The Worcester Affordable Housing Trust on Thursday asked the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for $1,500,000 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding to seed a grant program that the trust says would support roughly 30 new affordable homeownership and rental units for households earning up to 80% of the area median income, with priority for deeper-affordability units at 30–60% AMI.

The request came during the CPC’s second public hearing on CPA applications. Jeanette Tozer, the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund manager, told the committee that CPA dollars would be used as part of a larger funding stack and would signal local commitment when projects apply for state and federal resources. Tozer said the trust plans to issue a request for proposals in August, provide outreach and technical assistance, and make awards by November.

The trust told the committee the municipal affordable housing trust was created under a statutory framework described during the hearing as “Chapter 44” and that CPA funding would be managed by the trust under a grant agreement with the CPC. Tozer said the board adopted a five‑year strategic plan the night before the hearing and that city staff will support technical review and oversight.

Committee members asked about likely applicants and timelines. Tozer said both nonprofit and for‑profit developers would be eligible and that the trust expects to prioritize “shovel‑ready” projects to speed construction. Based on recent projects, she estimated a typical construction‑to‑move‑in window of about 12 to 18 months but stressed that timing varies by project scale and funding closings.

Members also asked about inclusionary zoning payments (payments in lieu of on‑site units). Tozer said the trust has not yet received inclusionary‑zoning payments; the trust did accept a separate developer donation of $100,000 that was unrelated to inclusionary zoning.

No CPC vote was taken Thursday; the hearing was for questions and public comment. The CPC will score applications over the weekend and plan to make funding recommendations at its June 17 meeting; those recommendations will be forwarded to the Worcester City Council, which can accept, reject, or reduce CPC recommendations before grant agreements begin.

The public comment period included residents who urged stronger, immediate action on vacant units and deeper affordability.