Apply for CPA Funding
***Click HERE for the FY25 CPA application & information***
What is CPA?
The Community Preservation Act (CPA), adopted by Amherst voters in April 2001, established a local fund based on a 1% tax surcharge (later amended to 1.5% and then to the full 3%) on property valuations above $100,000:
"for the acquisition, creation and preservation of open space; for the acquisition, preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of historic resources; for the acquisition, creation and preservation of land for recreational use; for the acquisition, creation, preservation and support of community housing; and for the rehabilitation or restoration of open space, land for recreational use and community housing that is acquired or created."
The law also established a State Trust Fund, from which annual allocations are made to towns that have accepted the Act, partially or fully matching local appropriations. Local allocations are currently being matched by the state at between 15-20% for the initial round of funding, resulting in a projected total amount for distribution of approximately $1,000,000 for Fiscal Year 2022 (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022). Please remember that it is possible for Town Council to authorize long-term borrowing and then use future CPA funds to pay off the debt.
What is the CPA Committee?
The Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) is charged with assessing the needs of the Town in those areas identified by the Act and recommending relevant expenditures to Town Council. By state law, CPA funds are to be spent only on community housing, historic preservation, open space, and recreation. A minimum of 10% of the available funds (from the surcharge and the state match) must be set aside each year (although not necessarily spent) for each of three categories of community housing, historical preservation, and open space. Recreation is the fourth recipient, or beneficiary, but is not mandated to receive the minimum 10%.
| Project Type | Open Space | Historic Preservation | Recreation | Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acquire | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Create | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Preserve | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Support | No | No | No | Yes |
| Rehabilitate and/or Restore | Yes (if acquired or created with CPA funds) | Yes | Yes | Yes (if acquired or created with CPA funds) |
Is my project eligible for CPA funds?
The Committee intends to develop recommendations for funding to be considered by Town Council in the spring.
How do I APPLY FOR CPA FUNDS?
The CPA Application Window will open on September 1, 2023 and close on September 30, 2023. The CPAC strongly recommends applicants read the CPA Plan and also contact and consult as early as possible with the relevant Town board associated with their project's CPA category. The CPAC will ask the relevant boards, commissions and committees for their input on proposals and strongly encourages applicants to consult with them before submission. Below is a table with each CPA category, the relevant Town board, and the contact information.
| CPA Project Category | Relevant Town Board | Staff Liaison |
| Community Housing | Housing Authority | Nate Malloy, Senior Planner |
| Historic Preservation | Historical Commission | Nate Malloy, Senior Planner |
| Open Space | Conservation Commission | Erin Jacque, Wetlands Administrator |
| Recreation | Recreation Commission | Rey Harp, Recreation Director |
The Committee plans to schedule presentations of projects at our meetings in November and December.
The Committee expects recipients of funds for Projects to report back in writing annually about the progress of the project. Projects must be completed in a timely manner and unspent funds returned to the CPA Fund.
Proposal Evaluation Criteria
- Feasibility of project;
- Documentation of estimated costs;
- Available funding:
- possibility of multiple sources of funding,
- expectations for need of additional funding in future years,
- lack of other funding sources if applicable;
- Estimated timeline from receipt of funding to start and to completion of project;
- Urgency of project;
- Acquisition and/or preservation of threatened resources;
- Population(s) to be served;
- Plan for how project will be maintained over time;
- Priority ranking of project set by relevant Town boards, committees or commissions.
Submission Process
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact and consult with the relevant Town boards and committees in advance of the application submittal as referenced above.
- Complete the online application by the deadline.
- The receipt of your proposal will be acknowledged.
- CPAC may submit written questions to you.
- Public presentations before CPAC will be scheduled for November and December.
- CPAC votes on proposals and submits recommendations to Town Council.
- Town Council votes on proposals.
Please contact the CPAC at cpac@amherstma.gov should you have any questions.