CPA Adoption Update: Spencer & Winchester Both Place CPA on November Ballot

Last night, Town Meetings in both Spencer and Winchester voted to place the question of CPA adoption on the ballot for the upcoming presidential election in November. They will now join the town of Sherborn on the growing list of municipalities that will be voting on CPA later this year.

The town of Spencer has never advanced CPA adoption to the ballot before, but local advocates interested in open space protection promoted the measure and ultimately succeeded at convincing town meeting to give CPA a chance. Voters will now be deciding whether or not to adopt CPA with a 1% surcharge and exemptions for the first $100,000 of both residential and commercial property, as well as for low-income and low/moderate-income senior homeowners. Should the town adopt CPA, Spencer is projected to raise nearly $136,000 in local CPA revenue annually for outdoor recreation, historic preservation, affordable housing, and open space projects. Adopting CPA would also make the town eligible to receive annual distributions of funds from the statewide Community Preservation Trust Fund, monies that are available only to communities that have adopted the Act.

Meanwhile, the town of Winchester put together a comprehensive study committee in 2023 that has been researching the benefits that CPA would have for the town - and this group spearheaded the successful vote during the second night of their town meeting process. With a total vote count of 132 in favor and 21 against, Winchester's representative town meeting made it clear that CPA was worth advancing to the ballot. Voters will now be deciding whether or not to adopt CPA with a 1.5% surcharge and exemptions for the first $100,000 of both residential and commercial property and for low-income and low/moderate-income senior homeowners. Should the Winchester adopt CPA, the town is projected to raise approximately $1.6 million annually for local CPA initiatives, as well as making the town eligible for matching funds from the CPA Trust Fund. This will be the second time that Winchester has placed the question of CPA adoption on the ballot, with one unsuccessful attempt back in 2007.

Presidential election years are always the busiest when it comes to CPA adoption efforts, and 2024 is no different. Three towns have already placed CPA adoption on the ballot, and many more will be voting during upcoming town meetings throughout May and June. Be sure to keep an eye on our Upcoming Elections page for updates as advocates continue to build momentum for local CPA initiatives.