The Community Preservation Program

Aerial Photo of Bell Pond with High Rise Apartments in Front and Belmont Street to the Right

With the adopted Community Preservation Act in 2022, the City created a special Community Preservation Fund. Financed by a 1.5 percent property tax surcharge and a state match, the City expects to raise over $4 million annually to fund locally-proposed projects related to community housing, recreation, open space and historic resources. This is an exciting opportunity for the Worcester community to pursue projects that may have otherwise not had a funding source.

The Community Preservation Committee, made up of Worcester residents, was formed in 2023 to oversee the application process and recommend projects to be funded through the Community Preservation Program. The Committee expects that the application will be open to the public in 2025.

In the meantime, the Committee is drafting criteria that will be used to assess project merit based on community priorities and funding availability in each of the realms of community housing, recreation, open space and historic resources. These criteria will be published in the Community Preservation Plan prior to the release of the funding application. There will be opportunity for the public to provide input on this process over the next months. Check back here for updates on opportunities to learn more and participate in the planning process.

Stay informed about the Community Preservation Program by Signing Up for Our Newsletter.

If you are interested in learning more about the Community Preservation Program, please reach out to the Community Preservation Manager, Jacquelyn Burmeister at burmeisterj@worcesterma.gov.

    Public Notice

    We have launched the Community Preservation Act Funding Priority Survey, available in English, Spanish, Twi, and Vietnamese. It will run through January 19th. The survey is designed to help us better understand the priorities of the community regarding CPA eligible projects.

    Community Forum

    The Community Preservation Program held three public forums in December to get feedback from the community on how CPA funds should be spent. These forums were a great opportunity for residents to voice their opinions and help shape the future of our city.

    • English Language Forum (Virtual): December 10 at 1 p.m. - Meeting Video
    • English Language Forum (In-Person): December 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Worcester City Hall, Levi Lincoln Chamber
    • Spanish Language Forum (In-Person): December 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the Worcester Public Library Banx Room

    Learn More

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    Worcester 311
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    Phone: 311
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