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Homeownership Program Review
As part of the ongoing Homeownership Program Review process, the Housing Division is inviting current owners of affordable homes to attend an information and feedback session. These meetings are being held to provide an overview of the proposed recommendations to some of the program terms, including the way units increase in value and whether units can be passed through inheritance.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/affordablehomeownershipprogramreview_dec2023
Development Review
Information about development review meetings
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/developmentreview
Draft 2023 CAPER Available for Review
A DRAFT version of the City’s FY2023 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) is now available for review and comment.
/CDD/News/2023/9/draft2023caperavailableforreview
Draft 2024 CAPER Now Available for Review
A DRAFT version of the City's FY2024 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) is now available for review and comment.
/CDD/News/2024/9/draft2024capernowavailableforreview
2017-2018 Budget Highlights
A report detailing the Community Development Departments 2017-2018 Highlights
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/B/budgethighlights
Inclusionary Housing Preference Changes
The Community Development Department (CDD) has prepared review draft changes to the applicant preference system used to select applicants for Inclusionary rental and homeownership housing. These changes are now available for public review and comment.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/inclusionaryhousingpreferencechanges
Planning Board
The Cambridge Planning Board reviews plans and proposals under the Special Permit provisions of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws, proposes or reviews zoning amendments, makes recommendations to the City Council about proposed revisions to the Zoning Ordinance, and engages in general planning efforts to improve the physical environment of the City.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard
Draft One Year Action Plan
A Draft version of the FY2024 One Action Plan is available for review.
/CDD/News/2023/4/draftoneyearactionplan
Advisory Committees
Advisory Committees are appointed by the City Manager to assist with the review of development proposals.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/advcomms
Drafts Available for FY26 One Year Action Plan and NRSA
Draft Versions of the City's FY26 One Year Action Plan / FY26-30 Consolidated Plan and Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) are Available for Review and Comment.
/CDD/News/2025/5/draftsavailableforfy26oneyearactionplanandnrsa
Key Information on Multifamily Housing Zoning
Looking to learn more about multifamily housing and zoning? Visit the Community Development Department's dedicated website to review important information, past presentations, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), find upcoming meetings, and sign up for updates to proposed changes.
/CDD/News/2025/1/keyinformationonmultifamilyhousingzoning
Citywide Urban Design Guidelines Open House and Exhibition
Coming soon, the Community Development Department is excited to present draft citywide urban design guidelines for Cambridge. Join us in March and April for an open house and exhibition to review the draft guidelines and provide feedback.
/CDD/News/2025/3/citywideurbandesignguidelinesopenhouseandexhibition
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
Growth Management Advisory Committe
The Citywide Growth Management Advisory Committee (CGMAC) addressed concerns expressed by the community about future density and traffic growth, the need for more housing, including affordable units, and opportunities for public review of large projects. The Committee recoemmeded a series of significant zoning changes.
/CDD/Projects/Planning/gmac
Harvard Square Advisory Committee Vacancies
The Harvard Square Advisory Committee (HSAC) is a group of community members with direct relationships to Harvard Square, who review development proposals and planning projects that impact Harvard Square.
/CDD/News/2024/7/harvardsquareadvisorycommitteevacancies
Community Planning Division
The Community Planning & Design Division activities encompass planning and urban design, institutional planning, neighborhood planning, zoning and development review (including staffing the Planning Board) demographic and geographic analysis, development of parks and open space, and graphic design.
/CDD/cpdiv
Central Square Advisory Committee Call for Members
The Central Square Advisory Committee (CSAC) is a group of community members with direct relationships to Central Square in Cambridge who review development proposals and planning projects that impact Central Square.
/CDD/News/2023/5/centralsquareadvisorycommitteevacancy
FY 2025 Draft CAPER
The City of Cambridge, through its Community Development Department, is making available for public review and comment the draft of its FY2025 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER), which includes its utilization of funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
/CDD/News/2025/9/fy2026draftcaper
Central Square Advisory Committee Vacancies
The Central Square Advisory Committee (CSAC) is a group of community members with direct relationships to Central Square in Cambridge who review development proposals and planning projects that impact Central Square.
/CDD/News/2024/7/centralsquareadvisorycommitteevacancies
Pedestrian Plan
Reviews elements of the Cambridge Pedestrian Plan
/CDD/Transportation/programs/currentprograms/pedestrianplan
CANCELLED Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust's August 2025 meeting is cancelled. The next CAHT meeting is currently scheduled for September 25th, 2025 at 4 p.m (subject to change). If you have any questions, please email Chris Cotter at ccotter@cambridgema.gov.
If you'd like to review previous meetings' agendas and materials, please visit the Affordable Housing Trust webpage.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/08/28/cancelledcambridgeaffordablehousingtrust
CANCELLED Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust's April meeting is cancelled. The next CAHT meeting is currently scheduled for May 22nd at 4 p.m via Zoom and in the Ackermann Room. If you have any questions, please email Chris Cotter at ccotter@cambridgema.gov.
If you'd like to review previous meetings' agendas and materials, please visit the Affordable Housing Trust webpage.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/04/24/cambridgeaffordablehousingtrust
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
Harvard Square Advisory Committee
The Harvard Square Advisory Committee reviews applications for variances and special permits within the Harvard Square Overlay District.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/advcomms/harvardadvcomm
Housing Options for Older Cantabridgians
This report is the fi rst part of a two stage process involving a demographic review of Cambridge residents 55 and older and an assessment of their existing housing options
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/H/housingoptions2010
Central Square Zoning Guide
1989 guide setting out criteria for the review of proposed development projects within the Central Square area. Used with the Central Square Action Plan and referenced in Zoning Ordinance, Article 20.300.
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/C/centralsquarezngguide1989
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
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
Cambridge Lighting Study Report
Reviews the inventory of public lighting, provides standards for appropriate light levels for Cambridge streets, evaluates energy-efficient light sources, and recommends luminaire types for street and park lighting.
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/C/lightingstudy2010
Zoning and Development
CDD provides professional support on matters related to zoning policy and urban design, and to the work of the Cambridge Planning Board.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment
Inclusionary Housing Program for Developers
The Inclusionary Housing Program requires developers of certain projects to provide afforadable housing units.
/CDD/housing/fordevelopersandpropmanagers/inclusionarydevelopers
2017 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2017.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2017pb
CDD Climate Resilience Zoning
Information on Cambridge's recently-adopted zoning amendments related to climate resilience.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/sustainabledevelopment/climateresiliencezoning
Retail Strategic Plan
Best practice policies and programs that will support and enhance the ground level active use and retail environment in Cambridge.
/CDD/Projects/EconDev/retailstrategicplan
Article 22 Green Building Requirements
Guidance for complying with green building requirements found in Article 22 of the zoning ordinance.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/sustainabledevelopment/article22greenbldgrequirements
2016 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2016.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2016pb
2024 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2024.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2024pb
Urban Design
What is urban design? This term means different things to different people.
/CDD/planud/urbandesignprimer
2018 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2018.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2018pb
Public Advisory Consultation
Information about projects subject to the Public Advisory Consultation provisions of the zoning ordinance.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/developmentreview/publicadvisoryconsultation
2022 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2022.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2022pb
Medical Marijuana Information
FAQ addressing questions related to medical marijuana in Cambridge and Massachusetts.
/CDD/otherpages/Zoning/medicalmarijuana
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
Planning Board Advisory Consultation
Information about projects subject to the Planning Board Advisory Consultation provisions of the zoning ordinance
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/developmentreview/pbadvisoryconsultation
CANCELLED Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust's March meeting is cancelled. The next CAHT meeting is currently scheduled for April 24th at 4 p.m. If you have any questions, please email Chris Cotter at ccotter@cambridgema.gov.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/03/27/cancelledcambridgeaffordablehousingtrust
Logan Noise Study
The City of Cambridge is a member of Logan Noise Study Advisory Committee.
/CDD/Transportation/regionalplanning/logannoisestudy
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
FY23 Cannabis Business Permit Process
Anyone seeking to operate a Cannabis Business, as defined in the Cannabis Business Permit Ordinance, in the City of Cambridge must obtain a Cannabis Business Permit from the City.
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/C/fy23cannabisbusinesspermitprocess
Haggerty School Playground
The renovation of the Haggerty School Playground was completed in 2015.
/CDD/parks/parksinfo/Parks/haggertyschoolplayground
Sign Certification
Signs are regulated as outlined in Article 7.000 of the Zoning Ordinance.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Signs
Neighborhood Demographics
Docmuents with demographic data covering the thirteen neighborhoods of Cambridge.
/CDD/factsandmaps/populationdata/neighborhoodemographics
Special Permits
Information about the Planning Board Special Permit Process and downloadable copy of the application form. Also links to active and completed special permit documents.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/developmentreview/specialpermits
Policies
City, State, and Federal Policies all guide bicycle planning in Cambridge. Following please find many of the policies that guide planning in Cambridge.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/policies
2023 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2023.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2023pb
Net Zero Action Plan
The “Getting to Net Zero” Task Force will advise the City Manager on ways to advance the goal of putting Cambridge on the trajectory towards becoming a “net zero community”, with focus on carbon emissions from building operations.
/CDD/Projects/Climate/netzerotaskforce
Contact Us
Staff Contacts for Zoning and Development
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/contactus
Design Guidelines and Area Plans
The Zoning Ordinance refers to urban design plans and guidelines that apply to certain parts of the city or to certain categories of development.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Zoning/designguidelines
Walking Maps
Maps for each Cambridge Public School with recommended walking routes to school.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/saferoutestoschool/saferouteswalkingmaps
Citywide Urban Design Guidelines Exhibition
Stop by the first floor of the Main Branch Library to view a display of key information from the Urban Design Guidelines, and provide feedback.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/03/26/citywideurbandesignguidelinesexhibition
2021 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2021.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2021pb
Sustainable Development
Cambridge has adopted policies to encourage and require energy efficient and sustainable buildings as a strategy to achieve Cambridge’s goal to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/sustainabledevelopment
Blanchard Road
Blanchard Road from Concord Avenue to Grove Street was fully reconstructed with new sidewalks, bike lanes and a raised intersection at Glenn Road.
/CDD/Transportation/projects/completedprojects/blanchardroad
Members Sought to Serve on Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee will provide guidance and oversight for the operations of the Cambridge Kiosk in Harvard Square. Through this collaboration, the recently restored landmark is set to become a vibrant cultural incubator, community gathering space, and visitor information center called the Cambridge Kiosk, and is expected to open in early 2025.
/CDD/News/2024/10/memberssoughttoserveoncambridgekioskadvisorycommittee
Outdoor Lighting Ordinance Task Force
This task force is working with City staff and a lighting consultant to evaluate existing standards, offer guidance for the creation of a new ordinance, propose new regulatory approaches if needed, and develop enforcement mechanism for outdoor lighting.
/CDD/Projects/EconDev/lightingordinancetaskforce
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
Storefront Improvement Program Form
Cambridge property owners or tenants can access technical and financial resources to renovate or restore commercial building exterior facades through the Storefront Improvement Program. The Program improves the physical appearance of independent businesses and enhances Cambridge's commercial districts.
/CDD/Forms/Forms/S/storefrontimprovementprogramform
Our Parks, Our Plan: Setting Our Goals
It’s time to set goals! Join the Our Parks, Our Plan team for a virtual public meeting to discuss what our goals should be, and how they will help lead us to better parks and open spaces.
/CDD/Calendar/2022/06/30/ourparks,ourplansettingourgoals
2019 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2019.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2019pb
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
Central Square Rezoning Community Meeting 1
Join us virtually on Thursday, May 30th from 6-7:30 pm for the first of three community meetings on updating the zoning for Central Square!
/CDD/News/2024/5/centralsquarerezoningcommunitymeeting1
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...
Join us on Sunday, 10/8 !
This will be the first public meeting for the study of city-owned property in Central Square.
/CDD/News/2023/9/centralsquarecitylotsstudypublicmeeting1
Central Square City Lots Study - Virtual Community Meeting!
This will be a virtual community meeting for the study of city-owned property in Central Square. We will present draft recommendations for the future uses of the sites based on community feedback and input, as well as municipal needs.
Central Square City Lots Study: The City of Cambridge Community Development Department (CDD), in collaboration with other city departments and the Cambridge community, is leading a municipal property needs assessment and planning study for city-owned properties in Central Square.
/CDD/News/2023/12/centralsquarecitylotsstudyvirtualcommunitymeeting!
Healthy Harvard Square
Healthy Harvard Square Initiative was a series of community discussions conducted by the Economic Development Division during 2005 and 2006 about maintaining a Healthy Harvard Square.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/aboutcambridge/harvardsq/healthyharvardsq
Planning Board Meeting
City of Cambridge Planning Board Meeting
/CDD/Calendar/2024/12/10/planningboard20241210
Homebuyer Education
The City of Cambridge offers homebuyer education and counseling for all.
/CDD/housing/forhomebuyers/education
Other Permitting Resources
List of other Cambridge departments responsible for different types of development permitting.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Resources/otherpermittingresources
Cambridge Submits Interim Action Plan for MBTA Communities
The City of Cambridge has submitted an Interim Action Plan to the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) as required by a new state law requiring communities served by the MBTA to have zoning districts that allow muti-family housing to be built as-of-right.
/CDD/News/2023/2/cambridgesubmitsinterimactionplanformbtacommunities
East Cambridge
Information about the East Cambridge Commercial District. It includes market profile, business association and study documents about the area.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/aboutcambridge/eastcamb
2015 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2015.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2015pb
Zoning Newsletter
Read past issues of This Month in Zoning and sign up to receive the newsletter each month
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Resources/zoningnewsletter
Population and Census Data
Demographic information from the US Census Bureau is available at three geographic levels: Citywide Demographics, Neighborhood Demographics, which provide information about the 13 neighborhoods of Cambridge, and Census Tract Demographics.
/CDD/factsandmaps/populationdata
Business Owners: Equity in Procurement Survey Now Open
Cambridge businesses - please take a moment to fill out this survey about impressions on doing business or attempting to do business with the City of Cambridge. This survey is a part of the City's Disparity Study.
/CDD/News/2023/1/takethedisparitystudybusinesssurvey
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
Take the Neighborhood Goals Survey
Help set goals for Neighborhood Action Plans in Mid-Cambridge, Neighborhood Nine, and Wellington-Harrington.
/CDD/News/2023/8/neighborhoodgoalssurvey
Kendall Square
Information about the Kendall Square Commercial District
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/aboutcambridge/kendallsq
Remote Planning Board Meetings
Information about Cambridge Planning Board Meetings held remotely using Zoom Webinar platform.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/remoteplanningboardmeetings
Vacant Storefront Creative Design Contest
This page describes the City of Cambridge's Vacant Storefront Design Contest.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/vacantstorefrontresources/vacantstorefrontcreatived...
Small Business E-Commerce Grant
Information about the City of Cambridge's Small Business E-Commerce Program. The program provides website and e-commerce assistance to retailers, restaurants, home-based business through grants.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/smallbusinessprograms/small...
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
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
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
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
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
Cambridge Plays Applications Open for Spring 2024
The Community Development Department (CDD) partners with local businesses and organizations to sponsor free events in squares and neighborhoods across the city. Apply to receive reimbursement of up to $2,000 for eligible activities.
/CDD/News/2024/4/cambridgeplaysapplicationsopenforspring2024
Housing Program Eligibility Tool
Enter your household size and household income into this tool to get information on which housing programs you may be eligible for.
/CDD/housing/forapplicants/housingprogrameligibilitytool
For Renters of Inclusionary Units
Information for tenants in units created through the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance who received their unit through application to the City of Cambridge Housing Division.
/CDD/housing/forrenters/forrentersofcityinclusionaryunits
Housing
The Housing Department works to promote and maintain the socioeconomic diversity of the city by managing and implementing the City’s efforts to meet the housing needs of low-, and moderate-, and middle-income residents, and develops initiatives to preserve and expand the City's stock of affordable rental and homeownership housing.
/CDD/housing
Planning Board Meetings
Meeting Agendas, Hearing Notices and Transcripts for the Cambridge Planning Board.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings
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...
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
Cambridge Plays Application is Now Open!
Do you have an idea of how to activate a Cambridge park or plaza? We are currently looking for local businesses and non-profits to submit proposals for ways to activate public parks and plazas during May - July 2023.
/CDD/News/2023/4/cambridgeplaysapplicationisnowopen!
Inclusionary Housing Zoning Petition
The Community Development Department commissioned the Inclusionary Housing Study to examine the current inclusionary housing provisions in the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and determine whether any changes to the ordinance are warranted. This resulted in a Zoning Petition.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/inclusionaryhousingstudy
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
The Summer Heats Up with Cambridge Plays
Come outside and play as warm weather arrives. The Community Development Department (CDD) partners with local businesses and organizations to sponsor free events in squares and neighborhoods across the city.
/CDD/News/2025/4/2025cambridgeplaysapplicationsopennow
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 - 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
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
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
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
Mass Ave Planning Study (MAPS) Working Group - Meeting 2
This is the second regular meeting of the Mass Ave Planning Study Working Group, a representative body of neighborhood stakeholders that will help guide the planning process for Mass Ave from Cambridge Common to Alewife Brook Parkway.
/CDD/News/2024/3/massaveplanningstudymapsworkinggroupmeeting2
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
Education Data
Data related to Cambridge Public Schools and post-secondary institutions.
/CDD/factsandmaps/educationdata
Retail Interior Accessibility Program
This page describes the City of Cambridge' retail interior accessibility grant program.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/smallbusinessprograms/retai...
Income Eligible Reduced Fare Program
The MBTA Income-Eligible Reduced Fare Program offers discounted MBTA passes to eligible Cambridge residents between the ages of 18-64 who are enrolled in an approved state assistance program. Applicants need to provide a photo ID and proof of enrollment in a state assistance program.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bytransit/incomeeligiblereducedfareprogram
Middle-Income Rental Program
Middle Income Rental Program designated for households earning between 80 – 120% of Area Median Income (AMI).
/CDD/housing/forapplicants/middleincomerentalprogram
Affordable Housing Trust
The Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust was established by the City Council with the mission of expanding and protecting affordable housing opportunities in Cambridge.
/CDD/housing/housingtrust
Town Gown Archive
Copies of older Town Gown reports.
/CDD/planud/institutionalplanning/towngownarchive
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
Bicycle Parking
Find out more about parking your bicycle in Cambridge.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/Parking
Wellington-Harrington Action Plan
A project page for the Wellington-Harrington Action Plan. Part of the Neighborhood Planning Initiative.
/CDD/planud/NPI/wellingtonharringtonactionplan
Reports & Presentations
Statistical profiles, reports, and presentations contained here summarize a variety of information about Cambridge.
/CDD/factsandmaps/reportsandpublications
Cambridge Launches Grant Pilot for Nightlife and Entertainment Businesses
Apply to the Cambridge Nightlife Industry and Thriving Entertainment Spaces (NITES) Grant! The Cambridge NITES grant is aimed at supporting the nightlife and entertainment industry in Cambridge by providing up to $5,000 awards for outdoor, nighttime events during the month of June.
/CDD/News/2025/3/nitesgrant
2006 - 2008 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas and Hearing Notices from July 2006 through December 2008
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/20068pb
City of Cambridge Offers Support and 1-on-1 Coaching to Food Businesses
The Economic Opportunity and Development Division is offering free one-on-one coaching and a 3-part workshop series for food businesses in April! Whether you are a food business owner looking for clarity on your strategic goals, feeling confused or overwhelmed by food business financials, or unsure how best to attract today’s customers, these workshops and 1-on-1 coaching are aimed at putting your business on the track to success.
/CDD/News/2025/3/cityofcambridgeofferssupportand1on1coachingtofoodbusinesses
Small Business Enhancement Program
Information about the City of Cambridge's Small Business Enhancement Program. The program provides equipment and marketing assistance to retailers, restaurants, home-based business through grants.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/smallbusinessprograms/small...
Planning Board Information
General information about the Cambridge Planning Board including membership and rules.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardinformation
Zoning Ordinance
City of Cambridge Zoning Ordinance Text
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Zoning/Ordinance
Carshare
Carsharing gives Cambridge residents a transportation option that complements the city’s robust transit, bicycling, and walking networks. Carshare members get the benefit of a private car without the cost and responsibility owning one.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bycar/carshare
Rental Applicant Pool
Description of the Rental Applicant Pool for applying for Inclusionary Rental units.
/CDD/housing/forapplicants/rentalapplicantpool
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...
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
Belmont - Cambridge - Somerville Path
Learn more about MassDOT's community path project that connects Belmont, Cambridge, and Somerville.
/CDD/Transportation/projects/completedprojects/belmontcambridgesomervillepath
Bluebikes Ebikes
Bluebikes ebikes have arrived in Cambridge. Pedal-assist technology and custom reflective paint make them perfect for both leisurely rides and effortless commutes. Bluebikes members enjoy the best ebike rates per minute. Find one near you and take it for a spin. Make sure to follow the rules of the road!
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/bikeshare/bluebikesebikes
Cambridge Zones for Multifamily Housing Citywide
On February 10, 2025, the Cambridge City Council voted to adopt zoning amendments that allow multifamily housing in all Cambridge neighborhoods.
/CDD/News/2025/2/zoningformultifamilyhousingcitywide
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
Limited Equity Cooperatives
Information about limited equity cooperatives, several of which are found in Cambridge.
/CDD/housing/forhomebuyers/coops
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
Zoning Maps
City of Cambridge zoning and land use maps
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Zoning/Maps
100 Percent Affordable Housing Overlay
The 100%-Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) is designed to help affordable housing developers create new affordable homes more quickly, more cost effectively, and in areas of the city where there are currently fewer affordable housing opportunities.
/CDD/housing/housingdevelopment/aho
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
Business Development Workshops
This page describes the variety of business development workshops that the City of Cambridge offers.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/Workshops
2020 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2020.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2020pb
Ebikes
Information on ebikes
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/ebikes
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