DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

A Better Cambridge released its City Council Candidate Ratings. The ratings are based on a comprehensive questionnaire distributed to all 23 candidates to measure their level of agreement with key ABC priorities and goals. Higher rated candidates demonstrate a strong understanding of the complex housing and development challenges facing Cambridge today. They are best prepared to make Cambridge a more affordable and livable city for all residents, especially low-income families. To view the ratings and the complete questionnaire click on the link below. 
ABC Candidate Ratings

ABC hosted an affordable housing forum on September 26th, bringing together three statewide housing experts to discuss solutions to the housing crisis facing the region. A recap of the forum, along with a video of the event can be found here. Jesse Kanson-Benanav wrote an op-ed in the Cambridge Chronicle summarizing the event.
Cambridge Chronicle

The City Council voted to triple the linkage fee to $12 a square foot for new commercial development with a $1 increase each year for the next three years. These fees help to preserve and create affordable housing in the city. 
Cambridge Chronicle

According to new Census Bureau figures, the Greater Boston area has the second tightest rental market in the nation, with a vacancy rate of only 2.6%.
Boston Globe

UPCOMING EVENTS

ABC is sponsoring a housing forum for the City Council candidates on Thursday, October 15th from 6:30 – 9:30 pm. The event will take place at the Broad Institute at 415 Main Street and will be moderated by Robin Young from WBUR’s Here and Now.

The City Council election is Tuesday, November 3^rd. Don’t forget to Vote. The deadline for voter registration is Wednesday, October 14^th. You can register to vote here.
City of Cambridge 

Don’t know where to vote? Visit wheredoivotema.com to find out.

The City’s Broadband Task Force will be holding an interactive Community Input Forum to gather community insights on how broadband service in Cambridge can be improved Wednesday, October 14, from 6-8 p.m., at Cambridge City Hall, Sullivan Chamber, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

LINKS OF INTEREST

• There is No Such Thing As a City That Has Run Out of Room

• Boston Defies the Laws of Housing Physics

• For Renters, a Bleak Future

• This Woman Has a Plan to Fix San Francisco’s Affordable Housing Crisis – But Homeowners Won’t Like It

DID YOU KNOW?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, median household income in Cambridge increased 40% in the last decade.