City Council - Community Preservation Act Committee Hearing on Dockets #0569 and #0758

Executive Summary

The Committee on Community Preservation Act held a hearing to discuss Docket #0569, an appropriation of $32,600,000 for 45 community preservation projects across Boston, and Docket #0758, which concerns the $1,763,090 administrative budget and $39,587,798 in future reserves for fiscal year 2027. The proposed FY26 funding is split between affordable housing (50%), historic preservation (25%), and open space and recreation (25%). Key discussions focused on the increasing need for senior and family-sized affordable housing, the efficiency of the CPA office's grant distribution, and the impact of these funds on local landmarks and community services.

Meeting Information

Governing Body: Boston City Council Committee on Community Preservation Act
Meeting Type: Committee Hearing
Date: April 21, 2026, at 2:04 PM
Chair: Councilor Enrique Pepén
Councilors in Attendance: Edward Flynn, Miniard Culpepper, John Fitzgerald, Liz Breadon, Benjamin Weber, Gabriela Coletta Zapata.
City Staff Present: Thadine Brown (Director, Community Preservation Office), Christine O'Keefe (Director, Neighborhood Housing Division, Mayor's Office of Housing).

Docket #0569: FY2026 Community Preservation Project Appropriations

The committee reviewed a message and order for an appropriation of $32,600,000 from FY2026 Community Preservation Fund revenues.

Total Projects: 45 projects recommended for funding.
Allocation Categories:
- Affordable Housing (50%): Focus on first-time homebuyer programs and new unit construction.
- Historic Preservation (25%): Preservation of historic buildings, sites, and artifacts.
- Open Space and Recreation (25%): Renovating playgrounds, parks, community gardens, and urban farms.
Key Quote: "The upcoming projects will aim to improve the quality of life across Boston neighborhoods... these efforts are expected to deliver a meaningful and lasting positive impact."

Docket #0758: FY2027 Administrative and Future Appropriations

The committee discussed the administrative and operating expenses for the Community Preservation Committee for fiscal year 2027.

Administrative Appropriation: $1,763,090 (representing 4.19% of anticipated revenue, staying under the 5% statutory cap).
Future Reserves: $39,587,798 from estimated annual revenues to be reserved for future appropriation.
Budget Drivers: Increased personnel costs for managing a growing portfolio and contractual services for the updated CPA Master Plan (FY28-FY32).

CPA Office Presentation and Equity Analysis

Director Thadine Brown provided a comprehensive overview of the CPA's impact since 2016, noting that over $229 million has been awarded to date across 396 projects.

Equity Metrics: The CPA office utilizes an equity analysis (conducted by JM Goldson) to track investments in high-need communities:
- 55.5% of projects are in neighborhoods where over 65% of households earn below the Area Median Income (AMI).
- 39.5% are in neighborhoods with high language access needs.
- 40% are in neighborhoods where more than 65% of residents identify as people of color.
Operational Efficiency: 80% of funds from 2018-2025 have already been distributed, with grant installments typically processed within one to two weeks.

Councilor Discussion and Q&A

Senior Housing: Councilor Culpepper inquired about dedicated funding for seniors. Christine O'Keefe confirmed that while $4 million is typically set aside, this round includes approximately $12 million for senior housing, including the Rogers Beaufort and 1198 Center Street projects.
First-Time Homebuyers: Discussion on the One Plus Boston program revealed it helps buy down interest rates (typically by 1%) and provides up to $50,000 in down payment assistance.
State Collaboration: Councilor Fitzgerald asked about partnering with state agencies like the DCR. Thadine Brown noted that state departments can apply for CPA funds for projects like trailways or playgrounds, provided there is a 15-year MOU for site control.
Project Eligibility: Councilor Pepén asked about interior ADA improvements for historic theaters. Brown clarified that CPA funds are generally restricted to the exterior of buildings to ensure a balanced approach across the city, though the office helps connect applicants to other resources for interior work.

Public Testimony

The committee heard from several community members regarding specific projects:

Toye Burton (Dee Dee’s Cry): Supported the Donita Morris Memorial Hope Park, stating, "It is time for Boston to wrap its arms around the suicide loss community... This park is not just a project, it is a statement."
Deb Morris (Hebrew Senior Life): Supported a 78-unit affordable supportive housing project in Roslindale.
Jeffrey Gagno (Dorchester Historical Society): Emphasized that CPA is a "game changer" for historic preservation, which previously had very limited funding sources.
Bridget Wallace (G-Code): Supported the G-Code House, a residential and learning space for women of color in technology.
Reggie Jean (Haley House): Requested support for critical roof and chimney repairs at their 23 Dartmouth location to preserve 26 units of SRO housing.
Reverend Courtney Jones (Hope Central Church): Testified in favor of an ADA-compliant ramp, noting that physical accessibility "communicates something about who deserves to access sacred spaces."
Reverend John Odoms (First Baptist Church of Boston): Highlighted the need for urgent masonry repairs where stone is currently held in place by wooden supports.