CPA Issues statewide
Post date: Nov 28, 2016 6:16:32 PM
The Future of the CPA Trust Fund
Part 1
Hello Jason,
In the world of CPA, there's one question on everybody's mind right now: what's going to happen to the CPA Trust Fund? There is reason to be concerned, of course. First we have DOR's recent announcement of this year's record low distribution. Combine that with the unprecedented results on election day where Boston, Springfield, and 9 other mostly large cities and towns adopted CPA and the trend is easy to see.
But the convergence of those two recent events actually puts us in the strongest position ever to advocate for increased funding at the legislature.
Why are we so optimistic and how can we make it happen? Over the coming weeks, we will discuss that in a series of special reports on the future of the CPA Trust Fund. Welcome to Part 1, where we'll set the scene with an explanation of the background facts that will shape our campaign for supporting the CPA Trust Fund.
As we prepare for the new legislative session in January, here's what we know...
1. The popularity of CPA has never been higher
The election results prove that the enthusiasm for the CPA program statewide is at an all time high. Of the 16 communities with CPA on the ballot November 8th, 11 cities and towns adopted, bringing the total number to 172. This means that 49% of the municipalities in the state have now seen the value of preserving their parks, playgrounds, historic resources, and community housing. All over the state there are now literally thousands of advocates who see the value of CPA and are (hopefully!) willing to invest time and energy to ensure it future. We hope you are one of them, as it will take a village to make CPA legislation happen.
Click here for more terrific photos of local advocates promoting
2. CPA now has a proven track record of success
Beyond the adoption by new communities, the success within the communities that have had CPA for years is undeniable. As of this year, over $1.75 billion has been raised for community preservation projects.The funding creates jobs and economic activity across the state, and that's exactly what the legislature wants to see when they invest state dollars in a program. This money has helped fund over 9,000 projects, which include the protection of 26,000 acres of farmland and open space, 4,400 historic preservation projects, 10,000 housing units created or supported, and 1,700 outdoor recreation projects initiated. And with the wonderful CPA Project Database, anyone can look up exactly what incredible accomplishments each community has achieved with the help of CPA.
3. The Trust Fund is at an all-time low
We should all be grateful that legislature and Governor have been willing to invest in CPA. Over the past three years they have approved $46.4 million in additional funding for the trust fund from the state budget surplus. But state revenue isn't looking so good these days, and despite our success at getting another $10 million allocated to CPA in this year's budget, there was no surplus available. Without that $10 million the match was a record low this year, and will continue to decline.
We've been sounding the warning bell on CPA for years, but sometimes it's tough for the legislature to act based solely on predictions for the future. As the chart below shows, record low trust fund distributions are not just a future prediction, they are here today. It's hard to ignore the fact that a long-term solution is needed, and soon.
4. A majority of the legislature
now has a stake in CPA
The recent adoption of CPA in Boston, Springfield and other cities added an entire new block of legislators at the State House who represent communities that have CPA. A remarkable majority of the State Legislature now have a stake in the continued success of the CPA program - 126 of the 160 state representatives and 39 of the 40 state senators now have constituents in a CPA community.
5. Cities are adopting CPA now,
and everyone is noticing
Until changes to the CPA Legislation went into effect in 2012, the CPA program was often criticized because it was mostly populated by smaller and mid-sized communities. However, since the legislature passed those groundbreaking amendments to the Act, we've seen a huge boost in interest from cities looking to invest in CPA. It's much easier to advocate for the CPA Trust Fund when you have a broad cross section of communities from across the state.
Want to feel really good about CPA? Just read this incredible editorial from RenéeLoth of the Boston Globe that ran just after the November 8th elections. Click on the blue link below to be inspired!
"In the midst of an unsteady period of malice and estrangement, thousands of Massachusetts voters stood up for their shared values." (November 14th, 2016, A bright spot for Massachusetts: CPA passes in 11 communities)
Coming Soon, Part Two: "So What Happens Next?"
The facts above make us optimistic that the climate is finally right for success on Beacon Hill. But what does that mean?
Watch your email for Part 2 of our series. We'll outline our game plan for promoting legislation to permanently replenish the Trust Fund, including a timeline for action. Coming soon to your email in-box!
Partner Organizations
To unsubscribe from this newsletter, click on the "Safe Unsubscribe" link below. We will immediately remove your email address and you will no longer receive CPA Update.
For any other changes, such as updating your email address or adding additional recipients, reply to this email and let us know what changes you'd like to make.
Community Preservation Coalition| 617-367-8998
