The Cambridge Life Fall-Winter 2023

Fall-Winter 2023

Logistics Behind Major Renovations at Cambridge Fire Headquarters

During the Fire Headquarters renovation, expected to be completed in 2026, firefighters will move into Station 10, a temporary fire facility located at 15 Hovey Avenue (across from Spaulding Hospital) and administration staff will relocate to 23 Bay Street.  

City Manager’s Message

Over the course of the last year plus, I have worked hard to balance the many voices in our diverse community, find consensus within the City Council and follow their direction, and bring forward the professional experience and expertise of City department leaders and staff.

Initiatives Supporting & Inspiring Early Educators

This December, applications will open for the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP), a joint initiative of the City and Cambridge Public Schools, which will offer free school-day, school-year preschool to every 4-year-old in Cambridge and some 3-year-olds.

Giant Deer in Inman Square from the front

A Giant Deer Lands in Inman Square

The Giant Deer in Inman Square is a 3,500-pound, 12-foot sculpture created and placed to serve as a landmark in the reconstructed and improved square.

Participatory Budgeting delegates discussing in the chambers

Participatory Budgeting in Cambridge Turns 10!

Participatory Budgeting, a democratic process that empowers community members through civic engagement to decide how to spend part of a public budget, turned 10 this fall.

Picture of the 911 Call Center Clinician

New Role Integrates a Mental Health Professional with Dispatchers

In 2023, the City of Cambridge designated a new position within the Emergency Communications Department; a 911 Call Center Clinician. This is a new, unique public safety position as it places a mental health professional directly inside the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) alongside dispatchers.

Rise Up Cambridge Gives Relief to Families

Through Rise Up, Cambridge became the first city in the nation to introduce a non-lottery program to provide direct cash assistance to all eligible families. Ultimately, the City was focused helping families with children to meet their basic needs.

Staff Provide Help with Winter Heating Costs

Every year, the Fuel Assistance Program helps more than 1,200 residents in Cambridge and Somerville pay their winter heating bills between November 1 and April 30. Most residents don’t think about heating bills until temperatures drop, but for the staff managing this crucial service, planning for Fuel Assistance begins in the heat of the summer.

Creatively Expanding the Urban Forest

In 2019, the City of Cambridge completed its Urban Forestry Master Plan. Since, the city has rebranded and taken action to upkeep the Urban Forestry Master Plan through programs such as Forest Friends and Water by Bike.

Cambridge GIS Team Takes Global Stage

Cambridge GIS team has shown itself to be an international leader in Geographic Information System technology. They have visualized the City of Cambridge with several interactive 3D web maps that have allowed the city to stay on top of community needs, climate change resiliency, and much more.

Behind the Scenes at Free Food & Summer Fun

The Annual Summer Food Program provides free breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals to Cambridge residents ages 18 and younger. Behind a summer of free food and fun is the critical mission to address food insecurity in Cambridge. And lots of logistics.

Training Reduces the Impact of Opioid Overdoses

To help make our community safer, the Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) provides free overdose prevention training in partnership with Somerville Health and Human Services.

Block Party - kids playing on the street

Block Party Initiative Triples Neighborhood Celebrations

How do you build community, strengthen connections among neighbors, and showcase creativity to make a healthier—and more fun—Cambridge? Block parties. 

Dance Party Returns With One of Its Biggest Crowds

The City of Cambridge’s Annual Dance Party is finally back. After three years of cancellations due to COVID-19, the 2023 Dance Party had one of the biggest crowds yet, with an expanded event area, colorful lights, and music.

Animal Control Officers hold one of their favorite reptiles

Animal Control Officers and Volunteers Provide Special Care and Support for our Wildlife

Learn how Cambridge Animal Control Officers take extensive measures to ensure sick or injured animals receive the best care and support.

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