Community Preservation application for 2018 spring pilot program released

Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston's Community Preservation Committee (CPC) today announced the release of applications for a spring pilot program for CPA funding. The application calls for CPA supported projects that require less than $500,000 to begin construction by fall 2018, bringing new investments in housing, parks and open space and preservation of historic sites to Boston's neighborhoods.

Follow the links below for more information on the program:

Community Preservation information

Community Preservation eligibility form

Community Preservation application

"This pilot program will help us begin funding critical projects in neighborhoods across the city, while providing an opportunity to evaluate and improve the CPA process for future funding rounds," said Mayor Walsh. "I want to thank the Community Preservation Committee, the Boston City Council and our community partners for their support. I look forward to investing in affordable housing and our parks, and preserving Boston's history through an open and inclusive process."

The pilot program application seeks "shovel-ready" projects that require $500,000 or less in funding, where construction can begin soon after funds are received. Organizations with affordable housing, historic preservation, and parks and open space proposals may apply for funding. The CPC is committed to a program that will have broad community participation, accessible and visible projects that have a positive impact on neighborhoods and residents, and oversight strategies to ensure timely, effective use of funds.

"We felt it was important to start funding projects. Homeowners have been paying the CPA surcharge since last summer. We want them to see transformational improvements in their neighborhoods and witness the power of this new fund," said Felicia Jacques, newly elected chair of the Community Preservation Committee.

CPA staff will hold public information sessions on Thursday, April 5 at 10:00am and 6:00pm in the Winter Chamber at 26 Court Street, Boston. Residents and organizations who wish to learn more about eligibility requirements as well as the application and review processes for the CPA Pilot Program are encouraged to attend.

The CPC will meet in June to review applications and recommended projects will be submitted to the Mayor and City Council for approval.

In anticipation of CPA Pilot funding decisions for the pilot program this summer, the CPC will also hold a Public Hearing Monday, April 9, 2018 from 6:00pm-7:00pm in the Winter Chamber, 26 Court Street, Boston to hear from Boston residents about needs and ideas for CPA projects in  their neighborhoods. At the meeting, the CPC will review the Community Preservation Plan. Applications can be found here, and all responses must be submitted by April 27.

Aligning with Imagine Boston 2030: A Plan for the Future of Boston and the City's agencies and departments, Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds will contribute to building strong neighborhoods through strategic investments that support affordable housing, open space and historic preservation.

About the Community Preservation Act (CPA)

By adopting the CPA in November 2016, the City has created a Community Preservation Fund. This fund is capitalized primarily by a one percent property tax-based surcharge on residential and business property tax bills that began in July 2017. The City will use this revenue to fund initiatives consistent with CPA guidelines: affordable housing, historic preservation, open space and public recreation.

As part of the City's plan to oversee the investments made through the adoption of the CPA, Mayor Walsh worked in partnership with the Boston City Council to form a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) that will study community preservation needs and make recommendations on how CPA funds should be allocated. The CPC is made up of nine members, five of whom are representative of the City's boards and commissions and four of whom are appointed by the City Council. The funding of any project requires a recommendation from the committee and appropriation by the City. For more information, visit our Community Preservation webpage.