to frequently asked questions.   

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.   

The Cape Cod Commission will soon begin a study investigating potential safety improvements along Route 6A. Working with the Towns of Bourne, Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, Orleans, Truro, and Provincetown, the Commission will conduct a two-year visioning study along Route 6A to better understand the issues with safety and restrictive improvements. Staff will also work with MassDOT to review existing conditions, including crash history, speed limits, and multi-modal accommodations.

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 Cape Cod Commission has launched its review of the 2018 Regional Policy Plan (RPP), a document that provides regional planning policies and objectives to guide development and protect the region’s resources. The Regional Policy Plan serves as a blueprint for Cape Cod's future, outlining strategies to manage growth, protect natural resources, and promote economic resilience.

The Cape Cod Commission is developing a Vision Zero Action Plan for Cape Cod to identify and eliminate fatalities and serious injuries from vehicle crashes for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and drivers. A series of public meetings designed to educate and inform the public about the plan and gather feedback will take place in November.

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.