The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is charged with recommending the expenditure of funds generated from the Community Preservation Act voted by the residents of the Town of Barnstable in 2005. This Act is a tool to help communities acquire and preserve open space, rehabilitate, restore and preserve historic resources, structures, and landscapes, create and support community housing, all of which address core community concerns.

A minimum of 10% of the annual revenues of the fund must be allocated for each of the three categories; Historic, Housing and Open Space. The remaining 70% can be allocated for any combination of the allowed uses, or for the acquisition of land for recreational use. The CPC recommend potential projects to the Town Manager and Town Council for funding based on eligible criteria.