The City's Operating Budget pays for the people, programs, and services that keep Cambridge running every day.
From educating children and maintaining streets to responding to emergencies, supporting families, and operating libraries and parks, the Operating Budget provides the funding needed for City departments to serve the community throughout the year.
The FY27 Operating Budget totals $1.03 billion, covering the period from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The budget represents a 4.1 percent increase over FY26, well below both the City's five-year average annual growth of 6.7 percent and its ten-year average of 6.1 percent. This reflects the City's continued commitment to investing in community priorities while moderating budget growth.
Here's how the Operating Budget is invested across major service areas.
Education
$293.5 million
Education represents the largest share of the City's Operating Budget and provides funding for the Cambridge Public Schools. These investments support teachers and staff, classroom learning, student services, school operations, and educational programs that help prepare students for success.
Community Maintenance and Development
$242.0 million
This category supports many of the everyday services residents see throughout the community. Funding helps maintain streets and sidewalks, manage drinking water and stormwater systems, collect curbside waste and recycling, care for parks and trees, support arts and cultural programs, and invest in neighborhood improvements.
General Government
$203.9 million
These departments provide the essential services that keep City government operating efficiently. This includes financial management, legal services, elections, licensing, information technology, human resources, and the day-to-day administration that supports every City department.
Public Safety
$141.1 million
Public safety funding supports the Cambridge Police Department, Fire Department, Community Safety Department, and Department of Transportation. These departments work together to respond to emergencies, improve traffic safety, maintain safe streets, and protect residents, businesses, and visitors.
Human Resource Development
$75.6 million
This funding supports programs that improve quality of life for residents of all ages. It includes libraries, youth and afterschool programs, services for older adults, recreation, workforce development, food and housing assistance, and other programs that strengthen the community.
Intergovernmental
$76.9 million
Cambridge also contributes funding to regional organizations and partner agencies that provide important services for residents. These include the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, Cambridge Health Alliance, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, and other shared governmental and educational services.
Every dollar in the Operating Budget supports services that residents use every day. Whether it's educating students, maintaining infrastructure, protecting public safety, caring for parks, or supporting vulnerable residents, the budget reflects the City's commitment to providing high-quality services while planning responsibly for the future.
