Updated 2020 EJ maps expand and shift equity populations on Cape Cod, staff says

Commission staff presented revised Environmental Justice (EJ) population mapping based on the finalized state 2020 Census EJ layers and explained how the changes affect outreach and project ranking.

Stephen Tupper reviewed the region’s prior reliance on 2010 EJ maps, the preliminary 2020 layer that circulated earlier, and the state’s revised 2020 EJ dataset now considered final. He identified specific local changes: an income‑related EJ population was newly identified in Truro, an earlier East Falmouth designation no longer appears, and the Greater Hyannis area shows expanded EJ coverage including some English‑isolation populations. Tupper said the mapping influences outreach strategies and factors into TIP and UPWP project ranking under Title VI/EJ considerations.

Staff said they have shared updated layers with towns and the Joint Transportation Committee and can provide links to the state EJ layers. Commissioners asked few follow-up questions; staff emphasized the need to adapt outreach to reach newly identified populations.