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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
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
Current Programs
There are programs which we undertake such as creating charging stations for electric cars, doing bike promotions and education, crating a pedestrian plan and working to place bus shelters at busy stops.
/CDD/Transportation/programs/currentprograms
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
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
Transportation
Transportation projects and programs for aiding in getting around Cambridge.
/CDD/Transportation
Traffic Calming Program
The goal of traffic calming projects is to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods and allow cars to peacefully coexist with other modes of transportation.
/CDD/Transportation/programs/trafficcalmingprogram
Committee Members
Concord Alewife Committee Members
/CDD/Projects/Planning/concordalewife/cddcontentpage
Citywide Multifamily Housing Proposal Information Sessions
The Cambridge City Council is discussing a proposed set of changes to allow multifamily housing in all neighborhoods of the city. Attend information sessions to learn more and provide input.
/CDD/News/2024/10/citywidemultifamilyhousingproposalinformationsessions
Lechmere Square Public Market Feasibility Study
The Lechmere Square Public Market Feasibility Study is an outgrowth of a proposal put forward by a number of residents of East Cambridge to create a year-round public market on the site once the station has moved
/CDD/Projects/Planning/lechmeremarket
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
For Developers
The City actively works with developers to ensure that Traffic Demand Management incentives are in place.
/CDD/Transportation/fordevelopers
Gold Star Mothers Park Court Renovation
The City of Cambridge will be renovating the basketball court area at the Gold Star Mothers Park in East Cambridge.
/CDD/Projects/Parks/goldstarmothersparkcourtrenovation
City of Cambridge Announces Completion of its Disparity Study
Building on the City of Cambridge's commitment to reducing barriers and working with more diverse business owners, the City has completed its first ever Disparity Study focused on the procurement of goods and services.
/CDD/News/2023/12/cityofcambridgeannouncescompletionofitsdisparitystudy
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
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
Palmer Street Improvements
Project to develop options for activating Palmer Street in Harvard Square
/CDD/Projects/Parks/palmerstreetactivation
Report a Street Problem
How to report problems getting around Cambridge.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/reportingproblems
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
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
Zoning
The Cambridge Zoning Ordinance is the municipal regulatory framework that controls urban development in the city.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Zoning
116 Norfolk Street
The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) expanded and historically renovated their existing property at 116 Norfolk Street.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/116norfolkstreet
52 New Street
Just A Start (JAS) is constructing 106 units of affordable housing on an underutilized parcel immediately adjacent to Danehy Park in Neighborhood Nine.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/52newstreet
New Affordable Housing at 52 New Street
Wingate Properties is processing applications from prospective tenants for new affordable rental housing at 52 New Street.
/CDD/News/2025/10/newaffordablehousingat52newstreet
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
4 Mellen St / 1627 Mass Ave
Renovation and new construction of affordable housing proposed under the 100% Affordable Housing Overlay
/CDD/Projects/Housing/1627massave
Bicycle Parking
Find out more about parking your bicycle in Cambridge.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/Parking
Economic Census
Business information collected by the Economic Census conducted every five years by the U. S. Census Bureau.
/CDD/factsandmaps/economicdata/economiccensus
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
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
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...
Safety
Safety tips for Motorists and Bicyclists in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/Safety
For Homeowners
Information about programs and services for anyone owning a home in Cambridge.
/CDD/housing/forhomeowners
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
Bluebikes Station Suggestion Map
The Bluebikes Station Suggestion Map allows users to suggest new locations for Bluebikes Stations. The input received through this map will inform future planning and expansion of the Bluebikes system.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/bikeshare/bluebikesstationsugg...
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
Mass Ave Planning Study - Community Meeting 1
We're excited to host our first community meeting for the Mass Ave Planning Study (MAPS) on Thursday, February 29 from 6 PM - 7:30 PM.
The meeting will provide an introduction to the project; an opportunity for the community to learn more about the process; and a chance to talk with the planning team about Mass Ave!
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.
/CDD/News/2024/1/massaveplanningstudycommunitymeeting1
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
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
Small Business Mentorship Program
The Cambridge Small Business Mentorship Program provides mentorship opportunities and other resources to business owners in Cambridge.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/smallbusinessprograms/mento...
Mass Ave Planning Study (MAPS) Working Group - Meeting 1
We will be hosting our first working group meeting for the Mass Ave Planning Study on Wednesday, February 7 at 6 PM. The meeting will serve as an introduction to the project; an opportunity for working group members to learn more about the process; and a chance for any members of the public to ask initial questions for the planning team. This meeting will be held via Zoom.
/CDD/News/2024/1/massaveplanningstudymapsworkinggroupmeeting1
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
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
Cambridge Riverfront Plan
The Cambridge Riverfront Plan suggests ways to improve connections from the neighborhoods to the Charles River
/CDD/Projects/Planning/Riverfront
Retail Interior Accessibility Program
This page describes the City of Cambridge' retail interior accessibility grant program.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/smallbusinessprograms/retai...
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!
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
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
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
Wellington-Harrington Action Plan
A project page for the Wellington-Harrington Action Plan. Part of the Neighborhood Planning Initiative.
/CDD/planud/NPI/wellingtonharringtonactionplan
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
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
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
Article 22 Green Building Requirements
Guidance for complying with green building requirements found in Article 22 of the zoning ordinance.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/sustainabledevelopment/article22greenbldgrequirements
Rules of the Road
In general, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists when traveling on the public ways in Massachusetts.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/rulesoftheroad
Transportation Data
Journey to Work and related data about commuting and transportation patterns in Cambridge.
/CDD/factsandmaps/transportationdata
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
Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration
Cambridge is participating in the Commonwealth's Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program. This page provides information about the program goals and the development of the ordinance.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/sustainabledevelopment/fossilfuelfreedemo
Rules of the Road
Learn about the rules of the road in Massachusetts, whether you drive, bike, or walk.
/CDD/Transportation/rulesoftheroad
Development Review
Information about development review meetings
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/developmentreview
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...
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
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
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
Employee Commute Information
Are you a Cambridge business owner who has limited parking? Do you want to make it easy for employees and patrons to leave their cars at home?
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/commuteinfo
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
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
Central Square Advisory Committee Call for Members
The Central Square Advisory Committee (CSAC) is a group of community members with direct relationships to Central Square in Cambridge who review development proposals and planning projects that impact Central Square.
/CDD/News/2023/5/centralsquareadvisorycommitteevacancy
Separated Bicycle Facilities
The term “separated bicycle facility” is generally used to refer to bicycle facilities that follow street alignments but where there is a physical separation between the bicycle travel area and the motor vehicle travel area, often through barriers or grade separation. They are located between the street and the sidewalk, or between the parking lane and the sidewalk and may be referred to as buffered bike lanes, raised bike lanes, cycle tracks, or one-way bike paths.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/bicycling/cycletracks
Evaluations and Studies
Evaluations and Studies are conducted by the City of Cambridge on many projects.
/CDD/Transportation/programs/evaluationsandstudies
Hubway Basics Workshops
Learn the rules of the road for biking in an urban setting. Learn how to use the Hubway Bike Share system.
/CDD/Calendar/2017/04/26/hubwaybasicsworkshop
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
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
CDD Climate Resilience Zoning
Information on Cambridge's recently-adopted zoning amendments related to climate resilience.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/sustainabledevelopment/climateresiliencezoning
Cambridge Celebrates National Black Business Month
This August, the City of Cambridge is proud to celebrate National Black Business Month by hosting a variety of events aimed at supporting and promoting Black business owners.
/CDD/News/2024/7/cambridgecelebratesnationalblackbusinessmonth
Business Development Workshops
This page describes the variety of business development workshops that the City of Cambridge offers.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/Workshops
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
Urban Cycling Basics - Healthy Aging in Cambridge
Are you interested in learning how to bicycle around the city of Cambridge? Join us and learn the rules of the road, strategies for riding safely and tips for comfort!
/CDD/Calendar/2016/05/19/urbancyclingbasicshealthyagingincambridge
On-Bicycle Refresher Course
Do you know how to ride a bike, but are a little nervous to ride on the road? This is the course for you!
/CDD/Calendar/2016/05/14/onbicyclerefreshercourse
Bicycle Maintenance Basics Workshop
Learn how to fix a flat, adjust your brakes and much more. Come to one or best sessions!
/CDD/Calendar/2016/05/25/bicyclemaintenancebasicsworkshop
Bicycle Maintenance Basics Workshop
Learn how to fix a flat, adjust your brakes and much more. Come to one or best sessions!
/CDD/Calendar/2016/05/25/bicyclemaintenancebeyondbasicsworkshop
Pedestrian Plan
Reviews elements of the Cambridge Pedestrian Plan
/CDD/Transportation/programs/currentprograms/pedestrianplan
Logan Noise Study
The City of Cambridge is a member of Logan Noise Study Advisory Committee.
/CDD/Transportation/regionalplanning/logannoisestudy
Urban Design
What is urban design? This term means different things to different people.
/CDD/planud/urbandesignprimer
Ebikes
Information on ebikes
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/ebikes