Community Preservation Act Provincetown

The Community Preservation Act (the "CPA" MGL C.44B) was enacted by state legislators allowing any town in the Commonwealth to adopt a property tax surcharge of up to 3%, the revenues from which, along with any matching state funds, could be directed to open space and recreation, community housing, and historic preservation. The Town of Provincetown adopted the CPA at its May 4, 2004 Annual Town Election as well as a bylaw designating that 80% of the CPA revenues is directed to community housing. On November 3, 2008, Special Town Meeting revised the bylaw to reflect the standard of the Commonwealth and to allow for greater flexibility. The revision allotted 10% for each category -- community housing, historic preservation, and open space/recreation -- with 70% remaining undesignated and available for any category. Once again at the April 7, 2014 annual town meeting, the Town amended the split to reflect the priority for community housing to 60% of the CPA revenues for community housing, 10% each for historic preservation and open space/recreation, and 20% remaining undesignated and available for any category.

 Applications for CPA funds are typically accepted during a fall funding cycle in advance of the April Annual Town Meeting. It should be noted that the Community Preservation Committee does accept applications on a rolling basis if appropriate. Applicants may discuss a potential application with the CPC at any time.