Worcester Community Preservation Act

The Worcester Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding program provides up to $4 million annually to support projects in Historic Resources, Open Space and Recreation, and Community Housing. This fund was created after the city's adoption of the statewide CPA through a 2022 municipal election and is administered by the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) with support from the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED). The funding is intended to support projects proposed by the city, local organizations, or residents that align with the goals set forth in the Community Preservation Plan, which includes eligibility criteria, priorities, and a scoring rubric. Applicants may apply under one of three tracks: Standard Application, Special Application, or the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) track. Most projects, including those for Historic Resources and Open Space and Recreation, use the Standard Application, which begins with a Pre-Application Form to confirm eligibility. The AHTF track is reserved for new affordable housing development, and the Special Application track is for urgent, time-sensitive projects with specific eligibility justifications. All applications must be submitted electronically. CPA funding is reimbursement-based, meaning that awardees must be able to pay initial expenses before seeking reimbursement. Massachusetts procurement laws apply differently depending on whether the project is public or private and depending on the location and management type. Restrictions such as deed restrictions, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), and clawback clauses may apply based on project type and funding level to ensure public benefit. For example, historic projects may require preservation restrictions or MOUs with the Worcester Historical Commission, and open space projects may require conservation or recreational deed restrictions. Applications are reviewed in multiple stages. After submission of the Pre-Application by December 3, 2025, eligible applicants will be invited to complete the Full CPA Application by January 7, 2026. Technical assistance is available up until December 30, 2025. Applications are then evaluated by the CPC based on project preparedness, funding match, management experience, long-term sustainability, community benefit, and alignment with planning goals. A public hearing may also be required, after which top-scoring applications are recommended for funding by the CPC to the City Council. Final approval is granted by City Council, and selected applicants will enter into a formal grant agreement with the City of Worcester, outlining compliance expectations, disbursement terms, and reporting obligations. Reporting is mandatory for all funded projects and can affect future disbursements. For Fall 2025, the Pre-Application opens on October 29 and runs through December 3, with awards expected in Spring 2026. The program is expected to recur annually, supporting a consistent funding cycle for community-driven projects.

Review preservation restrictions and procurement rules early; ensure match funding is identified.