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Uncover the radical roots of urban gardening with Kate Brown, author of Tiny Gardens Everywhere (2026). The history of gardening in European and North American cities in the 20th century is a story about ordinary people working with each other—and with plants and microbes—to cultivate life in the unlikeliest of places. Using the deluge of nutrients that flow into cities, working class gardeners regenerated wasteland, built the first garden city communities, and engaged in the most productive agriculture in recorded human history. Following the plants and microbes, urban gardeners also built mutual aid societies that advocated for equity, social welfare, and rights—rights not to liberty and the pursuit of happiness (who can eat that?) but to food, fuel, and shelter; to well-being for all. Kate Brown is the Thomas M. Siebel Distinguished Professor in the History of Science at MIT. Her prize-winning books include Manual for Survival: A Chernobyl Guide to the Future (2019), Plutopia: Nuclear Families in Atomic Cities and the Great Soviet and American Plutonium Disasters (2013), and A Biography of No Place: From Ethnic Borderland to Soviet Heartland (2004). Presented in partnership with City of Cambridge Community Garden Program.

Take control of your high blood pressure and health: The Cambridge Public Health Department’s Healthy Eating and Active Living team is partnering with CHA’s Windsor Clinic to offer monthly walk-in education sessions on hypertension (high blood pressure) prevention and maintenance strategies.

As City of Cambridge buildings, departments, and services plan for a safe and limited reopening to the public, the City has created a new page with the most up-to-date information about each department and how to get in touch with them.

City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking Cambridge residents, business owners, and local professionals interested in serving on the Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) beginning in January 2023. The RAC is a volunteer committee which provides advice, recommendations, and assistance to the Department of Public Works (DPW) regarding recycling, composting, reuse, and waste reduction. The RAC does this through research, feedback, public outreach, and event planning. The RAC has helped the city implement the Zero Waste Master Plan, curbside composting, Fix-It Clinics, marketing and education, and other important initiatives that have made Cambridge a national leader in waste reduction.

CloudHouse is a temporary pavilion that provides shade and seating in an active recreational area to reduce the impacts of extreme heat. The pavilion provides flexible seating and an open form that invites people to socialize, rest, and enjoy a favorite neighborhood park!

We view all attempts to educate, promote healing, and support the economic stability of individuals and communities as prevention strategies. To that end, we support organizations who already do this work to incorporate conversations about DGBV and skill building around healthy conflict and communication. We promote strategies that will not cause further harm to communities in their attempt to help.

Information about the Planning Board Special Permit Process and downloadable copy of the application form. Also links to active and completed special permit documents.

The Community Engagement Team (CET) at DHSP helps Cambridge families access resources, understand information, and navigate systems. CET focuses on supporting families from many cultural and linguistic backgrounds with the goal of helping them feel connected, informed, and included in the community.

Learn about Cambridge Community Electricity, the City's group buying program for residents and businesses that provides more renewable energy and stable, long-term prices.

Learn how to confidently hire designers, photographers, and other creative pros to work on your small business. This hands-on workshop helps Cambridge small business owners define their brand, plan smarter marketing, and leave with a practical worksheet and clear next steps.