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Council approves $19.7 million in local Community Preservation Act allocations for FY26
Summary
The Cambridge City Council approved fiscal 2026 allocations from the Community Preservation Act local fund and state match, directing 80% to affordable housing and 10% each to historic preservation and open space.
The Cambridge City Council on Sept. 15 approved fiscal-year 2026 Community Preservation Act (CPA) allocations totaling $19.7 million in local funds and $2.8 million in state matching funds, directing the bulk of local revenue to affordable housing.
The council adopted the administration'recommended split of CPA local revenues: 80% ($15,760,000) to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust, 10% ($1,970,000) to historic preservation projects and 10% ($1,970,000) to open-space projects. The council also adopted the distribution of $2,800,000 in state matching funds along the same percentages.
City staff said CPA has been a major financing tool for affordable housing and frequently leverages other public and private funds. Director Jennings summarized the committee'led process used to review project submissions and recommended the allocations to the council.
City Manager Yan Wong highlighted Cambridge'longstanding participation at the 3% local surcharge and described the CPA program as a continuing source of housing resources. "The commitment to affordable housing at 80% year after year is really notable," Wong said during the presentation.
The council approved five related appropriation orders during the meeting. Among the specific historic and open-space appropriations listed in the adopted package were $1,200,000 for Sullivan Chamber improvements, $1,145,000 for Stony Brook Reservoir Barn work, $6,270,000 for Rapidly Park construction, and $740,000 for native species planting at Hell's Half Acre. The council also approved a $15,000 appropriation from CPA fund balance for administrative costs (Community Preservation Coalition membership dues).
Why it matters: CPA funds are restricted by state law to affordable housing, historic preservation and open space; Cambridge has chosen to direct a large majority of CPA revenue to housing for many years and staff and advocates say the money helps fill financing gaps for deeply affordable projects.
What's next: Adopted appropriations will be routed to the named city departments and project sponsors for administration and contracting. Staff said many CPA projects also depend on other grants and philanthropic leverage.
Vote: The suite of CPA appropriations was adopted on roll-call votes; the sizes and recipients are recorded in the council'approved motions.
