The Community Development Department is the planning agency for the City of Cambridge.

The Community Development Department is the planning agency for the City of Cambridge. Our mission is to foster a livable, sustainable, just, and equitable community. We work to enhance the character and diversity of the city's neighborhoods, preserve and increase affordable housing, create and promote accessible and sustainable mobility, build environmental resilience, and support sustainable economic growth. Through these initiatives, we strive to enrich the lives of residents, expand their opportunities, and contribute to a healthy urban environment. CDD takes an interdisciplinary approach to manage and guide evolution of our urban environment in a manner consistent with the City’s priorities. We engage and collaborate with community partners, other government agencies, businesses and residents to make Cambridge a desirable place to live, work, learn, play, and innovate. Learn more about the Department.

Features

News and Announcements

  • FY2026 HUD Grants Public Comment Drop-In Session

    On Thursday, May 29 4-6pm in the City Hall Annex 2nd Floor Conference room, there will be a Public Comment Drop-In Session for the Utilization of FY26 HUD Grants managed by the Community Development Department, Housing Department and Department of Human Service Programs

  • 52 New Street

    52 New Street, a new, affordable, rental apartment building, will begin accepting applications for a resident lottery on July 1

  • 2025 Legacy Business Award Winners

    The City of Cambridge proudly launched National Small Business Month today with the Cambridge Legacy Business Luncheon, an event dedicated to honoring some of the community's most enduring local enterprises.

  • 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.

  • Comcast Rise Grant

    Starting Thursday, May 1 through Saturday, May 31, eligible small businesses in the Boston area (including Cambridge) can apply for the Comcast RISE Program

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