The Community Development Department is the planning agency for the City of Cambridge.

The Community Development Department is the planning agency for the City of Cambridge. Our mission is to foster a livable, sustainable, just, and equitable community. We work to enhance the character and diversity of the city's neighborhoods, preserve and increase affordable housing, create and promote accessible and sustainable mobility, build environmental resilience, and support sustainable economic growth. Through these initiatives, we strive to enrich the lives of residents, expand their opportunities, and contribute to a healthy urban environment. CDD takes an interdisciplinary approach to manage and guide evolution of our urban environment in a manner consistent with the City’s priorities. We engage and collaborate with community partners, other government agencies, businesses and residents to make Cambridge a desirable place to live, work, learn, play, and innovate. Learn more about the Department.

Features

News and Announcements

  • Central Square City Lots Study - Virtual Community Meeting!

    This will be a virtual community meeting for the study of city-owned property in Central Square. We will present draft recommendations for the future uses of the sites based on community feedback and input, as well as municipal needs. Central Square City Lots Study: The City of Cambridge Community Development Department (CDD), in collaboration with other city departments and the Cambridge community, is leading a municipal property needs assessment and planning study for city-owned properties in Central Square.

  • Shop Cambridge this Holiday Season

    This holiday season, the City is partnering with local businesses and business associations to encourage residents and visitors to shop local!

  • New Development Log Available - 2023 Q3

    The Development Log, published quarterly, tracks large-scale residential, commercial and institutional development projects currently in the permitting or construction phases in the City of Cambridge.

  • Cambridge Community Electricity Program Offers New Fixed Prices and Renewable Energy Options for Residents and Businesses

    The City of Cambridge today announced that the Cambridge Community Electricity (CCE) Program is entering a new two-year contract period with Direct Energy Services LLC (Direct Energy) resulting in new fixed electricity prices starting in January 2024. Residential and commercial account holders will also now have three electricity options that vary in price and renewable energy content.

  • Affordable Housing Stock Data – 2023 Update

    CDD has completed its annual update to the stock of affordable housing units in the city.

  • Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Ordinance

    The City of Cambridge is working to adopt an ordinance that will require new buildings and buildings undergoing a major renovation to eliminate the use of fossil fuels. Making buildings fossil fuel free means healthier homes and buildings and will help Cambridge reach our climate goals.

  • New Development Log Available - 2023 Q3

    The Development Log, published quarterly, tracks large-scale residential, commercial and institutional development projects currently in the permitting or construction phases in the City of Cambridge.

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