Historic Resources: Checking in with Boston’s CPA

In November 2016, Boston voters adopted the Community Preservation Act (CPA), which had been approved by the Massachusetts Legislature back in 2000. Since 2018, this legislation has supported a variety of projects, including a number of notable historic preservation projects across the city. The HRC welcomes back Boston Community Preservation Director Christine Poff, who, accompanied by her CP Historic Preservation consulting staff Courtney Whelan and Sally Zimmerman, will report on the City of Boston’s implementation of this important financial resource. Using a sampling of completed and current projects, the trio will describe the CP program’s accomplishments to date and offer a preview of possible strategic directions for the initiative.

A Jamaica Plain resident, Christine Poff previously served as executive director of the Franklin Park Coalition, where she brought back the Elma Lewis “Playhouse in the Park” summer concerts and the spring Kite Festival, in addition to a summer youth jobs crew, a large volunteer program, and other arts and cultural events. She also worked to develop public health and community programs for Dorchester House and Codman Square health centers. Christine is passionate about neighborhoods, committed to social justice and equity, and loves getting to know residents of Boston’s diverse and varied communities. She earned a B.A. from Wellesley College and an M.S.W. from City University in New York.