Join CREW Boston for a brown bag lunch discussion on the Community Preservation Act in Massachusetts with Joe Kriesberg, President, MACDC and Cassie Arnaud, Housing Project Planner, Cambridge Community Development Department. Joe Kriesberg will discuss the potential uses of CPA funds in Boston and Cassie Arnaud will present the history of CPA in Cambridge, the uses of the funds for affordable housing developments and the administration of CPA funds.

The Community Preservation Act is a smart growth tool designed to help Massachusetts cities and towns create affordable housing, preserve open space and historic sites, and develop outdoor recreational opportunities. CPA funds are generated by a small surcharge on local property tax bills matched by a statewide trust fund to maximize their impact.

The city of Cambridge enacted its CPA in 2001.  Cambridge assesses a 3% surcharge on property taxes.  In Boston, the Yes for a Better Boston Campaign is supporting Ballot Question 5, to enact the CPA in Boston,  which will be a 1% property tax surcharge.