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Lower Cambridgeport Map
An interactive map of Lower Cambridgeport's commercial district.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/aboutcambridge/centralsq/lowercambridgeportmap
Lower Massachusetts Avenue
Information about the Lower Massachusetts Ave commercial district in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/aboutcambridge/lowermassachusettsave
Lower Massachusetts Ave Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery of the Lower Massachusetts Ave Commercial District.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/aboutcambridge/lowermassachusettsave/lowermassachus...
Lower Mass Ave Map
An interactive map of the Lower Mass Ave commercial corridor in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/aboutcambridge/lowermassachusettsave/lowermassavema...
2nd Cambridge Bicycle Network Plan Open House
At the Open House the draft Bike Network Plan will be shared, along with additional information about input made over the past couple of months.
/CDD/Calendar/2014/12/04/cambridgebicyclenetworkplanopenhouse
Hoyt Park
Russell E. Hoyt Park is the largest community park in the Riverside neighborhood. It's a place for everyone—whether you love playing sports, spending time with your dog, or just relaxing outdoors.
/CDD/Projects/Parks/hoytfield
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
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
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
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
10 - North Cambridge
North Cambridge, is a diverse neighborhood of over eleven thousand residents in an approximately 0.85 square mile area in the northernmost part of the city and bordered by Alewife Brook Reservation, the city of Somerville, the town of Arlington, and railroad tracks currently used by the Fitchburg Commuter Rail Branch of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
/CDD/planud/neighplan/neighs/11
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Cambridge Biotechnology Brochure
Outlines how, over the past decade, biotechnology research has emerged as a significant focus in the City's business community and advantages city offers as a place to conduct business.
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/C/cambbiotech2012
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
Cambridge Urban Forest Canopy Assessment
2005 report about the an Urban Forest Canopy Assessment conducted to develop a baseline estimate of the tree canopy cover in Cambridge and to estimate the value of environmental benefits provided by the urban forest.
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/C/cambridgetreecanopyassessment2005
Riverside Neighborhood Study 2003
2003 report with recommendations developed by a study committee composed of neighborhood residents worked with CDD staff. Cover housing, land use and zoning, urban design, transportation, open space, institutional uses, and economic development. Updates 1992 report.
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/R/riversideneighborhoodstudy2003
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
New Development Log Available - 2024 Q1
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/2024/5/newdevelopmentlogavailable2024q1
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Redevelopment Authority Vacancies
The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) is an independent public body focused on publicly beneficial real estate projects and infrastructure investment within the City of Cambridge.
/CDD/News/2024/7/cambridgeredevelopmentauthorityadditionalvacancies
New Development Log Available - 2023 Q2
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/2023/7/developmentlogavailable2023q2
New Development Log Available - 2023 Q3
The Development Log, published quarterly, tracks large-scale residential, commercial and institutional development projects currently in the permitting or construction phases in the City of Cambridge.
/CDD/News/2023/11/developmentlogavailable2023q3
Building Emissions Public Forum
City staff will host a forum about proposed changes to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO).
/CDD/News/2022/8/buildingemissionspublicforum
New Development Log Available - 2023 Q4
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/2024/3/newdevelopmentlogavailable2023fourthquarter
New Bicycle Facilities Layer
CDD has published an updated version of the Bicycle Facilities GIS layer that includes more user-friendly descriptions of facility types, facility lengths, and when facilities were added.
/CDD/News/2024/11/newbicyclefacilitieslayer
Life Sciences and Technology
This page contains information on resources and information for life science and technology businesses in Cambridge.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/lifesciencesandtechnologybusinesses
Community Emissions
The Community-Wide GHG Inventory helps the City of Cambridge benchmark community-wide emissions, and provides a necessary foundation that enables Cambridge to track progress towards emission reduction goals, and engage specific market sectors in actions to reduce emissions.
/CDD/climateandenergy/greenhousegasemissions/communityemissions
Mass Ave Planning Study Working Group Meeting
A Working Group meeting where the working group members will discuss public feedback from the 9/26 community meeting, review the community-based goals, and establish the approach for future recommendations for North Mass Ave.
/CDD/News/2024/10/massaveplanningstudyworkinggroupmeeting
About Cambridge Commercial Districts
Maps and market information about each of Cambridge’s commercial districts, the development log, and the top employers within the city are all housed here.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/aboutcambridge
Raymond Park
The City of Cambridge will renovate Raymond Park in Neighborhood Nine. The design and community engagement process will begin in early 2024, and construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.
/CDD/Projects/Parks/raymondpark
New East Cambridge Parks
Read design and construction updates related to Binney St. Park, Rogers St. Park, and Triangle Park.
/CDD/Projects/Parks/eastcambridgeparks
Digital Marketing
Learn how to make money selling your goods and services on the Internet.
/CDD/Calendar/2016/03/10/digitalmarketing
Affordable Mortgage Products
Information about affordable mortgage products available qualified buyers.
/CDD/housing/forhomebuyers/mortgageproducts
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
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...
Bike Parking Gallery
Bicycle parking throughout Cambridge.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/Parking/bikeparkinggallery
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
New Development Log Available - 2022 Q4
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/2023/3/newdevelopmentlogavailable2022q4
New Development Log Available - 2022 Q3
The Development Log, published quarterly, tracks large-scale residential, commercial and institutional development projects currently in the permitting or construction phases in the City of Cambridge.
/CDD/News/2022/11/newdevelopmentlogavailable2022q3
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
WordPress for Small Businesses
This 2-session class will serve as an introductory guide to using WordPress.
/CDD/Calendar/2017/02/08/wordpressforsmallbusinesses
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
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
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
St Patrick_50 York St
Just-A Start Corporation (JAS) purchased the property of a former church and three surrounding buildings in the Wellington/ Harrington neighborhood, converting them into 32 units of affordable rental housing.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/stpatrick50yorkst
Mass Ave Planning Study Community Meeting
The planning team will share recommendations developed with the community that will help to Make Mass Ave more beautiful, produce more housing , provide more neighborhood amenities, support small businesses, and improve sidewalks and walkability
/CDD/News/2025/4/massaveplanningstudycommunitymeetingplanrecommendations
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
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
Downpayment Assistance
Downpayment Assistance for Cambridge Homebuyers
/CDD/housing/forhomebuyers/downpaymentassistance
Sign Certification
Signs are regulated as outlined in Article 7.000 of the Zoning Ordinance.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Signs
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
Many Ways to Play with Cambridge Plays this Summer
There are many ways to play in Cambridge this summer! Craft, dance, sing, explore, and learn together in parks and plazas across the city with Cambridge Plays. Cambridge Plays events are outdoors, free, and open to people of all ages.
/CDD/News/2025/7/manywaystoplaywithcambridgeplaysthissummer
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
Kendall Square Mobility Task Force
The Kendall Square Mobility Task Force process was established in 2015 to take a comprehensive look at mobility issues in the Kendall Square area of Cambridge, with the goal of developing a set of policy and project recommendations.
/CDD/Projects/Transportation/kendallsquaremobilitytaskforce
Limited Equity Cooperatives
Information about limited equity cooperatives, several of which are found in Cambridge.
/CDD/housing/forhomebuyers/coops
Park Information
Information about selected parks and playgrounds
/CDD/parks/parksinfo
Cambridge Common/Flaggstaff Park Project
This project will renovated the Cambridge Common and build a multi-use path alongside Flagstaff Park on Mass. Avenue.
/CDD/Transportation/projects/completedprojects/cambridgecommon
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
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
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
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
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
Business Development Workshops
This page describes the variety of business development workshops that the City of Cambridge offers.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/Workshops
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
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
PARKing Day Open House
Have questions about PARK(ing) Day in Cambridge? Drop in anytime from 4-7pm on April 18th and get them answered.
/CDD/Calendar/2017/04/19/parkingdayopenhouse
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
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
Federal Grant Programs
Cambridge receives funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs administered by the U.S, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
/CDD/federalgrants/federalgrantprograms
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
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
New Small Business Succession Planning Program
The City of Cambridge Community Development Department (CDD) is launching a new program for Cambridge business owners interested in getting their business ready to be sold or transferred to your family, an employee, or someone else.
/CDD/News/2024/3/smallbusinesssuccessionplanningprogram
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Learn about how the city of Cambridge tracks greenhouse gas emissions.
/CDD/climateandenergy/greenhousegasemissions
Free Business Financial Literacy Workshops
Cambridge Community Development Department partners with Cambridge Savings Bank to offer a four-week Financial Education Program for entrepreneurs.
/CDD/News/2025/8/financialeducationworkshopseriesforsmallbusinessesbycambridgesavingsbank
1 - East Cambridge
Once a village of its own, East Cambridge is one of Cambridge's oldest residential neighborhoods and is historically home to many of the city's industries, both old and new. It sits along the Charles River north of Kendall Square and east of the Grand Junction Railroad.
/CDD/planud/neighplan/neighs/1
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
Alewife
Information about the Alewife Commercial District. It includes market profile, business association and study documents about the area.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/aboutcambridge/Alewife
Life Sciences and Technology Resources
This page provides resources for Cambridge companies in the life science and technology fields.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/lifesciencesandtechnologybusinesses/lifescitechreso...
Development Log
The Development Log, published quarterly, tracks larger-scale residential and commercial development projects.
/CDD/developmentlog
Climate Action Plan
The Climate Action Plan describes how Cambridge will reduce emissions across the entire city to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
/CDD/climateandenergy/climatechangeplanning/climateactionplan
Yerxa Road Underpass
This project improved public safety by completely reconstructing the Yerxa Road underpass that passes beneath the Fitchburg Branch MBTA railroad tracks.
/CDD/Transportation/projects/completedprojects/yerxaroadunderpass
Sidewalk Materials
Cambridge’s sidewalks are constructed of a mix of materials, primarily either concrete or brick.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/byfoot/Walking/sidewalkmaterials
Cambridge Riverfront Plan
The Cambridge Riverfront Plan suggests ways to improve connections from the neighborhoods to the Charles River
/CDD/Projects/Planning/Riverfront
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
Womens 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/2024/9/womensbusinessmonth
Urban Design
What is urban design? This term means different things to different people.
/CDD/planud/urbandesignprimer
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
Social Media Strategy Workshop Series
The Social Media Strategy Workshops Series are three workshops designed to be taken together as each one builds upon the next workshop. In this three-session workshop series, you'll be building your own social media strategy from the ground up, including making your own graphics with Canva, researching effective hashtags for your business, and reviewing how to post on different social media platforms. At the end of this workshop series, you'll leave with a social media plan that you can start using immediately!
/CDD/News/2023/2/socialmediastrategyworkshopseries
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
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
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
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
Inclusionary Housing
City of Cambridge’s Inclusionary Housing Program and Ordinance
/CDD/housing/inclusionaryhousing
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
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...
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
By Car
Learn more about getting around Cambridge by car.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bycar
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
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
Porter Square
Porter Square Redesign Project included reconfiguration of the main intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Somerville Avenue, reconstruction of the sidewalks, upgrading of lighting and the addition of new pedestrian crossings and bicycle facilities.
/CDD/Transportation/projects/completedprojects/portersquare
Older Bicycle Facility Projects
Older Bicycle Facility Projects
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/newbikeprojects/olderbikeproje...
Ebikes
Information on ebikes
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/ebikes
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
New Small Business Planning Workshop Series
Calling all Cambridge entrepreneurs! Are you looking for some business planning assistance? Attend our upcoming series to receive tips and tools in your business journey.
/CDD/News/2024/1/newsmallbusinessplanningworkshopseries
Cambridge Climate Committee Vacancy
The Climate Committee is a volunteer group of community members who work together to provide feedback and ideas to the City on topics related to climate change.
/CDD/News/2024/11/cambridgeclimatecommitteevacancy
Pedestrian Plan
Reviews elements of the Cambridge Pedestrian Plan
/CDD/Transportation/programs/currentprograms/pedestrianplan
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
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
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...
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
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
Inclusionary Housing Program for Developers
The Inclusionary Housing Program requires developers of certain projects to provide afforadable housing units.
/CDD/housing/fordevelopersandpropmanagers/inclusionarydevelopers
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
City of Cambridge Seeking Members for Cambridge Climate Committee
The Climate Committee is a volunteer group of community members who work together to provide feedback and ideas to the City on topics related to climate change. It was formerly known as the Climate Protection Action Committee. The Climate Committee works to help the City reduce climate change impacts, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase equity, and serve as a partner to and example for other communities.
/CDD/News/2023/1/cityofcambridgeseekingmembersforcambridgeclimatecommittee
Logan Noise Study
The City of Cambridge is a member of Logan Noise Study Advisory Committee.
/CDD/Transportation/regionalplanning/logannoisestudy
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...
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
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
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
Bicycle Workshops
The City of Cambridge offers free bicycle training workshops throughout the year for people who work or live in Cambridge. Updated often!
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/bicycleworkshops
Evaluations and Studies
Evaluations and Studies are conducted by the City of Cambridge on many projects.
/CDD/Transportation/programs/evaluationsandstudies
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
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...
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
CDD Climate Resilience Zoning
Information on Cambridge's recently-adopted zoning amendments related to climate resilience.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/sustainabledevelopment/climateresiliencezoning
Bicycle Toolbox
Bicycle facilities, markings, signs, and signals that can be used to make streets, paths, and intersections safer and more convenient for cyclists.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/biketoolbox
Rules of the Road
Learn about the rules of the road in Massachusetts, whether you drive, bike, or walk.
/CDD/Transportation/rulesoftheroad
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...
Adopted Zoning Amendments
Listing of adopted amendments to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Zoning/Amendments/adoptedzoningamendments
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