https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EP1XzYOIeYMin9AEhElJwksXSGgiKAUd/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.1fob9te

Apply to be on Boston’s Community Preservation Committee (CPC)

The Community Preservation Act (CPA), a ballot question passed by Boston voters in November 2016, brings over $20 million to the City annually. Funding must be used for projects in three areas: affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space/outdoor recreation facilities. 

The City Council will select one new member to fill a vacant seat on the CPC, which must be filled by September 2025. 

Community Preservation Act (CPA)

Thanks to the Community Preservation Act (CPA), Boston has achieved the following:

• Preserved over 150 historic buildings, sites, vessels, and artifacts
  
• Planted more than 300 trees to support and expand Boston’s tree canopy
  
• Created or rehabilitated over 100 playgrounds and recreational spaces
  
• Established new urban farms and community gardens
  
• Created nearly 2,200 units of affordable housing, including homeownership opportunities
  
• Supported housing projects for veterans, seniors, artists, and individuals experiencing homelessness
  
• Invested over $28 million in two programs that support first-time homebuyers and help prevent displacement

To date, the Community Preservation Program has awarded over $230 million to support 397 projects across Boston. Between 2018 and 2025, CPA funds have supported 61 affordable housing projects, 151 open space and recreation projects, and 185 historic preservation projects.

Community Preservation Committee (CPC)

The Community Preservation Committee is a 9-member board that recommends projects to the Mayor and the City Council for CPA grant funds. 

By state law, the Committee (CPC) includes appointments from the Boston Landmarks Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Boston Housing Authority, and the Boston Planning and Development Agency board.

In addition, Boston’s CPA Ordinance creates four at-large seats open to community members to serve on the CPC. CPC members serve as unpaid volunteers for a term of three years with a maximum of two terms. All CPC members must be residents of Boston. 

What to Expect: 

1. The Committee’s annual work includes:

• Reviewing the administrative budget for the City’s Community Preservation program.
• Reviewing the Community Preservation Plan annually.
• Reviewing over 50 project applications and making final recommendations.

2. The Committee’s responsibilities are outlined in Sections 5(b) and 5(c) of the CPA statute. 

If you have a passion for at least one of the three program areas – historic preservation, open space/outdoor recreation, and affordable housing – you may want to apply!

Here’s more information to help you decide:

Start-up (3-6 months): More intensive time commitment with bi-weekly meetings at the outset to:

• Participate in trainings by the Community Preservation Coalition and CPA staff on proposal review.

• Establish CPC systems: set meeting and funding cycle calendar
• Update and review the FY23 – FY27 Community Preservation Plan. 

Ongoing expectations: Approximately 5 hours each month

• In-person or virtual: monthly or twice-monthly meeting at a time convenient for all members, held near a T-accessible neighborhood or downtown site. All meetings will be open to the public.
• On your own: review all application materials before meetings.
• Participation in annual Community Preservation public hearing(s).

Project review: Could involve a more intensive meeting schedule

• Input is provided by City staff from relevant departments for each project.
• Between 10 and 14 meetings are held from September to January to prepare for the new funding round and evaluate CPA applications.
• Final project and funding recommendations are submitted to the Mayor and City Council for approval.

The Annual Application Timeline: 

Information Sessions	May-August
Eligibility Determination Forms Due	End of August
Staff review the eligibility form and inform applicants of eligibility	September
Full applications due	Early November
CPA Office reviews applications	November-December
CPC reviews applications and staff recommendations	December – February
The Mayor and City Council consider CPC funding recommendations	March-May
Grant agreements and award letters issued	May-June
CPA funding available	June-July

To learn more about this process, please review the CPA Eligibility Determination Packet and explore the CPA webpage. 

If you have any questions, please contact: 

If interested, please apply on the application portal:  Link to CPA Application 

Application for Boston’s Community Preservation Committee

DEADLINE:  Tuesday, September 2, 2025 

Name:

Street:

Neighborhood:   Zip Code:

Email: Primary Phone:

Employment:

_____ I give permission for my name and neighborhood to be publicly shared on a list of CPC applicants.

Are you or your close family members affiliated with any community, non-profit or business organizations? Please list:

Will any of these organizations apply for CPA funds?___________________________________________

How long have you lived in the City of Boston?

Best times for you to meet:

    ___ Weekday evenings       ___ 9am – 5pm      ___ Lunchtime

Optional demographic questions:

Gender: _____________________________________

Race/Ethnicity: _______________________________

Age: ________________________________________

Please attach with this application:

1. A statement of interest answering the following questions (no more than one page):
   1. Why do you want to serve on the Community Preservation Committee (CPC)?
   2. How have you demonstrated a commitment to at least one or more of the three Community Preservation program areas: affordable housing, historic preservation, or open space/outdoor recreation?
   3. What skills, assets, and qualifications would you bring to the CPC?
2. Your resume. 
3. Three references with email/phone numbers – from work, your community, and/or personal friends.