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Giacobbe Dog Run
A dedicated off leash dog area has been established behind the Anderson Courts on Pemberton Street.
/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/pembertonstreetdogrun
Downloads: Car
For those times when you need to drive, think about carpooling and carsharing. And always keep an eye out for walkers and cyclists.
/CDD/Transportation/CitySmart/citysmartbycar
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
Bicycle Crash Information
This City of Cambridge has been analyzing crash data in depth.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/bicyclecrashinformation
Vacant Storefront Creative Design Contest Winners Announced
Six artists have been chosen to participate in a City of Cambridge initiative to energize Cambridge neighborhoods by filling vacant store windows with reproductions of locally-made art.
/CDD/News/2023/5/vacantstorefrontcreativedesigncontestwinnersannounced
Father Callanan Playground at Tobin School
Father Callanan Playground is adjacent to and behind the John M. Tobin Elementary School and has also been referred to as the Tobin School Playground. The play area is behind the Tobin School between Vassal lane and Concord Avenue.
/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/callananplayground
Off Leash Dogs in Cambridge Parks
In recent years there has been increased interest expressed by the public in providing legal opportunities for dogs to be off leash in certain city parks and public open spaces.
/CDD/parks/osplanning/offleash
Planning for Off Leash Dogs
Over the past several years the City of Cambridge has been continually working with residents to explore strategies for dogs to be off leash in city parks and open spaces while also considering the wider community’s open space needs.
/CDD/parks/osplanning/offleash/planningforoffleashuse
Central Square Development Guidelines
The Central Square Development Guidelines have been compiled to assist residents, property owners, developers and the City in reviewing proposed development projects within the Central Square Overlay District.
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/C/centralsqguidelines1989
Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust will hold its monthly meeting in-person and via Zoom webinar. July's meeting (previously scheduled for July 24) has been postponed to July 31, 2025 at 4 p.m. It will be held at City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave, in the Ackerman Room. Register to join the July 2025 Affordable Housing Trust meeting. The meeting agenda and meeting materials will be posted on the Affordable Housing Trust webpage.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/07/31/cambridgeaffordablehousingtrust
Mount Auburn Street Corridor Study
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), in conjunction with Cambridge and Watertown, has been conducting a Mount Auburn Corridor Planning Study to develop a range of implementable short- and long-term plans for the improvement of Mount Auburn Street, from the Watertown line to Fresh Pond Parkway, and parts of Fresh Pond Parkway.
/CDD/Transportation/projects/completedprojects/mountauburnstreetcorridorstudy
Strategies and Policies
Transportation policy and planning in Cambridge emphasizes sustainable modes of transportation such as walking, biking and using transit and low emission vehicles.
/CDD/Transportation/programs/stratagiesandpolicies
Kendall Square Map
Geographical map of the Kendall Square Commercial District.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/aboutcambridge/kendallsq/kendallsquaremap
SHADE Installation
SHADE is a temporary installation developed by a group of local teens for peers to combat isolation and encourage gathering in a safe, cool location.
/CDD/News/2025/8/shadeinstallation
Rivermark / 808 Memorial Drive
808 Memorial Drive is a 300-unit apartment complex overlooking the Charles River. Over a period of seven years, residents worked together with Homeowners Rehab (HRI) and the Trust to acquire and renovate the property. HRI completed renovations in 1998 and this former “expiring use” property is now permanently affordable.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/808memorial
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
Sidewalk Materials
Cambridge’s sidewalks are constructed of a mix of materials, primarily either concrete or brick.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/byfoot/Walking/sidewalkmaterials
Kendall Square
Information about the Kendall Square Commercial District
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/aboutcambridge/kendallsq
Annual Housing Stock Update 2024
CDD has completed its annual update to the stock of affordable housing units in the city. There are now 8,931 affordable housing units in the city, a net increase of 340 affordable units from the 2023 total of 8,591 units.
/CDD/News/2024/12/annualhousingstockupdate2024
Urban Design
What is urban design? This term means different things to different people.
/CDD/planud/urbandesignprimer
Credit 101 Workshop
Workshop on understanding and improving credit
/CDD/housing/forhomebuyers/workshoponmanagingfinances
Maple Avenue Park
Maple Avenue Park is located at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Marie Avenue in the Mid Cambridge neighborhood. Park renovations were completed in 2004.
/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/mapleavepark
Franklin Street Park
The award winning Franklin Street Park is located on the block between Hancock and Bay Streets in the Riverside neighborhood. Park renovations were completed in 2003.
/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/franklinstpark
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
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
Wellington-Harrington Action Plan
A project page for the Wellington-Harrington Action Plan. Part of the Neighborhood Planning Initiative.
/CDD/planud/NPI/wellingtonharringtonactionplan
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
Alden Playground
Alden Playground is located in Baldwin neighborhood at the intersection of Oxford Street and Sacramento Street, across from the Baldwin School.
/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/aldenplayground
Healthy Aging and Public Transportation
Partnering with the Council on Aging, the Community Development Department conducted a series of community meetings with seniors focusing on “usability, mobility, and accessibility” to transit. The goal of each meeting was to engage seniors in a discussion about their experiences with public transit, including challenges, barriers, and opportunities.
/CDD/Projects/Transportation/healthyagingandpublictransportation
Park Information
Information about selected parks and playgrounds
/CDD/parks/parksinfo
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
Recent Data Updates
Recent data updates including new Neighborhood Profile report, a new housing data page, 2023 Q2 update to the rent tracker dashboard and several more.
/CDD/News/2023/8/recentdataupdates
Dana Park
Dana Park is located on Magazine Street between Corporal McTernan and Lawrence Streets in the Cambridgeport neighborhood. Park renovations were completed in 2004.
/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/danapark
Corcoran Park AHO Community Meeting
The CHA is hosting their second AHO community meeting on June 18, 2025 at 6 p.m. to discuss plans for the proposed revitalization at Corcoran Park as 100% affordable housing. Click here for the flyer.
Interested participants may attend:
In-person: VFW at 688 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Via Zoom: Click here to register for the Zoom meeting.
For more information about this project, please visit CHA’s website at https://cambridge-housing.org/departments/planning/planning-projects/corcoran-park-modernization/.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/06/18/corcoranparkahocommunitymeeting
Carpool
Do you need to travel via car? Try looking into the option of carpooling. Below are links to two carpool options in Cambridge.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bycar/carpool
Whittemore Avenue Area Traffic Calming
The 2011 reconstruction of Whittemore Avenue, Alewife Parkway to Magoun Street included traffic calming elements to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance safety for pedestrians
/CDD/Projects/trafficcalming/whittemoreavenuearea
Lowell School Park
Lowell School Park is located at the intersection of Mt. Auburn Street and Lowell Street in the West Cambridge neighborhood.
/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/lowellschoolpark
Trolley Square
Trolley Square is a mixed-use, mixed-income development for low- and moderate-income families.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/trolleysquare
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
Steps to Start A Business Workshop Series
This is a comprehensive four-week workshop for new and existing business owners who want to improve how their business operates.
/CDD/News/2025/4/stepstostartabusinessworkshopseries
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
Greene-Rose Heritage Park
Greene-Rose Heritage Park lies along Harvard Street near the intersection with Moore Street. There is also an access point from Broadway near the intersection with Windsor Street. The park was expanded and renovated in 2008 and now includes a children’s playground, water play area, open field, benches, landscaping and trees, and public art installations.
/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/greenrosepark
New Riverside Park
The new community park in Riverside at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Western Avenue was created as part of an agreement between the City of Cambridge, Harvard University and the Riverside Neighborhood.
/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/newriversidepark
Gold Star Mothers Park
Located on Gore Street in East Cambridge next to the Simoni Skating Rink, this park features a softball field, playground with water play, and basketball courts.
/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/goldstarmotherspark
Costa Lopez Park
Costa Lopez Taylor Park is located on Charles Street in East Cambridge and includes a new "pocket park" space with community gardens created in 2008.
/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/costalopezpark
Starting a Business Series - Workshop 3
This is the third workshop in a series to help new and existing business owners who want to improve how they manage business operations.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/06/10/startingabusinessworkshop3
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
Trolley Square Park
Trolley Square Park is approximately 3,600 square feet in size and located at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Cameron Avenue. The site is adjacent to the existing Linear Park, as well as housing, retail and community space.
/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/trolleypark
MBTA Key Bus Route Improvement Program
The MBTA Key Bus Routes Program is creating improvments on many of the MBTAs busiest routes including bus shelters, accessibility, benches and trash barrels.
/CDD/Transportation/projects/completedprojects/mbtakeybusrouteimprovementprogram
Bike Parking Requests
Map of bike parking requests entered into SeeClickFix.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/Parking/bikeparkingrequestsmap
Harvard Place
Cascap, Inc. converted of the former Harvard Manor nursing home to 21 units of assisted living for low-income seniors in 1999
/CDD/Projects/Housing/harvardplace
Community Solar Helps Cambridge Residents Save Money and Supports City’s Climate Goals
The City of Cambridge and Community Development Department today announced the addition of community solar to its long-standing Sunny Cambridge program. Now all Cambridge residents, regardless of whether they rent or own, can leverage online tools and resources from Sunny Cambridge to shop and compare community solar projects or rooftop solar installations.
/CDD/News/2023/10/communitysolarhelpscambridgeresidentssavemoneyandsupportscity’sclimatego...
Upland Road Traffic Calming
The reconstruction of Upland Road from Raymond Street to Huron Avenue includes pedestrian safety improvements.
/CDD/Projects/trafficcalming/uplandroadtrafficcalming
Linnaean Street Traffic Calming
The Linnaean Street reconstruction project includes curb extensions to enhance safety for pedestrians.
/CDD/Projects/trafficcalming/linnaeanstreet
Concord Alewife
The vision for the Concord Alewife area is to encourage a mix of uses that over time will enliven the area, create an identity and sense of place, and take advantage of the area’s proximity to transit and to open space resources.
/CDD/Projects/Planning/concordalewife
Home Improvement Programs
The Home Improvement Program (HIP) provides low-interest and zero interest home improvement loans to eligible owners of condominiums, single family homes and multi-family houses.
/CDD/housing/forhomeowners/hip
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
Mass Ave Planning Study - A Focus on Porter Square
Porter Square Community Meeting - A Focus on Porter Square - January 30, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Join us for a virtual Community Meeting as part of the Mass Ave Planning Study (MAPS) to review and provide feedback on alternative ideas for the future of Porter Square! This is your opportunity to weigh in on potential updates, including zoning changes, urban design concepts, and open space improvements.
/CDD/News/2025/1/massaveplanningstudyafocusonportersquare
Elm Place
Just A Start's 19 unit affordable rental development at 1066 Cambridge Street, known as Elm Place.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/elmplace
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
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
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
Zoning Amendments
Proposed Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance currently or previously under consideration, including proposed text and schedule for action.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Zoning/Amendments
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
Pedestrian Plan
Reviews elements of the Cambridge Pedestrian Plan
/CDD/Transportation/programs/currentprograms/pedestrianplan
Watertown-Cambridge Greenway
A multi-use path that follows a former railroad right-of-way from Fresh Pond in Cambridge and to Arlington Street in Watertown.
/CDD/Transportation/projects/completedprojects/watertowncambridgegreenway
Cambridge Common
Cambridge Common is a 16 acre park, located outside of Harvard Square and surrounded by Massachusetts Avenue, Garden Street and Waterhouse Street. The Common has a long and colorful history, and is an important local resource as well as a tourist attraction.
/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/cambridgecommon
Waterhouse Street Traffic Calming
Completed in 2013, in addition to sidewalk and roadway reconstruction, the project includes traffic calming elements to reduce vehicle speeds and enhance safety for pedestrians.
/CDD/Projects/trafficcalming/waterhousestreet
Bike Parking Map
Map of Cambridge bike parking locations.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/Parking/bikeparkingmap
Jefferson Park - State
Jefferson Park State redevelopment project by the Cambridge Housing Authority
/CDD/Projects/Housing/jeffersonparkstate
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
Harvard Square Kiosk and Plaza
The process to create a vision for the future governance, operation, and programming of the Harvard Square Kiosk Plaza.
/CDD/Projects/Parks/hsquarepublicspace
Bishop Allen Apts. (formerly Norstin Apts.)
Bishop Allen Apartments, (formertly called Norstin Apartments) consists of properties near the corner of Norfolk St and Bishop Allen Drive. Four buildings contain 32 units of affordable housing.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/bishopallennorstin
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
Kemp Playground
Alexander W. Kemp Playground at Cambridge Common was renovated in 2009 and includes a variety of play features to stimulate challenging physical activity as well as creative, exploratory, imaginative and social play for kids of all ages.
/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/commonkemp
Putnam Green
Putnam Green development 40 units of affordable rental housing at 625 Putnam Avenue completed in 2012.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/putnamgreen
Alberico Park
Proposed improvements to Alberico Park
/CDD/Projects/Parks/albericopark
Bicycle Parking Zoning
CDD, working with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Bicycle Committee and the Planning Board, developed a revised set of bicycle parking zoning requirements. These requirements were adopted into the Zoning Ordinance by the City Council on June 3, 2013.
/CDD/Projects/Planning/bicycleparkingzoning
Pedestrian Safety
Designing intersections for pedestrian safety is a priority whenever roads are reconstructed.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/byfoot/pedestriansafety
Sign Certification
Signs are regulated as outlined in Article 7.000 of the Zoning Ordinance.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Signs
Cambridge Announces Small Business E-Commerce Grant
Applications are now open for a new grant to help Cambridge businesses improve their web presence. Businesses can receive up to $4,000 in relief funds to improve their website, add services like online ordering or booking, and other eligible expenses.
/CDD/News/2023/1/cambridgeannouncessmallbusinessecommercegrant
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
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
Comprehensive Planning
Envision Cambridge is the City’s current citywide plan, a roadmap to the year 2030, setting out a course of action to promote sustainable and inclusive growth. It establishes a framework for growth management that builds upon and complements existing patterns of development, while meeting the needs of today’s community and future generations. Prior to the establishment of Envision Cambridge, the comprehensive plan for Cambridge was composed of a set of documents: The Zoning Map and the Zoning Ordinance, the City’s growth policy document, Toward A Sustainable Future, and the major area-wide planning studies across the city.
/CDD/planud/masterplan
Volpe Site Rezoning and Working Group
Information and updates on the rezoning and redevelopment process for the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center site.
/CDD/Projects/Zoning/pudksvolpesite
Advisory Consultation Pre-Application Community Meetings
Information related to community engagement activities undertaken by developers before submitting a Planning Board advisory consultation application.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/developmentreview/pbadvisoryconsultation/pbaccommunitymeeting
Broadway Eco-Totem Bicycle Counter
The Eco-Totem on Broadway in Kendall Square counts cyclists via in-ground loop detectors.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/ecototem
Cambridge Businesses Honored at 2023 Legacy Luncheon Awards
On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, the City of Cambridge kicked off National Small Business Week by hosting the Cambridge Legacy Business Luncheon. This event celebrates some of the oldest businesses in Cambridge.
/CDD/News/2023/5/cambridgebusinesseshonoredat2023legacyluncheonawards
Final Cambridge Street Meeting
Join the planning team for the final public meeting of the Our Cambridge Street process and provide feedback.
/CDD/News/2022/12/finalcambridgest,-d-,planningmeetingondec,-d-,15
4 Mellen St / 1627 Mass Ave
Renovation and new construction of affordable housing proposed under the 100% Affordable Housing Overlay
/CDD/Projects/Housing/1627massave
Getting Around Cambridge
Cambridge is committed to designing our city to help people to get around without driving, with an emphasis on pedestrian friendly intersections, bicycle lanes, traffic calming, and public transit.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge
Bicycle WikiMap
The Cambridge Bicycle WikiMap allows location-based suggestions and input about facilities for bicycling in Cambridge. Comments submitted through the WikiMap will be regularly evaluated and taken into account for future planning efforts.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/bicyclewikimap
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
Cambridge Businesses Honored at 2024 Legacy Luncheon Awards
On Wednesday, May 1, 2024 the City of Cambridge kicked off National Small Business Month by hosting the Cambridge Legacy Business Luncheon. This event celebrates some of the oldest businesses in Cambridge.
/CDD/News/2024/5/cambridgebusinesseshonoredat2024legacyluncheonawards
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
Community Resources for Entrepreneurs
This page provides a listing of a variety of local and state community resources for entrepreneurs.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/lifesciencesandtechnologybusinesses/communityresour...
Contact Us
Staff Contacts for Zoning and Development
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/contactus
FY2024 Annual Federal Action Plan Hearing
On Wednesday, March 29th, from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. the Community Development Department will hold a public hearing in preparation of the City’s FY2024 Annual Action Plan
/CDD/News/2023/3/fy2024annualfederalactionplanhearing
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
Bicycle Data
Cambridge promotes bicycling as a healthy, environmentally friendly way of getting around as an important part of the City's efforts to improve mobility and protect our environment. Cambridge is well suited to bicycling and more people are using their bikes every day for commuting, shopping, and general transportation
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/biketrends
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
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
Mediation Services
Mediation Services is a professional mediation, dispute resolution and education service program based in Cambridge.
/CDD/housing/forrenters/mediationservices
Envision Cambridge
The City of Cambridge is embarking on a citywide comprehensive planning process to create a shared vision for the city and its future. Through the citywide planning process, the City aims to develop policy and design goals and actionable recommendations to guide future change and promote the well-being of residents, businesses, and stakeholders in the midst of local, regional, and global trends. The citywide planning process aims to integrate and build upon the City’s existing policies, programs, and initiatives through an inclusive, wide-reaching process that looks beyond traditional planning efforts to guide future change in Cambridge.
/CDD/Projects/Planning/citywideplanning
Special Permit Pre-Application Community Meetings
Information related to community engagement activities undertaken by developers before submitting a Planning Board special permit application.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/developmentreview/specialpermits/preapplicationcommunitymeetings
Coolidge Place Land Disposition
Cambridge is undertaking a process to consider disposition of public land on Coolidge Place, in Central Square near Massachusetts Avenue and Douglass Street.
/CDD/Projects/Planning/coolidgepllanddisposition
Eastern Cambridge/Kendall Square Open Space Study
Area-wide planning study for future open space improvements in Eastern Cambridge and Kendall Square, including the development of three new parks and the redesign of a plaza in the heart of the square.
/CDD/parks/osplanning/ecambkendallparks
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
Belmont - Cambridge - Somerville Path
Learn more about MassDOT's community path project that connects Belmont, Cambridge, and Somerville.
/CDD/Transportation/projects/completedprojects/belmontcambridgesomervillepath
Housing Preservation
Describes the City's work to preserve Expiring Use housing developments.
/CDD/housing/housingdevelopment/housingpreservation
Designing for Bikes
Cambridge promotes bicycling as a healthy, environmentally friendly way of getting around as an important part of the City's efforts to improve mobility and protect our environment. Cambridge is well suited to bicycling and more people are using their bikes every day for commuting, shopping, and general transportation
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/bicycling
STAR Communities
STAR Communities assesses communities on their programs, policies and accomplishments that promote environmental, social and economic sustainability. Cambridge achieved the highest rating in the country from STAR Communities for its leadership in sustainability.
/CDD/starcommunities
Affordable Mortgage Products
Information about affordable mortgage products available qualified buyers.
/CDD/housing/forhomebuyers/mortgageproducts
Lead Paint Safety
Information about lead paint, what it is, why it poses a hazard, the Massachusetts Lead Law and where to find information and assistance.
/CDD/housing/resourcesandadditionalinformation/leadpaintsafety
Ames Street Land Disposition
The Cambridge City Council has approved the disposition of City-owned land on the eastern edge of Ames Street between Main Street and Broadway.
/CDD/Projects/Planning/amesstreetlanddisposition
Brattle Street Two-way Separated Bike Lane
The City used Participatory Budgeting funds to install a two-way separated bicycle facility on Brattle Street in July 2017, informed by historic analyses and discussions, and aligned with the Vision Zero and Complete Streets Policies and additional City policies (Climate Action Plan, Growth Policy, Vehicle Trip Reduction Ordinance, School Wellness Policy, and others).
/CDD/Projects/Transportation/brattlestreettwowayseparatedbikelane
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...
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
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
Letters of Commitment
Some sections of the Zoning Ordinance refer to Letters of Commitment describing agreements between the City of Cambridge and a property owner or developer related to a particular zoning change.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Zoning/commitmentletters
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
Retail Interior Accessibility Program
This page describes the City of Cambridge' retail interior accessibility grant program.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/smallbusinessprograms/retai...
Harvard Square Design Project
Harvard Square street and sidewalk reconstruction project to promote bicycle and walking. Also includes recommendation to build multi-use path at Flagstaff Park.
/CDD/Transportation/projects/completedprojects/harvardsquare
Funding for the Trust
The Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust receives significant financial support through the Community Preservation Act. The Affordable Housing Trust also benefits from funds generated by the City’s Incentive Zoning Ordinance. harvard also provided low-interest loan funds for affordable housing.
/CDD/housing/housingtrust/trustfunding
Kendall Square Central Square Planning Study (K2C2)
The City of Cambridge completed a comprehensive planning study to develop a vision for Central Square, Kendall Square, and the area along Main Street connecting the two squares including the Osborn Triangle.
/CDD/Projects/Planning/K2C2
Business Development Workshops
This page describes the variety of business development workshops that the City of Cambridge offers.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/Workshops
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
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!
Bicycle Lanes
Many people in Cambridge choose to use a bicycle to get around. Some do it for convenience, others for exercise, and yet others because it is economical.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/bicycling/bicyclelanes
Planning for Climate Change Vulnerability
The City has a number of initiatives to reduce Cambridge's contribution to atmospheric greenhouse gases through energy efficiency projects in buildings, renewable energy (e.g., solar), reduced reliance on automobiles, and other measures.
/CDD/climateandenergy/climatechangeplanning/climatechangeresilianceandadaptationpage
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
Rules of the Road
Learn about the rules of the road in Massachusetts, whether you drive, bike, or walk.
/CDD/Transportation/rulesoftheroad
Public Advisory Consultation
Information about projects subject to the Public Advisory Consultation provisions of the zoning ordinance.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/developmentreview/publicadvisoryconsultation
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
Town Gown, PILOT and Institutional Planning
Learn about about institutional planning in Cambridge and view the current Town Gown Reports from Cambridge College, Harvard University, Lesley University, and MIT
/CDD/planud/institutionalplanning
Shop Locally in Cambridge this Holiday Season
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
By Car
Learn more about getting around Cambridge by car.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bycar
Article 22 Green Building Requirements
Guidance for complying with green building requirements found in Article 22 of the zoning ordinance.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/sustainabledevelopment/article22greenbldgrequirements
2014 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2014.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2014pb
Black, Indigenous, People of Color-Owned (BIPOC) Business Advisory Committee
The goal of this Committee is to work with City staff to develop recommendations on how the City can better assist BIPOC-owned businesses.
The Committee will be a sounding board for ideas on strengthening the City’s outreach efforts, information-sharing, business programs and policies, and overall relationship with local BIPOC-owned businesses.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/bipocbusinessadvisorycommit...
Accessibility
Accessibility is built into all pedestrian projects.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/byfoot/Walking/Accessability
Doing Business with the City Workshop Series
As part of the City’s Supplier Diversity Program, the Community Development and Purchasing Departments are hosting a three-part workshop series for business owners who are interested in learning more about the City’s procurement process. Workshops are aimed at demystifying the procurement process for business owners in three sections – small contracts, invitations to bid and written quotes, and request for proposals. Businesses are encouraged to come to one or all the workshops.
/CDD/News/2025/1/doingbusinesswiththecityworkshopseries
HomeBridge
Housing program to provide financial assistance to homebuyers
/CDD/housing/forhomebuyers/HomeBridge
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
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
Vacant Storefront Initiative
This page describes a variety of resources for property owners who have vacant storefronts in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/vacantstorefrontresources
Residential Neighbor Notification
Information related to community engagement activities undertaken by developers for a building permit application
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/developmentreview/residentialneighbornotification
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...
Persons with Disabilities
Getting around Cambridge for persons with disabilities, on foot or by transit or taxi.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/personswithdisabilities
List of Studies
The City of Cambridge looks to internal and external studies to evaluate transportation projects and inform decisions on best practices in facility design.
/CDD/Transportation/programs/evaluationsandstudies/listofstudies
Safety
Safety tips for Motorists and Bicyclists in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/Safety
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...
Adopted Zoning Amendments
Listing of adopted amendments to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Zoning/Amendments/adoptedzoningamendments
Reports & Presentations
Statistical profiles, reports, and presentations contained here summarize a variety of information about Cambridge.
/CDD/factsandmaps/reportsandpublications
Transit in Cambridge
Learn more about how Cambridge participates in transit planning and the MBTA.
/CDD/Transportation/regionalplanning/masstransit
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
Homeownership Program Term Changes
The Housing Department is updating the program. Current homeowners can choose to sign an amendment (update) to their Affordable Housing Restriction.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/affordablehomeownershipchanges2025
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
Evaluations and Studies
Evaluations and Studies are conducted by the City of Cambridge on many projects.
/CDD/Transportation/programs/evaluationsandstudies
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...
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
2015 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2015.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2015pb
Members Sought for City of Cambridge Planning Board
The Planning Board is a group of Cambridge residents who make recommendations and decisions about urban development on behalf of the City of Cambridge. The Planning Board has seven full members and two associate members. All members can participate in Planning Board discussions.
/CDD/News/2023/2/planningboardvacancy
Members Sought for Cambridge Planning Board
The Planning Board is made up of a group of Cambridge residents who make recommendations and decisions about urban development on behalf of the City of Cambridge.
/CDD/News/2024/11/planningboardvacancy
Transportation Data
Journey to Work and related data about commuting and transportation patterns in Cambridge.
/CDD/factsandmaps/transportationdata
2024 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2024.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2024pb
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
2020 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2020.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2020pb
Logan Noise Study
The City of Cambridge is a member of Logan Noise Study Advisory Committee.
/CDD/Transportation/regionalplanning/logannoisestudy
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