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Article 22 Green Building Requirements
Guidance for complying with green building requirements found in Article 22 of the zoning ordinance.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/sustainabledevelopment/article22greenbldgrequirements
Article 22 Green Roofs Requirement
Guidance for complying with green building roofs requirement found in Article 22 of the zoning ordinance.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/sustainabledevelopment/article22greenroofsrequirement
Green Building/Zoning Task Force
The Green Building and Zoning Task Force analyzed various approaches and to encourage energy efficient building practices.
/CDD/Projects/Planning/greenbuildings
Print Shop Condominiums
Cascap, Inc. developed a former print shop on Harvard Street into 24 units of green affordable ownership.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/printshop
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
Putnam Green
Putnam Green development 40 units of affordable rental housing at 625 Putnam Avenue completed in 2012.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/putnamgreen
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
Green Building Annex
Article discussing the reconstruction of the City Hall Annex office building as a Green Building using the guidelines of the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/G/greenbuildingannex
By Transit
With six Red and Green Line MBTA stations, dozens of bus routes, the EZRide and Cambridgeside Mall Shuttles, getting around Cambridge on public transit is always a great option. See below for transit routes and providers.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bytransit
Green Ribbon Open Space Committee Report 2000
The Green Ribbon Open Space Committee was appointed in 1999 to develop criteria for expanding and improving the city’s open space system.
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/G/greenribbonreport2000
Green Building Task Force Recommendations
The Green Building/Zoning Task Force was appointed by the City Manager in April 2008 to work with City staff and analyze various approaches and to encourage energy efficient building practices.
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/G/greenbuildingtaskforce2009
Map & Listing
Links to a listing of Cambridge biotech, high tech and green companies as well as a map showing their approximate location within the city. Please note that these are not complete sources.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/lifesciencesandtechnologybusinesses/maplisting
35 Harvey Street
Homeowners Rehab Inc. (HRI) renovated 35 Harvey Street, an existing affordable housing development located just off of Massachusetts Avenue near Alewife Linear Park and the Minuteman multi-use path.
The work involved converting 16 single-room-occupancy (SRO) units with shared facilities into 12 enhanced SRO housing units with private baths and kitchens. Ten out of the twelve units are deeply affordable by serving households under 30% AMI while the remaining two serve households under 50% AMI. All units have project-based vouchers.
Other work includes improvements to the exterior, the addition of a site manager’s office, common area upgrades, and an updated resident meeting space. The project was being designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities (EGC) certification.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/35harveystreet
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
CDD Climate Resilience Zoning
Information on Cambridge's recently-adopted zoning amendments related to climate resilience.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/sustainabledevelopment/climateresiliencezoning
Switching your energy supply
It is possible to choose a competitive electricity supplier to deliver your electricity, but the terms and conditions of cancellation depend on the contract you sign with the competitive supplier.
/CDD/climateandenergy/energyefficiencyandrenewableenergy/switchingtocompetitivesupplyandgr...
Charles Park
A passive park near the Charles River and the Cambridgeside Galleria between Cambridge Parkway and Land Boulevard near its intersection with Rogers Street. This park also includes a small tot-lot that was renovated in 2005.
/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/charlespark
Community Development Department Leadership Update
Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager of Community Development, is leaving the City to become the Managing Director of Campus Planning at Harvard University.
/CDD/News/2024/11/communitydevelopmentdepartmentleadershipupdate
Longfellow Road Traffic Calming
The project includes reconstruction of Longfellow Road as a "Shared Street," which consists of having roadway and sidewalks at the same level.
/CDD/Projects/trafficcalming/longfellowroadtcalm
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...
Community Organizations
Community organizations with an interest in climate issues.
/CDD/climateandenergy/resources/Organizations
Pemberton Street Traffic Calming
The reconstruction of Fairfield Street and Pemberton Street from Rindge Avenue to Fairfield Street includes pedestrian access and pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of Fairfield Street and Pemberton Street.
/CDD/Projects/trafficcalming/pembertonstreetatfairfield
Available Webinars and Video Workshops
This page lists available recorded business development workshops available to Cambridge residents and business owners.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/Workshops/availablerecorded...
Coworking and Incubator Spaces
This page is a listing of the co-working and incubator spaces located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/lifesciencesandtechnologybusinesses/coworkingandinc...
116 Norfolk Street
The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) expanded and historically renovated their existing property at 116 Norfolk Street.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/116norfolkstreet
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
Scott and Irving Streets Traffic Calming
The Irving and Scott Streets reconstruction project includes traffic calming elements to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance safety for pedestrians.
/CDD/Projects/trafficcalming/irvingandscottstreets
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
Designing for Pedestrians
The pedestrian realm includes sidewalks, open space, courtyards, and walkways--mostly public space, but private spaces as well.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/byfoot/Walking
95-97 Pine Street
Homeowners Rehab Inc rehabilitated 12 existing rental units at 95-97 Pine Street.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/9597pinestreet
Lincoln Way
In 2013 Cambridge Housing Authority completed the revitalization of Lincoln Way Apartments, finishing construction of 70 new apartments.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/lincolnway
Planning Studies
The Community Development Departments collaborates with other City departments to conduct planning studies of varying scales, often with goals to rezone, solve a particular problem, or create documentation of a topic.
/CDD/planud/planningstudies
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
Regional Transportation Planning
Cambridge participates in regional transportation planning efforts. Learn more about planning, funding, and projects.
/CDD/Transportation/regionalplanning
Wayfinding
Signs have been installed to help people bike between the Minuteman Bikeway/Alewife and the Charles River Bike Paths/Harvard Square.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/Wayfinding
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Buildings in Cambridge are responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than transportation and waste combined, or over 80% of the city’s total emissions.
/CDD/climateandenergy/energyefficiencyandrenewableenergy
2010 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2010
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2010pb
2015 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2015.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2015pb
Sustainable Development
Cambridge has adopted policies to encourage and require energy efficient and sustainable buildings as a strategy to achieve Cambridge’s goal to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/sustainabledevelopment
2012 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2012
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2012pb
Bluebikes Youth Discount
Are you a Cambridge high school student between the ages of 16 and 19? Do you want to pay $25 a year for a Bluebikes membership? Look no further!
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/bikeshare/bluebikesyouthdiscou...
North Point
This page gives a description of the North Point District of Cambridge.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/aboutcambridge/eastcamb/northpoint
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
Transit in Cambridge
Learn more about how Cambridge participates in transit planning and the MBTA.
/CDD/Transportation/regionalplanning/masstransit
Belmont - Cambridge - Somerville Path
Learn more about MassDOT's community path project that connects Belmont, Cambridge, and Somerville.
/CDD/Transportation/projects/completedprojects/belmontcambridgesomervillepath
CharlieCards
Where to get a CharlieCard in Cambridge
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bytransit/CharlieCards
Pilot Program
CitySmart began as a pilot program to test how social marketing affects transportation choices. We hoped to shift approximately 10% of single-occupant vehicle trips to more sustainable modes, such as walking, bicycling and transit.
/CDD/Transportation/CitySmart/citysmartpilotprogram
Bike Regulations
The Web version of the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts Traffic Regulations is provided for reference and the convenience of having the Ordinance in a computer-readable format.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/rulesoftheroad/bikeregulations
Massachusetts Names City of Cambridge a Climate Leader Community
Cambridge is proud to announce that it is one of just 19 Massachusetts communities to have achieved Climate Leader Community certification from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. This certification recognizes how far the city has come in setting and meeting rigorous requirements to become carbon neutral by 2050.
/CDD/News/2025/5/massachusettsnamescityofcambridgeaclimateleadercommunity
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
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
Multifamily Citywide
In March 2024, the City Council passed Policy Order 2024 #37, which asked the Community Development Department “to work with the chairs of the Housing Committee to create zoning language that effectively promotes multifamily housing, including income-restricted affordable housing with the goal of having viable housing for everyone especially lower-income residents.” A series of Housing Committee meetings will be held to discuss the proposal throughout the summer and fall of 2024. Additional information will be posted here as the proposal is developed.
/CDD/Projects/Zoning/multifamilyhousing
2006 - 2008 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas and Hearing Notices from July 2006 through December 2008
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/20068pb
Planning & Urban Design
Planning and urban design staff members work on many fronts to help the Cambridge community prepare for future growth and change.
/CDD/planud
Older Bicycle Facility Projects
Older Bicycle Facility Projects
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/newbikeprojects/olderbikeproje...
Brookline Street
Brookline Street reconstruction project, completed Fall 2010, included sidewalk replacement, repaving, and replacement of the water and sewer lines. Design improvements included traffic calming, safer pedestrian crossings, bicycle lanes and the addition of many more street trees.
/CDD/Transportation/projects/completedprojects/brooklinestreet
Safety
Safety tips for Motorists and Bicyclists in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/Safety
Employee Commute Information
Are you a Cambridge business owner who has limited parking? Do you want to make it easy for employees and patrons to leave their cars at home?
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/commuteinfo
Bluebikes Ebikes
Bluebikes ebikes have arrived in Cambridge. Pedal-assist technology and custom reflective paint make them perfect for both leisurely rides and effortless commutes. Bluebikes members enjoy the best ebike rates per minute. Find one near you and take it for a spin. Make sure to follow the rules of the road!
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/bikeshare/bluebikesebikes
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
Traffic Calming Program
The goal of traffic calming projects is to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods and allow cars to peacefully coexist with other modes of transportation.
/CDD/Transportation/programs/trafficcalmingprogram
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
History of Comprehensive Planning
From 2016 to 2019, the city undertook a process, Envision Cambridge, which resulted in a series of recommendations guiding the City to a more sustainable and equitable future by the year 2030.
/CDD/planud/masterplan/growthpolicy
Bus Priority
bus priority projects
/CDD/Transportation/regionalplanning/masstransit/buspriority
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
Rules of the Road
Learn about the rules of the road in Massachusetts, whether you drive, bike, or walk.
/CDD/Transportation/rulesoftheroad
2020 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2020.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2020pb
Bluebikes Bike Share
The City jointly owns the Bluebikes bike share system with Boston, Brookline, Everett, and Somerville. New communities include Arlington, Chelsea, Newton, Revere and Watertown.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/bikeshare
Adopted Zoning Amendments
Listing of adopted amendments to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Zoning/Amendments/adoptedzoningamendments
Other Housing Providers
Contact information for other housing providers in Cambridge.
/CDD/housing/resourcesandadditionalinformation/otherproviders
2021 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2021.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2021pb
Past Zoning Amendments Not Adopted
Proposed Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that were not adopted, either due to being placed on file because the time period for consideration had expired, or due to failure to receive the necessary votes on consideration by the City Council.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Zoning/Amendments/pastzoningamendmentsnotadopted