How Cambridge Arts Cares For 280+ Public Artworks
Cambridge’s Percent-for-Art ordinance, established in 1979, has led to the city housing the largest municipal collection of contemporary public art in the region, along with the responsibility of maintaining it. The 2024 exhibition Rust Happen(s): Caring for the Public Art Collection showcased the challenges of preserving outdoor artworks, from rust and graffiti to storm damage, and highlighted the meticulous work of Cambridge Arts’ conservation team. Through stories of restored sculptures and murals, the exhibit underscored the science behind art conservation and encouraged community engagement in protecting public art.
Cambridge Celebrates Arbor Week May 4-8
The Cambridge Department of Public Works invites you to celebrate Arbor Week May 4-8, featuring activities, information and giveaways that promote the City's Urban Forest. Arbor Week celebrates the critical role that trees play in keeping our City healthy and resilient. Come meet staff, learn about Cambridge’s trees and get a free seedling!
Publications
Responsive and interactive versions of content typically featured in our CityView and The Cambridge Life print publications to share additional information, videos, and more. In time, digital versions of other City publications will be added as well.
Climate Action Book Club (Collins)
Join the Collins Branch Library in collaboration with the Cambridge Climate Leaders Initiative for a monthly discussion of a climate-related topic. Each month the group will discuss a book on the topic at hand then hear about a related local program or initiative and how you can take action.
Topic: Finding Hope Together
Book: The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams
Registration is encouraged, but not required. For more information contact Jo at jpercell@cambridgema.gov.
Climate Action Book Club (Collins)
Join the Collins Branch Library in collaboration with the Cambridge Climate Leaders Initiative for a monthly discussion of a climate-related topic. Each month the group will discuss a book on the topic at hand then hear about a related local program or initiative and how you can take action. Books have been reserved for the group and may be picked up at Collins.
Topic: Climate Fiction
Book: The Future by Naomi Alderman
Registration is encouraged but not required. For more information contact Andrea: afiorillo@cambridgema.gov.
Community Safety Department Makes Immediate Impact In Community Following Launch of 9-1-1 Response
The Community Safety Department’s CARE Team launched in 2024, providing an unarmed, compassionate response to mental health crises, well-being checks, and other non-criminal emergencies. By the end of the year, they responded to nearly 200 emergency calls, assisted over 150 community members, and removed 1,600 needles from public spaces, with 94% of calls requiring no police involvement. In collaboration with local organizations and the Cambridge Police Department, the CARE Team also offers case management and referrals, helping residents access shelter, addiction treatment, housing support, and other essential services.
Carshare
Carsharing gives Cambridge residents a transportation option that complements the city’s robust transit, bicycling, and walking networks. Carshare members get the benefit of a private car without the cost and responsibility owning one.
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.
Mid Cambridge NCDC 04-20-2021
Meeting minutes of the Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission Architects Advisory Committee held on April 20, 2021