Community Preservation Committee

Overview

The State Legislature passed the Community Preservation Act (CPA) in September 2000 to help cities and towns preserve the character of their communities. In 2019, Lowell residents voted to adopt the CPA in the City and approved a surcharge on property taxes to fund open space, historic preservation, recreation, and affordable housing projects.

The Lowell Community Preservation Committee (CPC) reviews and endorses proposed projects for CPA funds. The CPC reviews and votes on projects based on the criteria outlined in the City’s Community Preservation Plan, as well as the state’s Community Preservation Act (M.G.L. c. 44B) guidelines. All recommendations are sent to the City Council for final approval.

For any questions regarding the Community Preservation Act, the application process, current projects under review, or any other feedback, contact Francesca Cigliano at fcigliano@lowellma.gov or by phone at 978-674-1424.

Community Preservation Plan

The Community Preservation Plan ("The Plan") outlines the City of Lowell's goals for community preservation and identifies areas of need and challenges currently facing the City. The Plan will be used to guide CPC funding decisions, and ensure funds are allocated to address the City's greatest needs. View the Community Preservation Plan by following the link below.

Community Preservation Plan

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to meetings. Minutes are available following approval. View the most recent agendas and minutes here.

Meetings

• 2025 Community Preservation Committee Schedule
• View LTC (Lowell Telecommunications Corp) for public meeting recordings

Notice of meetings is posted at least two days in advance of the meeting on the bulletin board outside of City Hall in the JFK Plaza and on the City of Lowell’s Online Event Calendar.

Projects Under Review

View active FY23 Applications here.

Application Process

All applicants must submit an eligibility form before submitting a full application. This form will be used by the Committee to determine whether a project is eligible for Community Preservation Act funds. The deadline for all eligibility forms for 2025 is September 25, 2025. The deadline for full applications for 2025 is November 6, 2025.

Application Forms

CPA Eligibility Form
CPA Application Form

Completed forms can be returned by e-mail to Dylan Ricker at dricker@lowellma.gov or in-person to Lowell City Hall, 375 Merrimack St., Second Floor, Room 51.