Dear Members,

Over the past few years, we’ve grown significantly as an organization. Thanks to you, our numbers have increased along with our influence. Together, we've successfully advocated for the Mass and Main development and the Central Square Restoration Petition -- both of which have potential to add thousands of much-needed mixed-income housing units to Central Square, we defended and promoted Frost Terrace, smoothing the way for 40 new affordable units, we've hosted countless educational forums and social events, creating alliances with other like-minded organizations in the state and nationally, and will be a host of the third annual international YIMBYtown conference in September.

We've had several looks and logos over the past six years, but none of them were ever reflective of who we are as an organization. As we've grown from an informal group of like-minded neighbors to an incorporated organization with over 200 paid members, 1200 subscribers, and with a national reputation, we realized it was time to create an identity that truly illustrates who we are. Today we are proud to unveil our new brand identity.

The new identity is the culmination of months of interviews and introspection with many of you about the essence of ABC. The goal was to discuss not just our mission, but our character as an organization. We held focus groups with both new and long term members, as well as key community stakeholders, elected officials, and City Council candidates. In those interviews, we kept hearing some key themes which the new identity aims to embody.

Community is at the heart of everything ABC is about. We strive to create affordable communities in which people can live and thrive. We also aim for ABC as an organization to become a community. We connect to one another in our neighborhoods, through social events, and in our shared commitment. We want to foster discussion, openness, and approachability.

We are pragmatic and fact-based. We understand that the housing affordability crisis is an emotional issue, as it touches on people’s livelihoods, homes and communities. Our goal is to be the voice of reason in what are sometimes fear-based discussions. ABC upholds the data-driven arguments that more housing also enables more affordable housing. We recognize that these are complex arguments, and our hope is to help simplify them.

We are modern and embrace change. For Cambridge to face the affordability, social and environmental challenges head on, we need to welcome change.

The new brand identity lays the foundation for some of the work we have ahead of us. One thing that we heard from you during the January membership meeting is that we need to do more to educate both members and non members alike about housing related issues. I couldn’t agree with you more! We also want to help create sustainable growth housing policies, build our membership, organize educational and social events...In all there’s a lot of exciting work to do and we’d love you to become a part of it and help shape the future of ABC.

We welcome all volunteers -  no matter how big or small your time commitment. To express interest, please complete this form and we will be in touch.

I also want to say a big thank you to the volunteers who were part of the brand identity team. Thank you Eugenia Huh, Bret Matthew, Margo Sulmont, Ortal Ullman, and Rhoda Ullmann. And a thank you to our designer, Gary Pikovsky for the new design.

We hope you like our new look!