Community Preservation Committee

The Act in Brief

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a tool that helps communities preserve open space, historic sites, create affordable housing, and develop recreational facilities. The Community Preservation Act is statewide enabling legislation to allow cities and towns to exercise control over local planning decisions. This legislation strengthens and empowers Massachusetts communities:

• All decisions are local.
• Local people must vote by ballot to adopt the Act.
• Local legislatures must appoint a committee of residents to develop plans for the use of the funds.
• These plans are subject to local comment and approval.

The Hanover General Bylaws, Section 4-19, provides further information about the Community Preservation Committee.

The Community Preservation Coalition has a wealth of information on the Community Preservation Act in Massachusetts.

Application for Funding

The Community Preservation Committee is now accepting new project proposals that support community preservation in Hanover! Submit your ideas using the proposal form and guidelines by October 31, 2025. Learn more and apply.

Current and Past Goals

• 2015 Community Preservation Report and Community Goals