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Cambridge Urban Forestry Division Celebrates 2024 Milestones

In 2024, the Urban Forestry Division of Cambridge Public Works planted 1,250 new trees and removed 5,000 square feet of pavement to create better planting conditions, enhancing the city's green infrastructure. The Division maintained a strong tree survival rate, with only 3.5% mortality for spring plantings, and expanded community engagement through the revamped Cambridge Urban Forest Friends newsletter, which saw over 105% subscriber growth. Residents can support the city's urban forest by becoming an Urban Forest Friend or subscribing to the newsletter.

City Manager Yi-An Huang speaking at a podium under a tent with a banner reading "Just A Start, 52 New Street." He is standing in front of a microphone at an outdoor event. There are listeners seated around him.

City Manager's Message

Hear from City Manager Yi-An Huang on this year’s budgeting process, main priorities in this year’s budget, and the city’s goals for the coming year.

A group of eleven people wearing hard hats and holding shovels participate in a groundbreaking ceremony at a construction site. They are standing on a gravel surface with a backdrop featuring construction fencing and a partially visible sign.

The Most Significant Investments in the FY25 Budget

Review the total consolidated spending by key areas of this year’s budget.

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.

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.

City Manager's Message

Climate change is impacting our lives and it’s a top priority for the City. As a community, we need to act with urgency and resolve to address this critical work. As a leader in this work, we have set ambitious goals and have opportunities for all in the community to play a valuable role.

Aggressive City Goals

The City has set aggressive goals and implemented a series of actions in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to a) prevent climate change from worsening b) and address the inevitable impacts of climate change that we are already experiencing in order to improve the health and resilience of the community.

Buildings are at Center of Cambridge's Climate Change Prevention Efforts

The majority of Cambridge’s GHG emissions come from buildings, particularly the largest buildings throughout the community.

Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program

Another community action we are pursuing is a first-of-its-kind Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program. We sat down with Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning at the Cambridge Community Development Department to learn more about this new program.

New Partnership to Help Upgrade Multifamily Buildings

Cambridge has launched a pilot partnership with BlocPower to help multifamily buildings complete energy efficiency and all-electric upgrades that can save energy, improve building comfort, and support Cambridge’s climate goals.

Electrify Cambridge to Support Residents with All-electric Upgrades and Decarbonization Plans

This summer, the City of Cambridge launched Electrify Cambridge, a new program to support Cambridge residents with a wide range of clean, green, and all- electric home energy upgrades.

Cambridge Adopts Climate Resilience Zoning Amendment

Earlier this year, the Cambridge City Council adopted new zoning requirements to address the impacts of increased flooding and increased heat over time as a result of climate change.

25 Years of Sewer and Stormwater Infrastructure Investments Better Prepares City for Impacts of Climate Change

Stormwater management is an important consideration for the City of Cambridge as it adapts to climate change.

Journey Towards a Greener Transportation System

Cambridge promotes sustainable transportation through education, community workshops, planning, and infrastructure projects. Resident volunteers can provide input on transportation projects. The City is investing in Electric Vehicle infrastructure and adding more fully electric vehicles to its fleet.

Creating Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

The City recognizes the importance of and is heavily investing in Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure.

City Gives Away Finished Compost from Yard Waste Program

Cambridge Waste Reduction Programs Help Fight Climate Change Together We Can Continue to Reduce Waste in our Trash

The City is working to reduce our community’s impact on the environment through waste reduction programs. The City collects and recycles more than 9,000 tons of materials annually. By stopping food waste from going to a landfill, we prevent greenhouse gas emissions.

City's Urban Forestry Efforts are Making Cambridge a Greener and more Resilient Community

The City has significantly increased the number of trees it plants annually. The City collects and recycles more than 9,000 tons of materials annually. By stopping food waste from going to a landfill, we prevent greenhouse gas emissions.

Neighborhood Energy Source The Port Microgrid

The City is working with community members on a pilot microgrid in The Port to provide a clean, reliable local energy source.

Cambridge’s Sustainability Initiatives: Addressing Climate Change and Building Resilience

Recognizing the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect vulnerable communities, the City has implemented a comprehensive set of programs and projects to combat climate change and enhance resilience.

Volunteers work to plant 40 native species of plants at the Miyawaki Forest at Danehy Park.

Championing Sustainability & Improving Our Community

Urban Forest Canopy. Continued implementation of the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) guides development of Cambridge’s tree assets and enables the City to expand the urban forest canopy and be more resilient to climate change.

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