What is the CPA?
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is statewide enabling legislation to allow cities and towns to exercise control over local planning decisions. This legislation strengthens and empowers Massachusetts communities:
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All decisions are local.
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Local people must vote by ballot to adopt the Community Preservation Act.
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A committee of local people draws up plans for use of the funds.
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These plans are subject to local approval.
The Community Preservation Act provides new funding sources which can be used to address four core community concerns:
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Acquisition and preservation of open space
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Creation and support of affordable housing
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Acquisition and preservation of historic buildings and landscapes
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Development of outdoor recreational facilities
A minimum of 10% of the annual revenues of the fund must be used each for Open Space, Housing and Historic Preservation. The remaining 70% can be allocated for any combination of the allowed uses, or for recreational use. This gives each community the opportunity to determine its priorities, plan for its future, and have the funds to make those plans happen.
Property taxes traditionally fund the day-to-day operating needs of safety, health, schools, and roads. But until the CPA, there was no steady funding source for preserving and improving a community’s infrastructure. The Community Preservation Act gives a community the funds needed to control its future.
