Description
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee will meet virtually to review anticipated revenues for FY26 and discuss the 2025 meeting schedule and processes.
Each year, the City of Cambridge is required to allocate at least 10% of its annual CPA revenue to each of the following categories: Affordable Housing, Historic Preservation, and Open Space/Recreation. The remaining percentage can be used towards any of the three funding categories.
To view the meeting and/or to participate in public comment online, please register here:
https://cambridgema.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qD5VoQ8AQ3aRSo4GkyUjKA
CPA Meeting Agenda (link to PDF)
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
- Election of Chair
- Approval of minutes from September 12, 2024 meeting
- Background / Introductions
- FY26 Funding Estimates
- 2025 Meeting Schedule & Process
- Review of Balances Available for Transfer
- Committee Discussion
- Public Comment
Background
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) was created by 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 of Cambridge 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. The percentage of the state match varies from year to year, depending on two factors: the amount of fees paid at Registries of Deeds throughout the state, and the number of communities that have adopted the CPA locally (thereby receiving a share of the state match).
Additional information is available on the CPA Committee website, Cambridgema.gov/cpa