The deadline to apply for Community Preservation Act funds is Monday, July 27, 2026. See more details from the City of Watertown, below.
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) was approved by the legislature and signed by Governor Paul Cellucci in September 2000. Watertown residents voted to adopt the CPA in November 2016. This state law, MGL Chapter 44B, allows cities and towns to raise funds through a surcharge on local real estate taxes to:
- Buy, create, preserve open space and rehabilitate and/or restore open space that is acquired or created using CPA funds
- Acquire, preserve, rehabilitate, or restore historic resources
- Acquire, create, preserve, and support community housing
- Acquire, create, preserve, and rehabilitate and/or restore passive and active outdoor recreation facilities
Before applying for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds, please read the entire CPA application package, which includes the:
1. CPA 5-Year Plan
2. CPC Application Manual
3. Application Evaluation Matrix
To apply, complete the Project Eligibility Form online by the deadline on July 27, 2026, to ensure your project is eligible under the CPA statute. The CPA application forms are on the OpenGov platform which requires you to register before beginning your application.
Please contact Lanae Handy, Community Preservation Coordinator, lhandy@watertown-ma.gov before applying to schedule an appointment during CPA Clinic Hours. Find out more about the Community Preservation Committee here.