Community Preservation Committee

Spring 2026 Funding Round

The second round of CPA funding in FY 2026 is underway.  One page eligibility forms to ensure prospective projects are able to be funded through CPA were due by January 28 with full applications due February 23.  Please see the application round review schedule for meeting dates.  Please contact staff to discuss your potential project in detail, review the Community Preservation Plan, and consider the CPC's Decision Guidelines.  

NEW for this round, the simplified Small Grant process has expanded, to accommodate CPA requests of up to $5,000, for projects totaling up to $10,000.  Please review the Small Grant details on page 13 of the Community Preservation Plan

CPA Tax Surcharge Exemptions

The first $100,000 value of residential property is automatically exempt.  Senior and low-income residents may be eligible for a tax surcharge exemption by filing with the assessor.

CPA Tax Surcharge Exemptions and 2025 Income Limits

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

Most Recent Agenda (PDF) | All Agendas and Minutes

Agendas and Minutes Archive

Meetings

First and third Wednesdays in spring and fall (generally)

Committee Members


  • Brian Adams, Chair
    Mayoral Appointee
    Term expires June 2028
  • Julia Chevan
    Recreation Commission Representative
    Term expires June 2028
  • Chris Tait,
    Planning Board Representative
    Term expires November 2027
  • Martha Lyon
    Historical Commission Representative
    Term expires June 2027
  • Paul Foster-Moore
    Conservation Commission Representative
    Term expires June 2027
  • Christopher Hellman
    Elected Representative
    Term expires January 2028
  • Jeff Jones
    Housing Authority Representative
    Term expires June 2026
  • Debin Bruce                                   
    Mayoral Appointee
    Term Expires June 2028
  • Lemy Coffin
    Elected Representative
    Term expires January 2028
  • Sarah LaValley - Staff
    Email Sarah LaValley
    413-587-1263

About the Committee

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) allows communities to create a local Community Preservation Fund to raise money through a surcharge of up to three percent of the real estate tax levy on real property for open space protection, historic preservation and the provision of affordable housing. The act also created a state matching fund to supplement local revenues collected.

The Northampton CPC consists of nine members, including one representative each from the Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Housing Authority, Planning Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, as well as two members appointed by the Mayor, and two representatives elected in a city-wide election. 

The Committee meets during two funding cycles each fiscal year and members conduct extensive application reviews.

Mailing List Sign-up

Please visit the Mailing List Signup page to join the CPC email list to receive agenda notifications, and HERE for the email newsletter.

Responsibilities

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is responsible for making recommendations for how Community Preservation Act funds must be spent in the four CPA program areas: Community Housing, Historic Preservation, Open Space and Recreation.

Resources

FY26 Summary - Through Round 1