Tracking development in Cambridge under the new Multifamily Housing Ordinance

Cambridge is changing, and if it feels like construction projects are popping up all over town, it’s because, well, they are.

Following the adoption of the Multifamily Housing Ordinance—legislation intended to address Cambridge’s housing shortage—in February, 2025, the pace of development has increased dramatically. Inquiries regarding demolition of existing homes is at an all-time high, and there is no longer a requirement for neighborhood input on new projects, so Cambridge residents are understandably anxious about what might be happening next door.

New Resources Help Track Changes

If you've been curious about all the construction happening around Cambridge, there are now two excellent, free resources that make it easy to explore what's being planned.

The first is a Google Document entitled Cambridge Redevelopment Tracker, maintained by Cambridge City Councillor Cathie Zusy's Office. This crowdsourced tracker focuses on properties that may be redeveloped under the Multifamily Housing Ordinance and includes proposed unit counts, permit status, project details, and, in many cases, links to pre-construction and proposal photos. The list is updated regularly as new information is submitted and verified.

The second is the Cambridge Housing Map, an independent, volunteer-built project created by a Cambridge resident who also happens to be one of our past clients. This public reference focuses on two questions: what Cambridge zoning lets you build on any given lot, and where new housing is being built or proposed. The goal is to let anyone, without a planning background, see how their city is changing. The creators focus on projects that add or reshape housing — new multifamily buildings, redevelopments, teardowns, and Affordable Housing projects.

By combining Cambridge Open Data, GIS information, permit records, historical commission data, and other publicly available sources, as well as relying on input from residents, these resources are helpful in providing a clearer picture of how new development is evolving following adoption of the new zoning ordinance.

Whether you're a homeowner, buyer, investor, or simply curious about your neighborhood, both are valuable tools for understanding how Cambridge continues to evolve.

The Conversation Continues

As with any significant zoning change, the Multifamily Housing Ordinance continues to evolve.

Recently, Cambridge city staff recommended several refinements to the ordinance based on what they've learned during its first year of implementation. The proposed changes aim to improve clarity, address technical issues that have surfaced during the permitting process, and ensure the ordinance better aligns with the city's long-term housing goals. The recommendations are currently under discussion and may continue to evolve through public review.

You can read more about the proposed updates here.

Why This Matters

Development affects more than just new buildings, it influences housing supply, neighborhood character, transportation, local businesses, and future home values.

For homeowners, staying informed can provide valuable context for changes happening nearby. For buyers, understanding upcoming development can help paint a more complete picture of a neighborhood before making one of life's biggest investments.

As always, we'll continue sharing local updates that help our community stay informed about what's happening in Cambridge.