The Zoning & Planning Committee unanimously approved an estimated FY26 Community Preservation Act (CPA) budget and discussed the program’s shrinking state match and how the committee is prioritizing spending.

Molly (CPA staff) told the committee CPA revenues come primarily from the local 1% property-tax surcharge and a state matching fund that varies year to year. She said Newton’s local surcharge is projected to rise modestly while the state match has declined in recent years — staff expected a lower state match in the coming fiscal year and used a conservative estimate when projecting FY26 resources.

The committee reviewed the FY26 recommended allocations. By policy the committee sets aside minimum reserves for community housing, historic resources and open space; staff proposed using the community-housing reserve to fund the Affordable Housing Trust (the trust receives a standard annual allocation of 35% under local policy). Debt-service obligations — including Webster Woods, Gap Pool and athletic-field bonds — consume a large portion of the CPA budget each year. Staff noted the Jackson Homespin bonded project will add a relatively modest new debt service obligation when the bond is sold.

Molly summarized some recent funding outcomes: Gap Pool opened in 2025 after large CPA-backed investments; FY25 supported several historic‑resource projects (a feasibility study for the West Newton Cinema, accessibility and sprinkler improvements at Family Access, and the First Baptist Church bell‑tower restoration) as the committee seeks to rebalance historic funding; Spears Park community gardens in Ward 1 are expected to open in late May.

Committee members asked about state-level match prospects, fundraising and reporting for multi-year projects, and the committee chair said staff would invite the state CPA coalition or its staff to speak to the committee on the match calculation and available tools. The committee voted 8–0 to approve the FY26 CPA budget at an estimated total of $5,059,393.45.

Ending: staff said they will continue to monitor the state match, coordinate grant-seeking for high-priority projects and present final figures after HUD/state notices and the formal bond sale for Jackson Homespin.