Governor Baker Files Legislation to Extend Certain COVID-19 Emergency Measures
Governor Charlie Baker will file legislation to extend certain emergency measures currently in place via executive orders that are set to expire on June 15 when the State of Emergency will be rescinded. Most restrictions, including limitations placed on businesses, will be rescinded effective May 29 as Massachusetts nears the goal of vaccinating four million residents.
Apply for a Cannabis Business Permit
Cannabis Business permits are issued by the Inspectional Services Department. Anyone seeking to open a Cannabis Retail Store or operate as a Cultivator, Product Manufacturer, and/or Transporter in Cambridge must obtain a Cannabis Business permit.
Starting a Business Workshop Series: Introduction to Business Management (Central Square)
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner looking to start a business in the City of Cambridge. This workshop is a comprehensive, four-week program tailored specifically for early-stage entrepreneurs and established business owners seeking to enhance their business operations. The curriculum addresses key aspects of business operations. This series of workshops will establish a solid foundation in essential principles of entrepreneurship and business ownership.
Workshop 1: Introduction to Business Management (Date: Tuesday May 27th, 2025)
Key principles of entrepreneurship and business ownership
Business planning and setting actionable goals
Understanding the fundamentals of customer service
Please register here.
Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to First Phase of Four-Phase Approach
The Baker-Polito Administration released Reopening Massachusetts, the Reopening Advisory Board’s report, which details a four-phased strategy to responsibly reopen businesses and activities while continuing to fight COVID-19. The Administration also released a new “Safer At Home” Advisory, which instructs residents to stay at home unless engaging with newly opened activities, as a way to continue limiting the spread of COVID-19.
City of Cambridge to Advance to Phase IV, Step 1 on May 6, 2021, and Relax Outdoor Mask Requirements, Effective April 30, 2021
The City of Cambridge today announced that the city will advance to Phase IV, Step 1 of the Commonwealth’s Reopening Plan, as set forth in Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Order No. 66 on May 6, 2021. The City has remained at a modified Phase III, Step 2 since March 22, 2021. Gathering limits in the city for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 outdoors on May 6, 2021, in accordance with Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Order No. 63 as amended on March 22, 2021.
Cambridge Adopts New Zero Waste Policies to Take Effect in 2027
On August 3, the City Council adopted several new and updated policies to help Cambridge reduce waste, lower trash disposal costs, reduce climate impacts, and address rodent activity.
The changes support goals in the City’s Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0, which City Council adopted in June 2025.
The new policies apply to residential and commercial buildings throughout Cambridge and will take effect on February 3, 2027.