Community Preservation Act Committee Seeks Requests for funding in areas of Housing, Historic Preservation, and Open Space and Recreation

The City of Cambridge Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. to receive project requests for FY22 funding. Each year, the CPA Committee recommends funding for affordable housing, historic preservation, open space, and recreation initiatives throughout the city. Recommendations can be submitted at the June 9 meeting or online from June 9 through July 14, 2021. Learn more about eligible projects and the application process at CambridgeMA.gov/CPA.

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) was created by a state law (G.L. c. 44B) to help cities and towns preserve the character of their community. In 2001, Cambridge residents voted to adopt the CPA locally, which allowed the City to implement a 3% surcharge on Property Tax bills to fund eligible projects. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides matching funds in addition to those raised locally by the surcharge.

Each year, the City is required to spend at least 10% of its annual CPA revenues on each category – open space/recreation, historic preservation, and community housing. The remaining percentage can be used towards any of the three funding categories.

Through FY21, the City has appropriated/reserved a total of over $222.6 million for CPA projects, including $178 million for affordable housing initiatives. To date, the City has allocated $54.8 million in state matching funds, $138.7 million from local surcharges, and $29 million from the CPA Fund Balance.

The CPA is a key funding mechanism for preserving and improving the quality of life in Cambridge. Learn more about the FY22 funding process and share project ideas at the June 9, 2021, CPA Committee meeting.

For more information about the Community Preservation Act, visit CambridgeMA.gov/CPA.