The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) has released its FY26 Community Preservation Plan and FY25 Annual Report. The Community Preservation Plan is used to guide the CPC’s decision-making when reviewing and recommending projects for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding. It also references several planning documents that have been vetted through public processes and summarizes some of the relevant needs, goals and recommendations of those plans. The plan also serves as an annual report – summarizing the status of funded projects and including copies of the required State reports.

The CPC uses a two-step application process for reviewing funding proposals, beginning with a brief Eligibility Application. This application enables applicants to know if their project is eligible under CPA regulations prior to submitting the more comprehensive Funding Application. Eligibility Applications may be submitted to the CPC at any time. However, in order to be considered for the FY26 funding round, applicants are encouraged to submit their Eligibility Applications no later than January 5, 2026. For projects that are determined eligible, applicants will then be invited to submit a Funding Application. The CPC’s tentative deadline for the receipt of Funding Applications is March 27, 2026. Submitted applications will be reviewed in accordance with the evaluation criteria and the goal of the CPC is to submit funding recommendations to the City Council in May 2026.  

"We are pleased to begin the 12th round of CPA funding in Salem,” remarked CPC Chair Bart Hoskins, “Since the first round of funding in 2014, more than $12 million in CPA funds have been awarded, providing enormous public benefit to Salem residents.”

“Since its inception, CPA in Salem has helped our community leverage millions in state funds that we otherwise would not have received,” Mayor Dominick Pangallo stated, “I am grateful to the volunteer members of our Community Preservation Committee have served Salem diligently in developing recommendations for many housing, historic preservation, and open space and recreation projects made possible thanks to these funds, and to the city staff who have supported those efforts over the years. Especially this year, as we look ahead at commemorating Salem’s milestone 400th anniversary in 2026, it is remarkable to note the extensive positive impact the CPA has had throughout our community.” 

The FY26 Community Preservation Plan and FY25 Annual Report, FY26 Determination of Eligibility Application and other information on the CPA can be found at http://www.salemma.gov/community-preservation-committee