For Immediate Release: 3/14/2025 3:00 pm
WORCESTER, Mass. – The City of Worcester announced Friday that the Community Preservation Committee has launched the Community Preservation Plan and is now accepting pilot round funding applications. A virtual Q&A will be held on March 26 for individuals to learn about the application process.
Applications are now open for eligible projects related to Historic Resources, Open Space and Recreation, and Community Housing. There is approximately $4M available across the three funding categories. While M.G.L. Chapter 44B defines the eligible use of CPA funds, it does not define or restrict eligible applicants to any specific legal entity (e.g. public, private, non-profit, for-profit, individuals) if the project is eligible, advances a public benefit, and complies with other applicable laws. For more information on eligibility, scoring criteria, and application tracks, please see the Application Guidance document. Applications are due by 11 a.m. May 9, 2025.
“I want to thank our staff and the entire Community Preservation Committee for its hard work to put the plan together and launch applications,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista. “This is a great opportunity for projects related to community housing, recreation, open space and historic resources to receive funding that may have otherwise not been available. I highly encourage eligible recipients to learn more about the application process and apply.”
A virtual Q&A will take place on Wednesday, March 26 at 1 p.m. for individuals to learn about project eligibility and the application process. Community Preservation Program staff will be available to answer participant questions. The session will be recorded and available on this website following the presentation.
Earlier this month, the CPC approved the publication of the Community Preservation Plan, which serves to identify the goals and priorities of the Community Preservation Program and provide a resource for applicants seeking CPA funding. The Plan was created with public input in the form of interviews with community groups, a review of existing city plans, feedback from public forums, and the results of an online survey. The CPC will review the Plan annually and periodically make updates to ensure that the goals and priorities continue to reflect the city’s evolving needs.
The City of Worcester adopted the CPA in 2022 and created a special Community Preservation Fund. Financed by a 1.5 percent property tax surcharge and a state match, the City expects to raise more than $4 million annually to fund locally proposed projects related to community housing, recreation, open space, and historic resources.
