What are the CPA and CPC?

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) enables Massachusetts communities to levy a surcharge on property tax bills to raise funds to expand their open space, historic, recreational and affordable housing assets. These funds are supplemented by a State match that is raised by a filing fee at State Registry of Deeds and has ranged from 20% to 100% of the amount raised by the Town of Tisbury. Tisbury voters approved our town’s participation at the Town Meeting in April, 2005, and the subsequent Town election. The average annual CPA surcharge to Tisbury residents averages $188. A nine-member Community Preservation Committee (CPC) helps develop and administer projects funded with CPA monies. It encourages participation by interested community members. All six island towns have adopted the CPA for their communities.