As College Park continues to grow, the City remains committed to maintaining the unique character of its neighborhoods by ensuring housing remains affordable for residents. At next week’s City Council meeting on December 3, the College Park City-University Partnership (CPCUP) will provide an update on its transformative initiative, the Community Preservation Trust.

What is the Community Preservation Trust?

The Community Preservation Trust is a groundbreaking program designed to promote long-term housing affordability and stability in College Park. Managed by the CPCUP, the program helps keep homes affordable by acquiring properties and offering them to residents at below-market prices. This ensures that the city’s workforce, families, and long-time residents can continue to live and thrive here despite rising property values.

Key Benefits of the Trust

The Trust not only preserves affordability but also strengthens neighborhoods by:

• Reducing the risk of displacement for long-term residents.

• Encouraging homeownership among families and individuals who work or study in College Park.

• Stabilizing neighborhoods by promoting a sense of permanence and community involvement.

The program has already made significant strides, and next week’s presentation will highlight recent successes, including:

• Properties Acquired: The number of homes purchased through the Trust and how these acquisitions have impacted local families.

• Affordability Measures: Steps taken to ensure homes remain affordable for future buyers.

• Future Plans: The Trust’s vision for 2025, including expanding its reach and exploring additional funding opportunities.

Why This Matters

College Park’s growth brings new opportunities but also challenges, particularly in ensuring housing remains accessible. Programs like the Community Preservation Trust strike a balance between progress and preservation, allowing the city to grow while protecting its diverse and vibrant community.

How You Can Support

Residents can support this effort by:

• Attending next week’s meeting to learn more about the program and ask questions.

• Advocating for additional funding or policy measures to expand affordable housing initiatives.

• Sharing information about the Trust with neighbors, friends, or family members who may benefit from it.

Join us on Tuesday, December 3, to hear directly from the CPCUP about the Community Preservation Trust’s impact and plans for the future. Together, we can continue building a College Park that remains welcoming and affordable for all.

Let’s work toward a city where everyone has the opportunity to call College Park home.