PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council has awarded almost $475,000 in Community Preservation Act funds to historic, open space, recreation, and housing projects. 

During Tuesday's regular meeting, $474,098 was awarded to FY26 projects, and $524,967 was appropriated for the next fiscal year's CPA budget.  

Before this, the council adopted a $232.7 million city budget for fiscal year 2027, which begins on July 1. 

Projects for Pittsfield's youth, cultural organizations, historic and outdoor assets were funded with appropriations ranging from $10,000 to $150,000. This includes funds to Berkshire Theatre Group, Roots Rising, Arrowhead, and Williams Elementary School. 

The Community Preservation Committee began its annual process of soliciting projects for funding in September 2025, receiving ten eligibility applications in historic resources, and open space and recreation in the first phase. Seven projects were presented to the CPC during public meetings on March 26 and March 23, and on April 13, the committee recommended funding for 8 projects to the City Council. 

The city's Affordable Housing Trust received $150,000 to disperse to eligible projects, along with seven other projects, totaling $474,098. 

The 2026 CPA awardees: 

• Berkshire Theater Group: Colonial Theatre Masonry, $121,700
• Williams Elementary School: Playground improvements, $25,000 
• Roots Rising Farm Improvements: $125,000
• City of Pittsfield Parks Department: Pontoosuc Park Improvements, $12,000 
• City of Pittsfield Conservation Commission: Wild Acres Improvements $14,175 
• Berkshire County Historical Society: Arrowhead Painting, $10,000 
• City of Pittsfield Historical Commission: Historic Plaque Preservation, $16,223 
• Pittsfield Affordable Housing Trust: Community Housing Projects, $150,000 

Three of the projects are in historic preservation, four are in open space and recreation, and the AHT received the community housing funds to be dispersed. 

Roots Rising is working on a farm and educational center on Barker Road to serve as the organization's home. The $5 million project will include a main house, shop, farm fields for vegetable growing, gardens, and forest land.