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 CPC is Now Accepting Funding Applications
Applications are now open for eligible projects related to Historic Resources, Open Space and Recreation, and Community Housing. 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 public benefit, and complies with other applicable laws. For more information on eligibility, scoring criteria, and application tracks, please see the Application Guidance document below.
The Fall 2026 Funding Round is the third round of funding available through the Community Preservation Program. Step 1 is to fill out the Pre-Application to determine project eligibility under state law. Only projects that have been determined eligible will receive an invitation to continue to Step 2, the Full CPA Application. The purpose of the two-step process is to reduce the time spent on applications for projects that are not eligible.
Fall 2026 pre-applications are rolling until 11 a.m. on December 2, 2026. Pre-applications received after this deadline will not be considered. Applicants will be notified within 10 business days of their determination of eligibility. Upon receiving confirmation of project eligibility, applicants will be given access to the Full CPA Application form. Applicants may reach out to the Community Preservation Program with questions on their application November 20.
Applicants with time sensitive projects are encouraged to reach out to the Community Preservation Program by contacting DalyS@worcesterma.gov prior to submitting their application.
Note for Historic Resource Projects: A Determination of Local Historic Significance is necessary for applicants seeking CPA funding in the Historic Resources category if the resource in question is (a) not a building, structure, or real property; (b) not listed on the State Register of Historic Places; or (c) the resource is a building or structure that is less than 50 years old. The determination must be made prior to the application deadline. Please find the Determination of Local Historic Significance application on the City of Worcester Historical Commission Webpage.
The Community Preservation Plan Annual Update 2026
In October 2026, the CPC approved the publication of the Community Preservation Plan Annual Update, which serves to identify the goals and priorities of the Community Preservation Program, provide updates of the funded projects and provide a resource for applicants seeking CPA funding. The Plan was created with public input in the form of interviews of community groups, review of existing city plans, feedback from public forums and the results of an online survey. The CPC shall continue to review the Plan annually and periodically make updates to ensure that these goals and priorities continue to reflect the City's evolving needs.
2026 Community Preservation Plan Annual Update
The Community Preservation Committee
The Community Preservation Committee (CPC), 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 CPC has nine members and meets approximately once per month to review applications, take public comment, and make project funding recommendations to City Council.
Learn More
Contact Information
Address
Economic Development
City Hall 4th Floor
455 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Contact
Phone: 508-799-1400
Fax: 508-799-1406
development@worcesterma.gov
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.