Press Release: 8/19/2026

Community Preservation Committee Launches 2027 Application Process

 

Informational Workshop Scheduled for Sept. 10 at Downtown Library

NEW BEDFORD – Mayor Jon Mitchell and the Community Preservation Committee are kicking off the fiscal year 2027 Community Preservation Act application cycle with an application technical workshop at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10 on the third floor of the New Bedford Free Public Library, 613 Pleasant St.

The CPC strongly encourages all those interested in applying for funding during this cycle to attend the workshop to learn about the changes to the application process. A budget of approximately $1.9 million will be available to fund CPA-eligible projects. A Q&A will follow the presentation.

The Community Preservation Act was adopted by New Bedford voters through a ballot question in November 2014. This statewide measure allows municipalities to create dedicated funding for open space, outdoor recreational facilities, community housing, and historic preservation projects. Oversight is administered by the Community Preservation Committee, a board established by the City to manage the CPA program in New Bedford.

To date, New Bedford’s CPA has awarded 166 grants to 97 projects across the City, totaling more than $16.9 million. Funded projects include the historic restoration of the Sgt. William Carney House by the Martha Briggs Educational Club; the acquisition of open space at the Acushnet Sawmill by Buzzards Bay Coalition; the creation of the Sgt. Sean Gannon Memorial Playground at the Elwyn Campbell Elementary School and Island Park by the Cape Verdean Association in New Bedford; the renovation of Dias Field and the Brooklawn basketball courts; and the creation of housing at Holy Family and Talbot Apartments. Additionally, this CPA funding has leveraged over $12.9 million dollars in additional private, state, and federal funding.

Translation services are available by request in both Spanish and Portuguese. Please contact Jessica Bailey, CPA Manager, by email at CPA@newbedford-ma.gov 48 hours prior to the meeting if you require these services, or with any questions regarding the CPA application process.

Application materials will be available on the City’s website http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/planning/community-preservation/ on Sept. 4.

*Published Aug. 18, 2026