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City Manager Yi-An Huang speaking at a podium under a tent with a banner reading "Just A Start, 52 New Street." He is standing in front of a microphone at an outdoor event. There are listeners seated around him.

Hear from City Manager Yi-An Huang on this year’s budgeting process, main priorities in this year’s budget, and the city’s goals for the coming year.

Kate Thurman with her newly matched NEADS World Class Service Dog, Pally, on the field at Fenway Park as Pally is honored as Service Dog of the Game on September 10.

Get to Know Kate Thurman

Get to know Kate Thurman, Deputy Director of the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) and Assistant Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator for the City of Cambridge. In her role, Kate serves as an invaluable resource both for members of the disability community who are looking for guidance and referrals to services as well as for residents, business owners, and City employees striving to create a culture of accessibility and inclusion.

Jefferson Park Federal Groundbreaking Ceremony

New Affordable Housing Developments and Milestones in Cambridge

The City of Cambridge has proudly been involved in a number of exciting and recent housing-related milestones that have long been in the works.

The eight members of the Cambridge City Council posing for a photo in front of the main staircase in City Hall. There's a pillar on each side of the staircase, each flanked with a long, rectangular iteration of the American flag and a green plant in front. Half-circle American flags hang from the windows in the background.

City Council Updates Goals; Forms Basis for City’s Budget

The City’s goals for this year’s budget include improved housing access, transportation, climate resilience, and other investments in the community.

A young girl with curly hair smiles and holds a piece of chalk in a classroom next to another child who is seated at the table, writing with chalk. Other students, a teacher, and classroom materials are visible in the background.

The Most Significant Budget Modifications

See the major changes to this year's budget compared to last year.

An affordable housing property under construction at 116 Norfolk Street.

Leading Priority and Key Areas of Focus

Affordable housing has long been a top priority for Cambridge, starting with the City Council. In support of this, the City commits substantial resources and works diligently to address affordable housing needs in the community.

A social worker talking to a resident at a table in the Cambridge Public Library.

Accomplishments Over the Past Year

Overall, in FY24, the City is dedicating more than $60 million from a variety of sources to address affordable housing and homelessness. The fiscal year 2023 resulted in a number of key accomplishments.

A rendering of a view looking north from Concord Ave to a new mixed-use street that would act as a gateway to the Alewife District. Credit: Healthpeak/Elkus Manfredi.

Affordable Housing Overlay Zoning Advances New Affordable Housing Development

The final Alewife Rezoning creates the framework for a multimodal, resilient, and sustainable neighborhood with strong community amenities. The adopted zoning increases the number of new homes that can be built and requires housing to be built along with new commercial buildings.

A house at 6 Union Street before being renovated through the Home Improvement Program.

Overview of Rental and Homeownership Programs Offered Through the City

The City offers a number of rental and ownership programs that ease financial burdens, make necessary repairs, and provide educational opportunities.

Work Underway Across the City for New Affordable Housing

There are a series of affordable housing developments underway across the city. See some of the highlights.

A sign extending from a building that reads "Cambridge Multi-Service Center."

Multi-Service Center and Office of Housing Liaison Go Above and Beyond to Help Residents Experiencing Housing Challenges

The Office of the Housing Liaison (OHL) and the Multi-Service Center (MSC) play key roles in addressing housing rights, eviction prevention, and homelessness.

Did You Know?

There are a number of affordable housing services, special events, and cost-assistance programs available throughout the City.

Cambridge Housing Authority and City staff at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of a new property.

Partner Profile: Cambridge Housing Authority

The Cambridge Housing Authority, a long-time partner of the City, invests in Cambridge families and provides enhanced support to almost 10% of the city population.

Image of Cambridge City Manager Yi-An-Huang

City Manager's Message

An overview message from the City Manager outlining the budget process, the City's financial stability and the importance of transparency on how we spend our money

Winter is Coming... Are You Ready?

With the winter season upon us, this article reminds residents and property owners of their responsibilities per City Ordinance regarding snow and ice removal following a storm.

Textiles and Mattresses Banned from Trash Disposal

The City of Cambridge offers a free Mattress Recycling Program, but pickup must be scheduled. Residents can schedule a textiles pickup or use one of 12 drop-off sites.

Tips for Controlling Rodents

Placing all food waste in locking compost carts is one of the best ways to combat rodents.

Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. Park in East Cambridge.

Fostering Neighborhood Vitality & Open Spaces

The last two years have highlighted the importance of access to outdoor open space. In FY22, the City launched the Our Parks, Our Plan process to develop an action plan for the City’s open space network, applying an equity lens to criteria that include park access and climate resilience.

The City's Community Engagement Team and Cambridge Police collaborated on door-to-door outreach.

Redefining Community Engagement

In FY22, the Community Development Department (CDD) established a Community Engagement Advisory Group for staff to share best practices and reflect on strategies to make engagement more inclusive and equitable. This Group developed a handbook on inclusive and equitable engagement best practices which will be published in September 2022. The handbook, which uses an anti-racism and equity lens to approach planning, implementation, and reflection of community engagement strategies, will be used to increase participation in public processes and programs.

City staff hand out free at-home COVID-19 test kits.

Supporting Youth and Families, Seniors, & Veterans

Preschool, Childcare, and Afterschool programs, a part of the Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP), returned to in-person care and child-centered programming in September 2021.

Cambridge Police Department is pursing a gold standard in accreditation.

Commitment to Public Safety

The City Council approved a budget of $2.8 million for the creation of a Department of Community Safety (CDCS) that will coordinate community driven solutions to enhance safety and wellness through key services and programs targeted at our most vulnerable populations. CDCS will oversee the Cambridge Alternative Response Program and other efforts to supplement Cambridge Public Safety agencies in making the community a safer place to live, work, and experience for all.

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