Applications for two general public volunteer members due Friday, August 30 

 The City of Somerville is currently seeking two general public volunteer members for the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). All Somerville residents are welcome to apply. 

The CPC identifies funding priorities for approximately $3 million per year in affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space projects through Community Preservation Act (CPA) revenues.  

The committee consists of nine members: Four volunteer members from the general public are appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council. Another four volunteer members are appointed by the Planning Board, the Conservation Commission, the Historical Preservation Commission, and the Housing Authority. Finally, one staff member represents the City’s Public Space and Urban Forestry Division.  

What abilities are needed? 

• Being an effective committee member will require that you: 
• Become familiar with the city’s CPA program 
• Attend meetings regularly 

• Help to share information about the CPA program 
• Listen to community feedback 
• Be fair and objective  

The City seeks to create a balanced committee with candidates who: 

• Support all three programmatic areas of the CPA: affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space and outdoor recreation AND 
• Have demonstrated a commitment to at least one of these areas  
• Come from diverse demographic backgrounds 
• Represent all geographic areas of the city  

Duration and Time Commitment: 

One will have a two-year term running through December 31, 2026, and the other will have a three-year term running through December 31, 2027. Both will have the option to renew for an additional three-year term. The CPC typically meets once per month on the fourth Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. 

How to Apply: 

Interested residents can apply by completing the online application form by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024. 

Please note that if you choose to apply for the Community Preservation Committee, your name and a brief summary describing why you are a qualified candidate will be posted on the City website for public review for at least 3 weeks, beginning in September. All community members are invited to provide feedback on candidates during this time. 

For questions, please contact Roberta Cameron at rcameron@somervillema.gov.  

To learn more about the Community Preservation Committee, please visit somervillema.gov/cpa.