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March First Time Homebuyer Workshop
Pre-registration Required. The four-week workshop will cover a variety of topics including: an overview of the home buying process, credit & budgeting, obtaining a mortgage, legal issues, home inspections, and an introduction to Cambridge's financial assistance programs. Classes include a combination of presentations by Cambridge homebuyer counselors, local real estate brokers, home inspectors and loan officers. Participants are expected to attend all four classes and class begins promptly at 6:00pm.
/CDD/Calendar/2014/03/05/marchfirsttimehomebuyerworkshop
May First-Time Homebuyer Workshop
Pre-registration Required. The four-week workshop will cover a variety of topics including: an overview of the home buying process, credit & budgeting, obtaining a mortgage, legal issues, home inspections, and an introduction to Cambridge's financial assistance programs. Classes include a combination of presentations by Cambridge homebuyer counselors, local real estate brokers, home inspectors and loan officers. Participants are expected to attend all four classes and class begins promptly at 6:00pm.
/CDD/Calendar/2014/05/07/mayfirsttimehomebuyerworkshop
March First-Time Homebuyer Workshop
Pre-registration Required. The four-week workshop will cover a variety of topics including: an overview of the home buying process, credit & budgeting, obtaining a mortgage, legal issues, home inspections, and an introduction to Cambridge's financial assistance programs. Classes include a combination of presentations by Cambridge homebuyer cunselors, local real estate brokers, home inspectors and loan officers. Participants are expected to attend all four classes and class begins promptly at 6:00pm
/CDD/Calendar/2013/03/06/marchfirsttimehomebuyerworkshop
June First Time Homebuyer Workshop
Pre-registration Required. The four-week workshop will cover a variety of topics including: an overview of the home buying process, credit & budgeting, obtaining a mortgage, legal issues, home inspections, and an introduction to Cambridge's financial assistance programs. Classes include a combination of presentations by Cambridge homebuyer counselors, local real estate brokers, home inspectors and loan officers. Participants are expected to attend all four classes and class begins promptly at 6:00pm.
/CDD/Calendar/2013/06/05/junefirsttimehomebuyerworkshop
September First Time Homebuyer Workshop
Pre-registration Required. The four-week workshop will cover a variety of topics including: an overview of the home buying process, credit & budgeting, obtaining a mortgage, legal issues, home inspections, and an introduction to Cambridge's financial assistance programs. Classes include a combination of presentations by Cambridge homebuyer counselors, local real estate brokers, home inspectors and loan officers. Participants are expected to attend all four classes and class begins promptly at 6:00pm.
/CDD/Calendar/2013/09/05/septemberfirsttimehomebuyerworkshop1
First-Time Homebuyer Lottery Opportunity - The Pathmark
The City of Cambridge is offering four new affordable condominiums for sale to income-eligible first-time homebuyers through a lottery process. These affordable condos are located at The Pathmark, 97 Elmwood Street in North Cambridge near Davis Square.
/CDD/News/2023/8/firsttimehomebuyerlotteryopportunitythepathmark
July First Time Homebuyer Workshop
Pre-registration Required. The four-week workshop will cover a variety of topics including: an overview of the home buying process, credit & budgeting, obtaining a mortgage, legal issues, home inspections, and an introduction to Cambridge's financial assistance programs. Classes include a combination of presentations by Cambridge homebuyer counselors, local real estate brokers, home inspectors and loan officers. Participants are expected to attend all four classes and class begins promptly at 6:00pm.
/CDD/Calendar/2014/07/09/julyfirsttimehomebuyerworkshop
October First-Time Homebuyer Workshop
Pre-registration Required. The four-week workshop will cover a variety of topics including: an overview of the home buying process, credit & budgeting, obtaining a mortgage, legal issues, home inspections, and an introduction to Cambridge's financial assistance programs. Classes include a combination of presentations by Cambridge homebuyer counselors, local real estate brokers, home inspectors and loan officers. Participants are expected to attend all four classes and class begins promptly at 6:00pm.
/CDD/Calendar/2014/10/08/octoberfirsttimehomebuyerworkshop1
February First Time Homebuying Workshop
Pre-registration Required. The four-week workshop will cover a variety of topics including: an overview of the home buying process, credit & budgeting, obtaining a mortgage, legal issues, home inspections, and an introduction to Cambridge's financial assistance programs. Classes include a combination of presentations by Cambridge homebuyer counselors, local real estate brokers, home inspectors and loan officers. Participants are expected to attend all four classes and class begins promptly at 6:00pm.
/CDD/Calendar/2013/02/06/febrauryfirsttimehomebuyingworkshop
January First Time Homebuying Workshop
Pre-registration Required. The four-week workshop will cover a variety of topics including: an overview of the home buying process, credit & budgeting, obtaining a mortgage, legal issues, home inspections, and an introduction to Cambridge's financial assistance programs. Classes include a combination of presentations by Cambridge homebuyer cunselors, local real estate brokers, home inspectors and loan officers. Participants are expected to attend all four classes and class begins promptly at 6:00pm.
/CDD/Calendar/2013/01/09/januaryfirsttimehomebuyingworkshop
April First Time Homebuyer Workshop
Pre-registration Required. The four-week workshop will cover a variety of topics including: an overview of the home buying process, credit & budgeting, obtaining a mortgage, legal issues, home inspections, and an introduction to Cambridge's financial assistance programs. Classes include a combination of presentations by Cambridge homebuyer counselors, local real estate brokers, home inspectors and loan officers. Participants are expected to attend all four classes and class begins promptly at 6:00pm.
/CDD/Calendar/2013/04/03/aprilfirsttimehomebuyerworkshop
October First -Time Homebuyer Workshop
Pre-registration Required. The four-week workshop will cover a variety of topics including: an overview of the home buying process, credit & budgeting, obtaining a mortgage, legal issues, home inspections, and an introduction to Cambridge's financial assistance programs. Classes include a combination of presentations by Cambridge homebuyer counselors, local real estate brokers, home inspectors and loan officers. Participants are expected to attend all four classes and class begins promptly at 6:00pm.
/CDD/Calendar/2013/10/02/octoberfirsttimehomebuyerworkshop
City of Cambridge Becomes the First City in New England to Work with BlocPower on Building Decarbonization
The City of Cambridge and BlocPower announced a new pilot partnership to help multifamily buildings upgrade with energy efficiency, rooftop solar, and more comfortable, all-electric heating, cooling, and hot water systems. Supporting buildings in completing such upgrades is an important step in achieving the goals of Cambridge’s Net Zero Action Plan, including the city’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050.
/CDD/News/2023/4/cityandblocpowerpartnershiponbuildingdecarbonization
Pathmark Lottery
First-time homebuyer lottery opportunity for units at The Pathmark
/CDD/Projects/Housing/homeownershiplottery/pathmarklottery
1055 Cambridge Street Lottery
First-time homebuyer lottery opportunity for units located at 1055 Cambridge Street
/CDD/Projects/Housing/homeownershiplottery/1055cambridgestreetlottery
Triangle Park
The City completed construction of Triangle Park, located at 200 First Street in East Cambridge, in 2023.
/CDD/Projects/Parks/trianglepark
Join us on Sunday, 10/8 !
This will be the first public meeting for the study of city-owned property in Central Square.
/CDD/News/2023/9/centralsquarecitylotsstudypublicmeeting1
35 Cherry Street Begins Construction
Construction begins at 35 Cherry Street, the first homeownership project developed under the Affordable Housing Overlay.
/CDD/News/2025/12/35cherrystreetbeginsconstruction
Citywide Urban Design Guidelines Exhibition
Stop by the first floor of the Main Branch Library to view a display of key information from the Urban Design Guidelines, and provide feedback.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/03/26/citywideurbandesignguidelinesexhibition
Central Square Rezoning Community Meeting 1
Join us virtually on Thursday, May 30th from 6-7:30 pm for the first of three community meetings on updating the zoning for Central Square!
/CDD/News/2024/5/centralsquarerezoningcommunitymeeting1
Mass Ave Planning Study Community Meeting: A Focus on North Mass Ave
Community meeting notice for Mass Ave Planning Study - A focus on North Mass Ave. This is the first meeting for this study area. We will be presenting initial observations and developing a vision and goals for this area.
/CDD/Calendar/2024/09/26/massaveplanningstudynorthmassavecommunitymeeting
Food Business Incubator Program
The Food Business Incubator Program offers technical assistance and other resources to food businesses in Cambridge, with a focus on women- and minority-owned businesses as well as first-time food entrepreneurs.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/smallbusinessprograms/foodb...
344 Broadway City Hall Annex Building Profile
Green building information about the renovation of the historic Cambridge City Hall Annex at 344 Broadway, the first LEED-Gold municipal building in Massachusetts.
/CDD/climateandenergy/municipalsustainability/344broadway
Cambridge Needs Assessment
The first step of this process is to conduct a comprehensive Needs Assessment. The primary purpose of the Needs Assessment is to gain an in-depth understanding of the community's most pressing needs and service gaps.
/CDD/Projects/Planning/cambridgeneedsassessment
Mass Ave Planning Study Community Meeting: A Focus on North Mass Ave
Community meeting notice for Mass Ave Planning Study - A Focus on North Mass Ave. This is the first meeting for this study area which includes Porter Square. We will be presenting initial observations and developing goals and a vision for this area.
/CDD/News/2024/8/massaveplanningstudynorthmassavecommunitymeeting
City of Cambridge Announces Completion of its Disparity Study
Building on the City of Cambridge's commitment to reducing barriers and working with more diverse business owners, the City has completed its first ever Disparity Study focused on the procurement of goods and services.
/CDD/News/2023/12/cityofcambridgeannouncescompletionofitsdisparitystudy
Mt. Auburn Street Bus Priority Pilot
Cambridge, in partnership with Watertown, was awarded a community grant from the Barr Foundation to work with the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) to pilot bus priority improvements for routes 71 and 73 along Mt. Auburn Street west of Fresh Pond Parkway. The demonstration project includes the first dedicated bus lanes in Cambridge and new bike lanes, as well as transit signal priority. It uses temporary materials like paint and signs, which will remain in place during the evaluation, and is the first step towards implementing a long-term plan for the Mt. Auburn corridor.
/CDD/Transportation/projects/completedprojects/mtauburnstreetbusprioritydemonstration
CANCELLED: 71 Cherry Street AHO Community Meeting
The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) is hosting their first AHO community meeting on February 19th, 2025 at 6 p.m. to discuss plans for the proposed development at 71 Cherry Street as 100% affordable housing.
Via Zoom: bit.ly/m/MFNHRevampProject
In Person: CCF Conference Room, 99 Bishop Allen Dr. Cambridge, MA 02139
If you are interested in attending the meeting, please register here.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/02/19/71cherrystreetahocommunitymeeting
240 Broadway (Broadway Park) - AHO Community Meeting
Due to technical issues, Just A Start is holding a repeat session of their first AHO meeting on September 18th at 6 p.m. via Zoom to present updated designs and to collect feedback on their proposed development at 240 Broadway (Broadway Park). Click here for more information on how to listen in.
You may attend this meeting via Zoom. Please registerhere to attend the meeting online.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/09/18/240broadwaybroadwayparkahocommunitymeeting
Corcoran Park AHO Community Meeting
The CHA is starting the zoning and permitting process for the Modernization of Corcoran Park under the City’s new Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO). This process follows a series of resident meetings, door knocking at Corcoran Park and abutting properties, phone and text outreach to Corcoran Park residents, and August poster sessions open to the neighborhood. Please join the first virtual neighborhood meeting to learn about the project.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/02/13/corcoranparkahocommunitymeeting
Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust Brochure
Describes the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust and its activities supporting affordable housing acquisition and development, affordable housing preservation, first-time homebuyer assistance, and housing rehabilitation.
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/C/cahtbrochure2006
12-14 Laurel Street - AHO Community Meeting
Just A Start (JAS) is hosting their first AHO community meeting on September 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss plans for the proposed redevelopment at 12-14 Laurel Street as 100% affordable housing.
You may attend this meeting either in-person or online.
In-person: 55 Norfolk Street, Cambridge, MA
Online: via Zoom. Please register here to attend the meeting online.
For more information about the project, please contact Connor Ring at ConnorRing@justastart.org.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/09/11/1214laurelstreetahocommunitymeeting
Mass Ave Planning Study - Community Meeting 1
We're excited to host our first community meeting for the Mass Ave Planning Study (MAPS) on Thursday, February 29 from 6 PM - 7:30 PM.
The meeting will provide an introduction to the project; an opportunity for the community to learn more about the process; and a chance to talk with the planning team about Mass Ave!
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.
/CDD/News/2024/1/massaveplanningstudycommunitymeeting1
Mass Ave Planning Study (MAPS) Working Group - Meeting 1
We will be hosting our first working group meeting for the Mass Ave Planning Study on Wednesday, February 7 at 6 PM. The meeting will serve as an introduction to the project; an opportunity for working group members to learn more about the process; and a chance for any members of the public to ask initial questions for the planning team. This meeting will be held via Zoom.
/CDD/News/2024/1/massaveplanningstudymapsworkinggroupmeeting1
East Cambridge Zoning Guide
1985 design principles and land use plans for the former industrial area of East Cambridge, covering the triangle from the First and Second Streets to the Charles River. Referenced in Zoning Ordinance, Articles 13.30, 13.40 and 13.50.
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/E/ecambzoningguide1985
Housing Resource Fair
Join us for our Annual Housing Resource Fair and learn about housing services and your rights. City staff will provide informational materials and answer your questions about housing rights, affordable housing, financial assistance, eviction resources, and first-time homebuyer programs.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/05/03/fairhousingresourcefair
Rindge Commons North
Just a Start (JAS) will be building two new buildings at 430-432 Rindge Avenue in North Cambridge. This two-phased project, called Rindge Commons, will create 101 affordable apartments. All units will be affordable to households earning under 80% AMI, with some being more deeply affordable. Additionally, JAS's development will provide community-wide benefits by addressing climate change mitigation and sustainability goals and enhancing the experience of pedestrians and cyclists along Alewife Brook Parkway and Rindge Avenue.
The first phase, Rindge Commons North, will include 24 affordable one- and two-bedroom rental units, as well several floors of non-residential where JAS will be consolidating its training and education programs into a centralized location. The City will also be leasing space to create three Pre-Kindergarten classrooms for children between ages three and five years old, providing much needed affordable early education for Cambridge’s working families. Rindge Commons North is located just steps away from the Alewife T-Station, and shares a site with JAS’s Rindge Tower Apartments.
The second phase of Rindge Commons will begin once Rindge Commons North is complete and will contain 77 affordable family-sized units.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/rindgecommonsnorth
Homebuyer Education
The City of Cambridge offers homebuyer education and counseling for all.
/CDD/housing/forhomebuyers/education
For Homebuyers
The City of Cambridge has many programs to assist potential homebuyers.
/CDD/housing/forhomebuyers
Downpayment Assistance
Downpayment Assistance for Cambridge Homebuyers
/CDD/housing/forhomebuyers/downpaymentassistance
Auburn Court 1 & 2
Auburn Court includes 146 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments within a 6-story mid-rise building and adjoining town-house style buildings.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/auburncourt1and2
52 New Street
52 New Street, a new, affordable, rental apartment building, will begin accepting applications for a resident lottery on July 1
/CDD/News/2025/5/52newstreet
Marketing Underway for New Affordable Housing at 52 New Street Apartments
Just A Start (JAS) is beginning the marketing process for its 106-unit affordable development at 52 New Street in Cambridge. For more information about the application process, including the upcoming information sessions, please visit click on the flyer here or email 52NewStreet@Wingatecompanies.com.
/CDD/News/2025/4/marketingunderwayfornewaffordablehousingat52newstreetapartments
52 New Street - New Info Sessions
52 New Street, a new, affordable, rental apartment building, will begin accepting applications for a resident lottery on July 1
/CDD/News/2025/6/52newstreet
Homeowner Education
The City of Cambridge in collaboration with Mass Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA) offers a course for New Condominium Owners twice a year in Cambridge.
/CDD/housing/forhomeowners/education
Grand Junction Multi-use Path
Grand Junction Multi-use Path project is a rail with trail alongside or within the Grand Junction railroad right of way, which is now primarily owned by the state, without precluding future transit on the corridor. The first segment was constructed in 2016 as part of the Grand Junction Park. Since then, the City committed $10 million for the design and construction of the path north of Broadway, and MIT committed $8.5 million and right-of-way for the design and construction on MIT-owned portions between Main Street and Pacific Street. In 2019 the City began the design process for the multi-use path between the Charles River at the BU Bridge and the Cambridge Somerville city line.
/CDD/Projects/Transportation/grandjunctionpathway
Cambridge Entrepreneurship Assistance Application Form
This page provides a link to the Cambridge Entrepreneurship Assistance Program Application Form. The Program is a 4 month financial education program for entrepreneurs in emerging technologies.
/CDD/Forms/Forms/E/cambridgeentrepreneurshipassistanceapplicationform
Past Projects
Learn how local businesses and business associations used the Boosting Business Blocks Grant (formerly known as the Small Business Challenge).
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/boostingbusinessblocks/sbcw...
HomeBridge
Housing program to provide financial assistance to homebuyers
/CDD/housing/forhomebuyers/HomeBridge
Recent Data Updates
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.
/CDD/News/2023/4/dataupdates
Small Business Coaching
Information about the City of Cambridge's Small Business Coaching Program. The program provides coaches to eligible small business owners interested in getting one-on-one assistance in succession planning, restaurant management, marketing, and bookkeeping.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/smallbusinessprograms/small...
Disparity Study
This page provides information on Cambridge's 2023 Disparity Study focused on the procurement of goods and services.
/CDD/Projects/EconDev/cambridgedisparitystudy
Mid-Cambridge Action Plan
A project page for the Mid-Cambridge Action Plan. Part of the Neighborhood Planning Initiative.
/CDD/planud/NPI/midcambridgeactionplan
Neighborhood Nine Action Plan
A project page for the Neighborhood Nine Action Plan. Part of the Neighborhood Planning Initiative.
/CDD/planud/NPI/neighborhoodnineactionplan
Corcoran Park
The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) is preparing to begin a comprehensive modernization of their existing Corcoran Park development in Strawberry Hill. The redevelopment of Corcoran Park is expected to involve the demolition and replacement of the existing outdated buildings, built in the early 1950s, with new, deeply affordable rental units that will be built to Passive House standards.
The CHA anticipates creating the revitalized Corcoran Park development under provisions of the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO).
/CDD/Projects/Housing/corcoranpark
Wellington-Harrington Action Plan
A project page for the Wellington-Harrington Action Plan. Part of the Neighborhood Planning Initiative.
/CDD/planud/NPI/wellingtonharringtonactionplan
Broadway Park AHO Community Meeting
JAS held an initial community meeting on January 14th, 2025 to introduce themselves and the project to the community. They are holding another community meeting on July 24th at 6 p.m. at 243 Broadway, Cambridge and via Zoom to present updated designs and to collect feedback. Those who are interested in attending can register for the meeting here.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/07/24/broadwayparkahocommunitymeeting
Chapman Arms
Located at 122 Mount Auburn Street the Chapman Arms Apartments, formerly known as the Craigie Arms, was purchased by Homeowners Rehab Inc. in 2011, preserving 25 affordable housing units. Major rehab was completed in Summer of 2014.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/chapmanarms
City of Cambridge Food Truck Program
The City of Cambridge Food Truck Program is designed to provide entrepreneurial opportunities for food truck operators, provide more diverse food options in targeted areas, and bring additional street level amenities to Cambridge public spaces.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/smallbusinessprograms/foodb...
Business Associations
Listing of Cambridge business associations.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/businessassociations
Top 25 Employer List for 2022
Learn about the top 25 employers in Cambridge and find links to career web sites.
/CDD/News/2023/1/top25employerlistfor2022
Other Sustainability Information
In addition to initiatives to make buildings and vehicles more sustainable, the City addresses other issues including: Urban forestry, Recycling, composting, and waste reduction, Environmentally preferable purchasing, Stormwater management and Safe drinking water supply.
/CDD/climateandenergy/municipalsustainability/othersustainabilityissues
Affordable Mortgage Products
Information about affordable mortgage products available qualified buyers.
/CDD/housing/forhomebuyers/mortgageproducts
Squirrel Brand
The Squirrel Brand project includes several buildings, historic preservation, and adaptive reuse to convert the former candy factory into 18 affordable rental units.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/squirrelbrand
87-101 Blanchard Road
B'nai B'rith Housing, a Greater Boston nonprofit housing developer, is proposing to expand the existing site at 89 Blanchard Road and create new affordable senior housing. They plan to create this new housing under provisions of the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO).
/CDD/Projects/Housing/87101blanchardroad
Temple Place Apartments
Temple Place Apartments, developed at the former location of the YWCA pool building, near Central Square, contains 40 units of affordable rental housing.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/templeplaceapartments
Spring Street Traffic Calming
The Spring Street reconstruction project includes traffic calming elements to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance safety for pedestrians.
/CDD/Projects/trafficcalming/springstreet
Green Line Extension
The MBTA extended the Green Line to Union Square in Somerville and College Avenue in Medford. The MBTA also plans for a future extension to Route 16/Mystic Valley Parkway in West Medford.
/CDD/Transportation/projects/completedprojects/greenlineextension
Central Square City Lots Study - Virtual Public Meeting October 25
This will be a virtual public meeting to share information about the project; review the sites that we are planning for; and receive community input and ideas on future uses for these properties. We will cover similar content to our prior in-person meeting, but in an online friendly format.
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.
/CDD/News/2023/10/centralsquarecitylotsstudyvirtualpublicmeeting
Cambridge Celebrates National Small Business Month
The City of Cambridge is celebrating National Small Business Month in May 2023! Throughout the month join us for webinars and other events to provide resources to local small businesses and entrepreneurs, and to celebrate the importance of small businesses to Cambridge's vibrant community.
/CDD/News/2023/4/cambridgecelebratesnationalsmallbusinessmonth
Mass Ave Planning Study Community Meeting
The next Community Meeting for MAPS will focus on the area South of Porter Square, and include opportunities for public participation around the issues facing this area.
/CDD/News/2024/3/massaveplanningstudycommunitymeeting
52 New Street - Application Live!
The application for 52 New Street, a new, affordable, rental apartment building, is live until Thursday, August 29, 2025 at 3 p.m.
/CDD/News/2025/7/52newstreetapplicationlive!
821-825 Main Street
Just A Start Corporation, with support from the City, developed ten affordable condominiums on the site of the former Nightstage.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/821825mainstreet
WordPress for Small Businesses
This 2-session class will serve as an introductory guide to using WordPress.
/CDD/Calendar/2017/02/08/wordpressforsmallbusinesses
Print Shop Condominiums
Cascap, Inc. developed a former print shop on Harvard Street into 24 units of green affordable ownership.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/printshop
52 New Street
Just A Start (JAS) is constructing 106 units of affordable housing on an underutilized parcel immediately adjacent to Danehy Park in Neighborhood Nine.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/52newstreet
Columbia Court
Just A Start purchased an existing commercial building and two multi-family homes for redevelopment into thirteen affordable homeownership units.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/columbiacourt
Cambridge KiOSK Opening Celebration
The City of Cambridge, in partnership with CultureHouse and the Cambridge Office for Tourism, is reopening the historic Kiosk in Harvard Square as the Cambridge KiOSK – a dynamic cultural incubator, community gathering space, and visitor information center. Join us for an opening day celebration featuring live music, refreshments, and a speaking program.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/05/30/kioskopeningcelebration
Design Guidelines and Area Plans
The Zoning Ordinance refers to urban design plans and guidelines that apply to certain parts of the city or to certain categories of development.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Zoning/designguidelines
New Affordable Housing at 52 New Street
Wingate Properties is processing applications from prospective tenants for new affordable rental housing at 52 New Street.
/CDD/News/2025/10/newaffordablehousingat52newstreet
Take the East Cambridge Customer Intercept Survey
This month the Economic Opportunity and Development Division is surveying customers in East Cambridge as part of our Commercial District Assessment projects.
/CDD/News/2023/6/taketheeastcambridgeinterceptsurvey
2015 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2015.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2015pb
Urban Design
What is urban design? This term means different things to different people.
/CDD/planud/urbandesignprimer
2023 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2023.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2023pb
Take the Neighborhood Goals Survey
Help set goals for Neighborhood Action Plans in Mid-Cambridge, Neighborhood Nine, and Wellington-Harrington.
/CDD/News/2023/8/neighborhoodgoalssurvey
Small Business E-Commerce Grant
Information about the City of Cambridge's Small Business E-Commerce Program. The program provides website and e-commerce assistance to retailers, restaurants, home-based business through grants.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/smallbusinessprograms/small...
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!
/CDD/News/2023/11/shopcambridgethisholidayseason
October is National Women's Business Month
The City of Cambridge will celebrate National Women’s Business Month during October to recognize the importance of women-owned businesses and highlight the women entrepreneurs who contribute so much to the local Cambridge economy.
/CDD/News/2023/9/octoberisnationalwomensbusinessmonth
Citywide Urban Design Guidelines Open House and Exhibition
Coming soon, the Community Development Department is excited to present draft citywide urban design guidelines for Cambridge. Join us in March and April for an open house and exhibition to review the draft guidelines and provide feedback.
/CDD/News/2025/3/citywideurbandesignguidelinesopenhouseandexhibition
Putnam Square - 2 Mt Auburn Street
During 2013 Homeowners Rehab Inc. purchased the Putnam Square Apartments at 2 Mt Auburn Street, preserving 94 units of affordable housing for seniors and disabled individuals.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/putnamsquare2mtauburn
Small Business Enhancement Program
Information about the City of Cambridge's Small Business Enhancement Program. The program provides equipment and marketing assistance to retailers, restaurants, home-based business through grants.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/smallbusinessprograms/small...
2019 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2019.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2019pb
2018 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2018.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2018pb
Other Data Sources
Other data sources for statistical analysis and research.
/CDD/factsandmaps/othercitydatasources
PARKing Day
PARK(ing) Day is an annual worldwide event where artists, designers and citizens transform metered parking spots into temporary public parks.
/CDD/Projects/Transportation/parkingday
2021 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2021.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2021pb
Succession Planning
The Economic Opportunity and Development Division offers resources for small business owners planning and thinking about succession planning.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/smallbusinessprograms/succe...
Climate Change and Air Quality
The Vehicle Trip Reduction Ordinance was enacted in 1992 in response to increasing concerns about the impact on air quality caused by driving.
/CDD/Transportation/programs/stratagiesandpolicies/climatechangeandairquality
Cambridge Plays Application is Now Open!
Do you have an idea of how to activate a Cambridge park or plaza? We are currently looking for local businesses and non-profits to submit proposals for ways to activate public parks and plazas during May - July 2023.
/CDD/News/2023/4/cambridgeplaysapplicationisnowopen!
Inclusionary Housing Zoning Petition
The Community Development Department commissioned the Inclusionary Housing Study to examine the current inclusionary housing provisions in the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and determine whether any changes to the ordinance are warranted. This resulted in a Zoning Petition.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/inclusionaryhousingstudy
Sennott Park Renovation Project
This very actively used park lies along Broadway at the intersection with Norfolk Street and is right next to the Area IV Youth Center. The area features multi-purpose playing fields, a playground, water play and basketball courts. One edge of the park was improved in 2010 with a walking path, ornamental fencing, park furniture and landscaping.
/CDD/Projects/Parks/sennottpark
Aging in Cambridge
The Community Development Department working with the Department of Human Service Programs explored the housing needs of the senior population.
/CDD/Projects/Planning/Aging
Citywide Demographics
Docmuents with demographic data covering the entire City of Cambridge.
/CDD/factsandmaps/populationdata/citywidedemographics
Zoning Centennial
Did you know that 2024 is the 100th anniversary of the Zoning Ordinance? Learn about how the Zoning & Development Division at CDD is reflecting on a century of zoning and how it has guided the development of the city.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Zoning/zoningcentennial
Celebrate and Support Black-Owned Businesses This August
Cambridge is proud to celebrate National Black Business Month. We're highlighting the important contributions of Black entrepreneurs who strengthen our community and our country's economy.
/CDD/News/2025/7/celebrateandsupportblackownedbusinessesthisaugust
Affordable Housing Trust
The Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust was established by the City Council with the mission of expanding and protecting affordable housing opportunities in Cambridge.
/CDD/housing/housingtrust
Creating a new ECKOS system
More than five acres of new and renovated public open space will be created in Kendall Square and Eastern Cambridge over the next few years. The Eastern Cambridge Kendall Square Open Space (ECKOS) Planning Study is working to shape these new parks.
/CDD/parks/osplanning/ecambkendallparks/creatinganeweckossystem
Map Collections
The Community Development Department produces a wide variety of maps for its own use and as a source of information for the public.
/CDD/factsandmaps/mapgalleries
Transit Advisory Committee Vacancy
The Transit Advisory Committee advises on city and state projects, positions and policies on transit service planning, scheduling, infrastructure modernization, expansion and long-term sustainable funding for transit.
/CDD/News/2023/3/transitadvisorycommitteevacancy
Food Business Basics Program
The City of Cambridge Community Development Department (CDD) is launching a new program for Cambridge residents who have a passion for food and a dream of owning a business, but a lot of questions about combining the two.
/CDD/News/2024/2/foodbusinessbasicsprogram
Town Gown Archive
Copies of older Town Gown reports.
/CDD/planud/institutionalplanning/towngownarchive
Urban Agriculture Task Force
The Urban Agriculture Task Force is developing an ordinance that includes 1) zoning to explicitly allow agricultural activities, and, 2) regulations to support and limit activities.
/CDD/Projects/Planning/urbanagriculturetaskforce
Homeownership Program Review
As part of the ongoing Homeownership Program Review process, the Housing Division is inviting current owners of affordable homes to attend an information and feedback session. These meetings are being held to provide an overview of the proposed recommendations to some of the program terms, including the way units increase in value and whether units can be passed through inheritance.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/affordablehomeownershipprogramreview_dec2023
New East Cambridge Parks
Read design and construction updates related to Binney St. Park, Rogers St. Park, and Triangle Park.
/CDD/Projects/Parks/eastcambridgeparks
Inclusionary Housing
City of Cambridge’s Inclusionary Housing Program and Ordinance
/CDD/housing/inclusionaryhousing
Cambridge Celebrates National Black Business Month
This August, the City of Cambridge is proud to celebrate National Black Business Month by hosting a variety of events aimed at supporting and promoting Black business owners.
/CDD/News/2024/7/cambridgecelebratesnationalblackbusinessmonth
City of Cambridge Operations To Go Green
Thanks to an innovative partnership among multiple local institutions and a new wind power project in North Dakota, all of the electricity used by Cambridge city buildings, schools and operations will be 100% carbon neutral starting in 2026.
/CDD/News/2024/11/cityofcambridgeoperationstogogreen
Cambridge Main Streets
Cambridge Main Streets Energy Efficiency Initiative will take place from June 10 - June 14 for local small businesses.
/CDD/News/2024/6/cambridgemainstreets
Rental Preference Point Updates 2025
The Housing Department has updated the preference point system used for the Inclusionary Housing Rental Program.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/rentalpreferencepointupdates2025
By Car
Learn more about getting around Cambridge by car.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bycar
Transit Advisory Committee Vacancy
The Transit Advisory Committee provides advice to city staff on city and state projects related to transit. The Committee gives advice and input to the city on how to improve and promote public transportation. This includes the transit services of the MBTA, EZRide, and other shuttles in the city.
/CDD/News/2024/9/transitadvisorycommitteevacancy
2017 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2017.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2017pb
Park Projects
Park projects and planning efforts currently underway or recently completed.
/CDD/parks/parksprojects
2006 - 2008 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas and Hearing Notices from July 2006 through December 2008
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/20068pb
Norfolk Street
The City of Cambridge, with the Affordable Housing Trust (CAHT) and the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA), celebrated a recently completed Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) development at 116 Norfolk Street. With funding from the City through the Affordable Housing Trust, as well as other public and private funding, the CHA has completed the construction of 62 new PSH units.
/CDD/News/2025/6/norfolkstreet
Affordable Housing Trust Vacancy
The Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust (the Trust) works to expand and protect affordable housing opportunities in Cambridge. The Trust administers and oversees most City funds allocated to create and preserve affordable rental and homeownership housing, and to support housing programs that address the city’s affordable housing needs.
/CDD/News/2023/3/affordablehousingtrustvacancy
Harvard Square
Information about the Harvard Square Commercial District. It includes market profile, business association and study documents about the area.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/aboutcambridge/harvardsq
Boosting Business Blocks Grant
The Boosting Business Blocks Grant offers Cambridge businesses, business associations, and groups of neighborhood businesses the opportunity to secure one-time grant funding for well-designed projects that bring together neighborhood business interests around shared goals of improved design, promotion, and business resilience in a commercial area.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/boostingbusinessblocks
Shop Locally in Cambridge this Holiday Season
Small Business Saturday is November 29, 2025, and it's the perfect time to explore the incredible shops, restaurants, and services across Cambridge in our squares, neighborhoods, and beyond.
/CDD/News/2025/10/shoplocallyincambridgethisholidayseason
Development Review
Information about development review meetings
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/developmentreview
Specialized Stretch Energy Code
Cambridge adopted the Specialized Stretch Energy Code in January 2023, which requires builders, for both new construction and major renovations, to meet high performance standards, prepare buildings for all-electric heating and hot water systems, and make parking facilities ready for electric vehicle charging equipment.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/sustainabledevelopment/stretchcode
Zoning Ordinance
City of Cambridge Zoning Ordinance Text
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Zoning/Ordinance
FAQs
The Small Business Challenge Grant offers Cambridge businesses, business associations, and groups of neighborhood businesses the opportunity to secure one-time grant funding in increments of $1,000 for well-designed projects that bring together neighborhood business interests around shared goals of improved design, promotion, and business resilience in a commercial area.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/boostingbusinessblocks/FAQs...
For Food Truck Applicants
This page describes the eligibility criteria and application process for food truck vendors interested in applying to the City of Cambridge Food Truck Pilot
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/smallbusinessprograms/foodb...
Carshare
Carsharing gives Cambridge residents a transportation option that complements the city’s robust transit, bicycling, and walking networks. Carshare members get the benefit of a private car without the cost and responsibility owning one.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bycar/carshare
October is National Women's Business Month
The City is celebrating National Women's Business Month this October to recognize the importance of women-owned businesses and to highlight the women entrepreneurs in the local Cambridge economy.
/CDD/News/2022/9/octoberisnationalwomensbusinessmonth
Storefront Improvement Program
Storefront Improvement Program provides technical and financial assistance to property owners or tenants seeking to renovate or restore commercial building exterior facades.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/smallbusinessprograms/store...
Central Square Advisory Committee
The Central Square Advisory Committee is appointed by the City Manager to undertake all large project reviews, receive all applications for variances and special permits for activities within the Central Square Overlay District, and monitor the progress of the Central Square non-zoning recommendations of the K2C2 Study.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/advcomms/centraladvcomm
Logan Noise Study
The City of Cambridge is a member of Logan Noise Study Advisory Committee.
/CDD/Transportation/regionalplanning/logannoisestudy
Remote Planning Board Meetings
Information about Cambridge Planning Board Meetings held remotely using Zoom Webinar platform.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/remoteplanningboardmeetings
Vacant Storefront Creative Design Contest
This page describes the City of Cambridge's Vacant Storefront Design Contest.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/vacantstorefrontresources/vacantstorefrontcreatived...
Belmont - Cambridge - Somerville Path
Learn more about MassDOT's community path project that connects Belmont, Cambridge, and Somerville.
/CDD/Transportation/projects/completedprojects/belmontcambridgesomervillepath
Cambridge Zones for Multifamily Housing Citywide
On February 10, 2025, the Cambridge City Council voted to adopt zoning amendments that allow multifamily housing in all Cambridge neighborhoods.
/CDD/News/2025/2/zoningformultifamilyhousingcitywide
Central Square Advisory Committee Call for Members
The Central Square Advisory Committee (CSAC) is a group of community members with direct relationships to Central Square in Cambridge who review development proposals and planning projects that impact Central Square.
/CDD/News/2023/5/centralsquareadvisorycommitteevacancy
Separated Bicycle Facilities
The term “separated bicycle facility” is generally used to refer to bicycle facilities that follow street alignments but where there is a physical separation between the bicycle travel area and the motor vehicle travel area, often through barriers or grade separation. They are located between the street and the sidewalk, or between the parking lane and the sidewalk and may be referred to as buffered bike lanes, raised bike lanes, cycle tracks, or one-way bike paths.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/bicycling/cycletracks
Central Square Advisory Committee Vacancies
The Central Square Advisory Committee (CSAC) is a group of community members with direct relationships to Central Square in Cambridge who review development proposals and planning projects that impact Central Square.
/CDD/News/2024/7/centralsquareadvisorycommitteevacancies
Bicycle Parking
Find out more about parking your bicycle in Cambridge.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/Parking
2022 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2022.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2022pb
Article 22 Green Building Requirements
Guidance for complying with green building requirements found in Article 22 of the zoning ordinance.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/sustainabledevelopment/article22greenbldgrequirements
Pedestrian Plan
Reviews elements of the Cambridge Pedestrian Plan
/CDD/Transportation/programs/currentprograms/pedestrianplan
Planning Board Meetings
Meeting Agendas, Hearing Notices and Transcripts for the Cambridge Planning Board.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings
Community Compact for a Sustainable Future
The City of Cambridge, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology signed a historic “Community Compact for a Sustainable Future” aimed at leveraging the intellectual and entrepreneurial capacity of the business, non-profit, education, and municipal sectors in Cambridge to contribute to a healthy, livable and sustainable future.
/CDD/climateandenergy/climatechangeplanning/climateprotectionactioncommittee/communitycomp...
Bus Priority
bus priority projects
/CDD/Transportation/regionalplanning/masstransit/buspriority
Other Housing Providers
Contact information for other housing providers in Cambridge.
/CDD/housing/resourcesandadditionalinformation/otherproviders