Cambridge has passed landmark multifamily zoning reform — now we must protect and build on it.
On February 10, 2025, the Cambridge City Council voted 8–1 to adopt two zoning petitions allowing multifamily housing in every residential neighborhood — for the first time in Cambridge zoning history. All residential districts (Residence A-1, A-2, B, and C) are now unified as Residence C-1, where all housing types are permitted by right up to four stories, with a path to six stories for projects with 20% affordable units.
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✓ Multifamily Zoning |
Old Zoning |
| Net new units projected by 2040 |
3,590 |
350 |
| Inclusionary affordable units by 2040 |
660 |
30 |
| Share of city off-limits to apartments |
30 |
~⅓ |
| Residential units that were nonconforming |
0% |
85% |
A Better Cambridge championed multifamily zoning reform to end exclusionary zoning in Cambridge. The culmination of nearly two years of advocacy, the process included Housing Committee hearings led by Co-Chairs Burhan Azeem and Sumbul Siddiqui (now Vice Mayor and Mayor), expert testimony, and community engagement. The effort drew support from housing experts including Harvard economist Jason Furman — one of President Obama's top economic advisers — and Paul Williams, Executive Director of the Center for Public Enterprise and a leading national authority on social housing.
Building more multifamily homes of all kinds — including market-rate — relieves pressure on the entire housing market, with the biggest benefit to residents of more affordable housing, as documented in study after study.
As of spring 2026, several city councillors have begun efforts to repeal or weaken the multifamily zoning. Rolling back this reform would raise rents, cause displacement, and eliminate hundreds of future affordable inclusionary units. Stay engaged — the fight continues.
Sign our petition to defend defend the Multifamily Housing Ordinance.
What the Press Said
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The Boston Globe · Editorial Board
Few places are as well suited for multifamily housing as Cambridge. It's served by the Red and Green lines, the commuter rail, numerous bus lines, and, naturally, ample bike lanes. There is also clearly unmet demand for housing: Councilors heard from residents who want to stay in Cambridge but worry they will be unable to find a place to live.
February 14, 2025
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Cambridge Day
In a landmark zoning reform, Cambridge votes to legalize four-story multifamily homes citywide… This landmark zoning reform is a commendable step toward addressing the housing crisis. By eliminating discriminatory exclusionary zoning and incentivizing affordable housing, Cambridge is prioritizing inclusivity and sustainability.
February 10–11, 2025
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Bloomberg CityLab
By freeing apartment developers to build up to four stories across the city, the hometown of Harvard and MIT has set a new benchmark for the housing movement… Cambridge added so few new homes in 2023 that you can count them on one hand — five units total.
March 3, 2025 · Kriston Capps
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Harvard Business School · The Harbus
Cambridge's comprehensive approach sets a precedent for other municipalities grappling with similar challenges, signaling a shift toward more flexible and inclusive urban planning strategies. It also marks a key early win for Mayor E. Denise Simmons, who committed to "taking bold steps" to address Cambridge's housing shortage.
March 31, 2025
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Councillors Azeem & Nolan · Cambridge Day Op-Ed
We agreed on the fundamental goal: to address long-standing housing challenges by allowing multifamily homes citywide, ending single-family-only zoning and making it easier to build… Sometimes leadership means compromise.
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