Next round of applications for Community Preservation Act funds announced

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the release of eligibility forms and timeline for applications for the upcoming round of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. For Fiscal Year 2021, the City of Boston has made $25 million available for CPA projects under three categories consistent with statewide guidelines: affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space or recreation. Interested applicants must complete eligibility forms by October 16, 2020 that will be reviewed by the Community Preservation Act team. Candidates deemed eligible by the CPA team will be invited to submit an application for historic preservation, and open space and recreation projects. Applications will open on October 5, 2020 and close on November 13, 2020. 

"Now more than ever, we must remain committed to making investments that directly benefit our residents and our communities," said Mayor Walsh. "Projects funded by the Community Preservation Act are proposed and implemented by community members and build affordable housing, preserve historic sites and create open space or recreation. I encourage everyone with projects to get familiarized with the application process and take advantage of this opportunity  that will directly benefit our neighborhoods."

In August, Mayor Walsh announced $30 million available from the Department of Neighborhood Development and Community Preservation Act funds for Requests for Proposals for affordable housing.

"I, along with my fellow committee members, feel honored to be tasked with the worthwhile challenge of reviewing the applications and working on CPA funding recommendations to present to Mayor Walsh and the City Council," said Felicia Jacques, chair of the Community Preservation Committee. "This is a great opportunity for organizations to embark on transformative projects that will have a tangible impact in our community."

Organizations, nonprofits and community groups are all encouraged to apply. Staff from the City's Community Preservation Program will be hosting virtual application information sessions on October 7, 2020 and October 14, 2020 for historic preservation and open space and recreation projects to provide a detailed overview of the application process and requirements. Those interested are asked to submit their RSVP to here. 

After the end of the application period, the Community Preservation Committee will review applications by January 2021 and vote on a list of proposals in February to recommend to Mayor Walsh. Mayor Walsh will make a recommendation of CPA awards to be voted on by the City Council.

The Community Preservation Fund is capitalized primarily by a one percent property tax-based surcharge on residential and business property tax bills that began in July 2017 after Boston voters adopted the measure in November 2016. The last round of CPA awards in February 2020 funded over $24 million to 40 projects across the city, including affordable housing developments and programs, parks and open space, and historic preservation projects consistent with statewide guidelines. 

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is committed to broad community participation, supporting accessible and visible projects that have a positive impact on neighborhoods and residents. CPA staff has been hosting community conversations in various neighborhoods to explain the eligibility requirements and the application process to residents and organizations interested in applying for funding. 

As part of his legislative agenda, Mayor Walsh advocated for adjusting the surcharge on fees for recording deeds to increase the State CPA match, protecting the Act that more than 170 cities and towns depend on for the creation of affordable housing, open space, and historic preservation. The FY20 State budget increased the match, raising an estimated additional $36 million in revenue, putting the state match at around 30 percent and allowing us to invest more in our communities.

For more information about the Community Preservation Act, visit here. For individuals interested in completing the eligibility form, visit here.