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City Manager Yi-An Huang swearing in at a podium in City Hall.
City Manager's Message
Rising housing costs have become an ever-present challenge to everyone in our city, from young people building lives in our community, to families seeking more space for children, to seniors trying to stay close to family and friends. This issue will provide a broad overview of our key housing-related commitments, initiatives, and investments.
New affordable housing units under construction at 605 Concord Avenue.
Housing Data & Facts
Review some of the latest housing data about market trends, the City’s investment in affordable housing, and other local housing-related facts.
An affordable housing property under construction at 116 Norfolk Street.
Leading Priority and Key Areas of Focus
Affordable housing has long been a top priority for Cambridge, starting with the City Council. In support of this, the City commits substantial resources and works diligently to address affordable housing needs in the community.
A social worker talking to a resident at a table in the Cambridge Public Library.
Accomplishments Over the Past Year
Overall, in FY24, the City is dedicating more than $60 million from a variety of sources to address affordable housing and homelessness. The fiscal year 2023 resulted in a number of key accomplishments.
Park View: a limited equity housing cooperative organized in Cambridge in 1984. It was sponsored by the City of Cambridge as an affordable housing initiative for low- and moderate-income people and received assistance from the City’s Community Development Department. The cooperative consists of 12 units, a mix of one, one and a half and two-bedroom units.
Affordable Housing Trust Expands and Protects Affordable Housing Opportunities
The Affordable Housing Trust has worked to shape housing programs and policies, fund the purchase of residential buildings and development sites for affordable housing developments, and provide funding that preserves and creates affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families in Cambridge. 
A rendering of a view looking north from Concord Ave to a new mixed-use street that would act as a gateway to the Alewife District. Credit: Healthpeak/Elkus Manfredi.
Affordable Housing Overlay Zoning Advances New Affordable Housing Development
The final Alewife Rezoning creates the framework for a multimodal, resilient, and sustainable neighborhood with strong community amenities. The adopted zoning increases the number of new homes that can be built and requires housing to be built along with new commercial buildings.
A house at 6 Union Street before being renovated through the Home Improvement Program.
Overview of Rental and Homeownership Programs Offered Through the City
The City offers a number of rental and ownership programs that ease financial burdens, make necessary repairs, and provide educational opportunities.
Work Underway Across the City for New Affordable Housing
There are a series of affordable housing developments underway across the city. See some of the highlights.
A sign extending from a building that reads "Cambridge Multi-Service Center."
Multi-Service Center and Office of Housing Liaison Go Above and Beyond to Help Residents Experiencing Housing Challenges
The Office of the Housing Liaison (OHL) and the Multi-Service Center (MSC) play key roles in addressing housing rights, eviction prevention, and homelessness.
Did You Know?
There are a number of affordable housing services, special events, and cost-assistance programs available throughout the City.
Cambridge Housing Authority and City staff at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of a new property.
Partner Profile: Cambridge Housing Authority
The Cambridge Housing Authority, a long-time partner of the City, invests in Cambridge families and provides enhanced support to almost 10% of the city population.
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