Community Preservation Act Funding

The Town of Lexington administers Community Preservation Act funding through its Community Preservation Committee. This program implements the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act, which allows municipalities to raise dedicated funds to support projects in four major areas: open space, historic resources, recreational land, and community housing. Lexington residents adopted this program to preserve and enhance local assets, protect natural resources, and expand affordable housing while maintaining the town’s character and livability. The program’s scope is defined by the CPA statute and local guidelines. Eligible uses include the acquisition, creation, and preservation of open space; the preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of historic properties; the development and rehabilitation of recreational resources; and the creation, preservation, and support of community housing. Rehabilitation and restoration are also permitted for open space and community housing if the land or structures were originally acquired or created with CPA funds. Support for community housing may include funding for the town’s affordable housing trust, and applicants are encouraged to propose projects that advance Lexington’s affordable housing goals and contribute to socioeconomic diversity. Applications must be submitted using the official Project Application Summary Form with a narrative that addresses both general and category-specific criteria. Proposals are judged against a comprehensive set of factors, including alignment with town planning documents, attention to racial and social equity, climate preparedness, feasibility, cost-effectiveness, leveraging of other funding sources, and long-term benefit to the community. Additional preference is given to projects that serve multiple CPA purposes, such as initiatives that combine recreation and open space protection, or housing and historic preservation. Each category also has its own detailed criteria. Open space projects that protect critical habitats, preserve water resources, or create new trail connections are highly encouraged. Historic proposals are expected to safeguard significant cultural, architectural, or archaeological resources, with priority given to projects involving threatened or town-owned properties. Community housing projects must maintain long-term affordability, integrate with the surrounding community, and expand Lexington’s supply of affordable units. Recreation projects should serve a broad range of residents, support multiple uses, and make creative use of land for parks, gardens, trails, or athletic fields. Applications are due each year by November 1 for consideration at the spring Annual Town Meeting. In extraordinary cases, requests may also be reviewed for fall Special Town Meetings, but the November deadline is standard. Applicants must present their proposals to the Community Preservation Committee and may also be asked to attend public hearings or information sessions with Town Meeting Members. Award decisions are made at Town Meeting based on the Committee’s recommendations. Projects approved at Town Meeting receive appropriations from Lexington’s share of Community Preservation Act funds. Submissions must be delivered to the Community Preservation Committee either electronically or in hard copy with three paper copies to the Town Office Building. The official address is 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420. Applicants can access forms, criteria, and additional guidance through the Committee’s web page or by contacting the CPC directly. The Committee can be reached by email at communitypreservationcomm@lexingtonma.gov or by phone at (781) 698-4629. More detailed instructions, as well as category-specific guidance, are contained in the CPC’s published guidelines and criteria document. This annual process ensures that Lexington’s CPA funds continue to be invested in projects that preserve the town’s heritage, expand recreational opportunities, protect natural landscapes, and provide affordable housing for residents.

Ensure proposals align with CPA statutory purposes and local planning documents; emphasize equity, climate resilience, and multiple CPA benefits; demonstrate cost-effectiveness and leveraging of other funds