The Community Preservation Act (CPA) was passed in Edgartown in 2005 Establishing a funding source to create, preserve and support Affordable Housing, Historic Preservation, Open Space and Recreation for the benefit of Edgartown. 

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) has seven members and is made up of representatives from the town committees that hold an interest in the mission of the CPA. There is one representative each from: The Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Affordable Housing, Parks, Financial Advisory Committee, Historic District Commission and the Selectboard.

Applications for consideration for Annual Town Meeting are due in the end of September. Public meetings for presentations are scheduled throughout October and November. Projects are narrowed down and a public hearing is held in early December for all the projects being considered. The Committee then decides what will move forward to Town Meeting.