The Community Preservation Act

The Massachusetts Community Preservation Act (CPA) authorizes municipalities to apply a surcharge on property taxes to generate funds for open space, historic preservation, affordable housing, and outdoor recreation. Locally generated funds are partially matched by the Commonwealth’s Community Preservation Act Trust, which is funded by fees collected on recordings at Massachusetts Registries of Deeds. Local adoption of the CPA requires a community-wide vote. In spring 2018, a coalition of organizations formally called on the Worcester City Council to approve a ballot question seeking adoption of the CPA and a 1.5% surcharge. What is the CPA and what would its adoption mean for Worcester?