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New affordable housing units under construction at 605 Concord Avenue.

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.

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.

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.

Apply for Financial Support from Rise Up Cambridge by July 31, 2023

The Rise Up Cambridge program empowers residents to decide how to best meet their basic needs and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Cambridge is utilizing the direct cash assistance approach to positively impact some of its most vulnerable families as they strive for economic stability, access to education and opportunity, and improved health.

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