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Susanne Rasmussen Speaks at Podium in City Hall

Susanne Rasmussen, Deputy Climate Chief at the Office of Sustainability, sees public service as work to improve the lives of everyone in the community. For her, this especially means engaging with those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Aerial view of the Charles River and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, featuring modern buildings and a bridge connecting over the river.

A Deeper Look at Key City Initiatives for FY26

Cambridge’s FY26 budget outlines sustained investments in affordable housing, equity, sustainability, and safe streets while prioritizing financial flexibility amid growing economic uncertainty and the wind-down of federal pandemic aid.

Person holding a vial of water against a freshwater pH color chart to test the water.

Safe, Clean Water

Cambridge’s Water Department goes above and beyond to deliver clean, safe, and great-tasting water. Through rigorous daily testing, modern technology, and public education—including free lead and copper testing kits for residents—the City ensures water quality meets the highest standards and exceeds expectations.

A person reviews energy bills while holding a phone next to a window.

Save Energy, Save Money- Get Support

The City of Cambridge offers free, one-on-one help to residents looking to lower their energy bills. Through the Cambridge Energy Helpline (617-430-6230), callers get connected to a trained adviser who can explain cost-saving programs, from fuel assistance and discount utility rates to solar credits and no-cost energy assessments. Support is available to renters, homeowners, and landlords alike—regardless of building type.

Person composting kitchen waste in a large wooden bin at a community garden.

Turn Food Waste Into Clean Energy

Cambridge’s composting program transforms food scraps into clean energy and fertilizer through an innovative digestion process. By reducing landfill waste, lowering costs, supporting climate goals, and even decreasing rodent activity, composting is helping build a healthier, more sustainable Cambridge—one banana peel at a time.

Cambridge Urban Forestry Division Celebrates 2024 Milestones

In 2024, the Urban Forestry Division of Cambridge Public Works planted 1,250 new trees and removed 5,000 square feet of pavement to create better planting conditions, enhancing the city's green infrastructure. The Division maintained a strong tree survival rate, with only 3.5% mortality for spring plantings, and expanded community engagement through the revamped Cambridge Urban Forest Friends newsletter, which saw over 105% subscriber growth. Residents can support the city's urban forest by becoming an Urban Forest Friend or subscribing to the newsletter.

The eight members of the Cambridge City Council posing for a photo in front of the main staircase in City Hall. There's a pillar on each side of the staircase, each flanked with a long, rectangular iteration of the American flag and a green plant in front. Half-circle American flags hang from the windows in the background.

City Council Updates Goals; Forms Basis for City’s Budget

The City’s goals for this year’s budget include improved housing access, transportation, climate resilience, and other investments in the community.

A smiling teacher supervises three students working on a classroom assignment at a table, pointing at one of their papers. The room is bright with educational posters visible in the background.

A Deeper Look at Key City Initiatives for FY25

Take an in-depth look into the City’s major initiatives for the new fiscal year--from affordable housing to traffic safety.

The Valente Library Branch, a modern building with large glass walls and a curved, sloping roof illuminated at night, is located on a tree-lined urban street. Pedestrian crossing lines are visible in the foreground.

New Budgeted Positions

Learn about the seven new full-time positions included in this year’s budget and other changes to the City's organizational structure.

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.

Cambridge GIS Team Takes Global Stage

Cambridge GIS team has shown itself to be an international leader in Geographic Information System technology. They have visualized the City of Cambridge with several interactive 3D web maps that have allowed the city to stay on top of community needs, climate change resiliency, and much more.

Aggressive City Goals

The City has set aggressive goals and implemented a series of actions in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to a) prevent climate change from worsening b) and address the inevitable impacts of climate change that we are already experiencing in order to improve the health and resilience of the community.

Buildings are at Center of Cambridge's Climate Change Prevention Efforts

The majority of Cambridge’s GHG emissions come from buildings, particularly the largest buildings throughout the community.

Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program

Another community action we are pursuing is a first-of-its-kind Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program. We sat down with Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning at the Cambridge Community Development Department to learn more about this new program.

New Partnership to Help Upgrade Multifamily Buildings

Cambridge has launched a pilot partnership with BlocPower to help multifamily buildings complete energy efficiency and all-electric upgrades that can save energy, improve building comfort, and support Cambridge’s climate goals.

Electrify Cambridge to Support Residents with All-electric Upgrades and Decarbonization Plans

This summer, the City of Cambridge launched Electrify Cambridge, a new program to support Cambridge residents with a wide range of clean, green, and all- electric home energy upgrades.

Cambridge Adopts Climate Resilience Zoning Amendment

Earlier this year, the Cambridge City Council adopted new zoning requirements to address the impacts of increased flooding and increased heat over time as a result of climate change.

Journey Towards a Greener Transportation System

Cambridge promotes sustainable transportation through education, community workshops, planning, and infrastructure projects. Resident volunteers can provide input on transportation projects. The City is investing in Electric Vehicle infrastructure and adding more fully electric vehicles to its fleet.

Creating Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

The City recognizes the importance of and is heavily investing in Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure.

City Gives Away Finished Compost from Yard Waste Program

Cambridge Waste Reduction Programs Help Fight Climate Change Together We Can Continue to Reduce Waste in our Trash

The City is working to reduce our community’s impact on the environment through waste reduction programs. The City collects and recycles more than 9,000 tons of materials annually. By stopping food waste from going to a landfill, we prevent greenhouse gas emissions.

City's Urban Forestry Efforts are Making Cambridge a Greener and more Resilient Community

The City has significantly increased the number of trees it plants annually. The City collects and recycles more than 9,000 tons of materials annually. By stopping food waste from going to a landfill, we prevent greenhouse gas emissions.

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