Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang reflects on the accomplishments of 2024, highlighting major initiatives such as the Cambridge Preschool Program and the Community Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) Team. He emphasizes the City's strong investments in affordable housing, climate action, public safety, and education, while reaffirming a commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement. Looking ahead to 2025, he expresses gratitude for the collaborative efforts of City staff, residents, and partners, and excitement for the opportunities to continue building a better Cambridge.

The Community Safety Department’s CARE Team launched in 2024, providing an unarmed, compassionate response to mental health crises, well-being checks, and other non-criminal emergencies. By the end of the year, they responded to nearly 200 emergency calls, assisted over 150 community members, and removed 1,600 needles from public spaces, with 94% of calls requiring no police involvement. In collaboration with local organizations and the Cambridge Police Department, the CARE Team also offers case management and referrals, helping residents access shelter, addiction treatment, housing support, and other essential services.

The City of Cambridge’s HomeBridge program recently celebrated a major milestone with its 100th home purchase, helping a local family achieve their dream of homeownership. HomeBridge provides financial assistance to eligible moderate- and middle-income buyers, enabling them to purchase homes on the open market while ensuring long-term affordability through housing restrictions. By creating new, permanently affordable homeownership opportunities across the city, the program helps families stay in Cambridge despite rising housing costs.

The College Success Initiative (CSI) celebrated 10 years in 2024, having supported over 360 Cambridge residents in pursuing higher education. Designed to assist historically underrepresented students, including immigrants, first-generation college-goers, and low-income individuals, CSI provides personalized support through dedicated College Success Coaches. The program helps students from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, the Community Learning Center, and Just-A-Start’s YouthBuild program complete associate or bachelor’s degrees within six years.