The Great Barrington Affordable Housing Trust reported progress on its Community Preservation Act application and discussed a strategy aimed at maximizing town CPA funds for affordable housing.

A trustee who attended the August CPC meeting said members responded positively to the trust’s draft developer request for proposals (RFP) and scoring rubric. The trustee said CPC members asked the town’s staffer, Chris Rembold, to help with press outreach so residents in South County would have access to opportunities at Prosperity Way.

Trustees described the CPA application as a two-step process: an initial indication of intent with requested amounts and a second, more detailed packet. The board has applied in prior years for the maximum amount of CPA funds that can be allocated to affordable housing, and trustees discussed continuing to request the largest feasible share. One trustee suggested making explicit that the trust’s goal is to encourage the CPC to direct the maximum practicable share of CPA funds toward affordable housing, even if those funds are not all awarded to the trust.

Board members noted CPA rules require minimum spending across three CPA categories (historic preservation, recreation/environment, affordable housing) and said the trust must submit a dollar figure rather than a percentage. Trustees asked staff to obtain an estimate from Chris Rembold of the likely CPA pot for the year so the trust can include a specific dollar request in its application.

Trustees also emphasized the trust’s role in strengthening governance and oversight of affordable housing funds and described prior work — including an ADU pilot and an RFP framework — as demonstrations of the trust’s capacity. Trustees asked that the trust continue to cultivate a collaborative relationship with the CPC and to present a robust Step 2 packet mirroring last year’s submission so the CPC and the public can see how funds would be managed.