Northampton opens applications for Community Preservation Act funding
Eligible projects must submit a one-page form by August 24 to qualify for the competitive funding round.
NORTHAMPTON — Prospective applicants can now submit eligibility forms for the first round of fiscal year 2027 Community Preservation Act funding, with the one-page form due by Monday, Aug. 24. Full applications will be due by Sept. 21, according to the city.
The Community Preservation Act allows communities to raise money through a surcharge on real estate taxes to fund open space protection, historic preservation, and affordable housing. Since Northampton adopted the program in 2005, the city has allocated CPA funds to more than 200 projects, including the construction of more than 350 units of affordable housing, the preservation of thousands of acres of open space, and the restoration of more than 30 historic resources.
Each year, 10% of total funding must go toward open space and recreation, historic preservation, and affordable housing, while the remainder can support any eligible project, according to Sarah LaValley, assistant director of the Office of Planning and Sustainability. She explained that the eligibility form step helps ensure projects meet CPA requirements, since "not all great projects are able to be funded through CPA" due to the complexity of the law.
Recent CPA-funded projects include the permanent protection of 72 acres in the Mineral Hills, repairs to the Parsons House at Historic Northampton, and a resiliency study for Maines Field to address Mill River flooding damage. The program also contributed to creating 22 permanently affordable homeownership units through Franklin-Hampshire Habitat for Humanity.
LaValley noted that CPA funds often fill gaps in project financing, demonstrate local support for other grants, or fund entire projects when other money is unavailable. Applicants considering projects on city property or other land they do not own must have the property owner's support or submission. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact city staff and review the city's Community Preservation Plan before applying. More information is available at northamptonma.gov/1048/Community-Preservation-Committee.