Mayor's Office
Source: https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/mayorsoffice
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
Mayor's Office
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Housing Assistance
Learn more about affordable housing, housing rights or disputes, financial assistance, emergency housing and more.
Learn More
Community Engagement
Mayor Siddiqui is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community by actively promoting engagement and collaboration among all residents.
Learn More
Support for Seniors
Working to promote and safeguard the health and independence of Cambridge seniors over the age of 60.
Learn More
City Council Meetings
Request Mayor to Speak at Event
Request a Proclamation from the Mayor
Interpretation Services
Mayors Summer Youth Employment Program
Employment Resources
The mayor serves as the Chairperson for the City Council and as a member of the School Committee. As the official leader of the City, the Mayor fulfills political, ceremonial, and community leadership functions on behalf of the City and serves as the City's official receiver for visiting dignitaries and distinguished visitors.
The Mayor’s Office has a diverse range of responsibilities that include supporting members of the public seeking information or seeking to address concerns regarding City government and municipal services. The Mayor’s Office also implements citywide public events and celebrations, conducts public policy research, drafts legislation, and serves as the City liaison between federal and state agencies, community groups, and citizens.
Contacts
PHONE:
617-349-4321
Email Us
795 Massachusetts Ave., 2nd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02139
Frequently-Asked Questions
I am facing eviction. Who can help me?
If you are facing eviction, your first step should be to consult a lawyer. Depending on your income, you may be able to secure a free lawyer. Contact either
DeNovo
at 617-661-1010 during business hours or
Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services
at 617-603-2713. Another resource includes
Homeless and Eviction Prevention Services
.
How do I apply for Public Housing or get in touch with Cambridge Housing Authority?
For more information about applying for Public Housing, contact the
Cambridge Housing Authority
362 Green Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone:
617-864-3020
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf
: 800-545-1833 x112
www.cambridge-housing.org
For more general advice and assistance, contact:
Cambridge Multi-Service Center
362 Green Street, 1st floor
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: 617
-349-6340
www.cambridgema.gov/MultiServiceCenter
To learn about the City's Inclusionary Housing, how to apply, and for information about other affordable housing options in the Cambridge, please visit the
City's Community Development Department Housing Division website:
www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/housing
What are some tips on Raising Healthy Children in Cambridge
Here is the link to
Raising Healthy Children in Cambridge Handbook
, created by the Cambridge Healthy Children Task Force (HCTF). The HCTF is a community coalition made up of parents and professionals who work with children and families in Cambridge. The HCTF was organized in 1990 to promote the health of children in Cambridge. This booklet brings together the HCTF member’s expertise along with national guidelines and research.
How can low-income individuals or families access legal services?
The following Cambridge based organizations offer civil (non-criminal) legal aid to low-income individuals and families:
Cambridge/Somerville (Greater Boston) Legal Services
60 Gore Street, Suite 203
Cambridge, MA 02141
617-603-2700
gbls.org
De Novo (formerly Community Legal Services and Counseling Center)
47 Thorndike Street, SB-LL-1
Cambridge, MA 02141
617-661-1010
clsacc.org
Harvard Legal Aid Bureau
23 Everett Street, 1st Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138
617-495-4408
harvardlegalaid.org
What do I need to know about waste collection in Cambridge?
The City provides
weekly curbside pickup
of household trash, recycling, and compost. Curbside collection is generally one day behind schedule following a holiday. Street cleaning makeup dates for holidays vary, so please check the
Department of Public Works website
for the latest information.
Use the
"Get Rid of it Right"
tool on the
Curbside Collections webpage
to find your curbside collection and street cleaning schedule, search for how to dispose of items, schedule a mattress pick-up and more.
Overview of
Weekly Curbside Collection
Recycling
Compost
Trash Collection
Yard Waste
(April 1 - December 31)
Schedule a Curbside Pickup
Clothing and Textiles
TV, appliances, furniture, other bulky waste disposal
Mattress Recycling
Drop-Off Locations/Events
Recycling Center
Household Hazardous Waste Events
Additional links
The City’s
"Get Rid of it Right" tool
and free Zero Waste Cambridge app (iOS and Android) allow you to find your curbside collection and street cleaning schedule, report a missed pickup, search for how to dispose of items, schedule a mattress pick-up and more,
Order supplies for curbside collection through the
Compost, Recycle, and Trash Supplies Request Form
Register here
to receive news, tips, and updates about recycling and composting from Cambridge Recycling
SeeClickFix
helps residents reach the City online or via their smartphone to request services or get help fixing issues
My trash and/or recycling was not picked up, what do I do?
If your curbside collection was missed, please submit a report at
CambridgeMA.gov/311
after 4 p.m. on your collection day. Typically, collection trucks go back for missed pickups after completing the current day’s route. Please leave the missed items at the curb to ensure collection. Learn more at
Cambridgema.gov/curbsidecollections
.
Do Property Owners need to clear sidewalks of snow?
Ice needs to be removed within 6 hours from the time it forms, per
City Ordinance
. Snow needs to be removed within 12 hours after snow stops falling during the day and before 1pm if it snowed during the night, per
City Ordinance
.
Public Works and the Traffic Department work together to enforce this Ordinance. Parking Control Officers in the Traffic Department conduct enforcement on priority pedestrian routes throughout the winter, and Public Works Compliance Officers investigate all complaints received of uncleared sidewalks.
The fine for failing to comply with the City’s sidewalk clearance ordinances is $50/day for each day of non-compliance. Even if you aren’t around, it is your responsibility to ensure someone clears sidewalks and ramps next to your property.
We all have a shared responsibility for keeping our community safe and accessible during winter weather. For you, your neighbors, people with strollers or using wheelchairs, and the many people in Cambridge who walk, please do your part.
How often does the city sweep the streets?
Public Works mechanically sweeps each street in Cambridge once per month, April through December (weather permitting). Signs are posted on each residential street indicating
the schedule
. In order to ensure that streets are properly cleaned, cars must move off the side of the street being swept to avoid being
ticketed
.
Citywide street sweeping includes twice yearly vacuum sweeping to
improve stormwater quality
.
In addition to neighborhood sweeping, City squares are cleaned daily: on weekdays from 7 am to 3 pm, weekends and holidays from 4 am to 8 am (street sweeping) and 6 am to 10 am (hand-cleaning crew). Litter barrels in squares are emptied twice daily on weekdays and three times daily on weekends.
The Division also has a power washer which is used to clean public trash and recycling receptacles, and to operate a graffiti removal program on both public and private property (with owner's permission).
How do I pay for a parking ticket or dispute a parking ticket?
A Parking ticket must be paid within 21 days of receiving it to avoid any additional fees. If you feel that the ticket was received in error, you may dispute the ticket.
Options for paying a parking ticket:
Pay by Web
:
Pay by Phone: 617 491-7277
Pay by Mail: P. O. Box 399113, Cambridge, MA 02139
Pay in Person:
344 Broadway
Monday 8:30am - 8:00pm
Tuesday - Thursday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Friday 8:30am - Noon
Forms of Payment Accepted
MC/Visa accepted.
Cash, credit card or money order accepted for booted vehicles.
Cash, credit card or money order accepted for immediate clearance at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. If you pay by check, there is a 30 day waiting period before clearance.
Disputing a parking ticket:
Fill out the Parking Ticket Dispute form and submit either
online
, by mail or in person. You will need the ticket number and plate number when filling out the form. Completed forms can be mailed or delivered to:
Traffic, Parking & Transportation
City of Cambridge
344 Broadway
Cambridge, MA 02139
Attn: Hearing Officer
You will receive a communication regarding the disposition of the dispute. If you feel the decision is not correct you may request a hearing.
How do I get a parking permit or a visitors parking permit?
Resident’s car
A
resident parking permit
is required to park on most residential streets in Cambridge Monday through Saturday. The resident parking permit program was created to ease parking problems in residential areas by making it illegal for non-resident commuters to park on residential streets.
Visitors
Each residential household can obtain one visitor parking permit good in the area in which they live whether or not that household has a car. If you own multiple Cambridge properties, you must declare one as your primary residence. Only one visitor permit will be issued in your name.
Consideration
If you are having an event with multiple visitors you can submit a request for consideration to prevent your visitors from receiving a ticket.
Eligibility requirements
To purchase a resident parking permit you must:
1. Submit proof of residency as a Cambridge resident.
2. Have your car registered in your name at your Cambridge address
3. Principally garaged at your Cambridge address.
4. Pay all outstanding parking tickets and excise tax.
To purchase a visitor parking permit you must:
1. Submit proof of residency as a Cambridge resident.
Company Vehicle
To purchase a resident parking permit you must:
1. Submit a letter on company letter head stating that the vehicle is in your custody
2. Vehicle must be registered in MA and principally garaged in Cambridge through RMV.
3. Pay all outstanding parking tickets and excise tax.
You may apply for a resident and/or visitor parking permit by mail or by going to the Office of Traffic and Parking located at 344 Broadway -
Monday, 8:30am to 8:00pm, Tuesday - Thursday, 8:30am - 5:00pm, Friday, 8:30am - Noon.
For more information visit the
Traffic and Parking Webpage
What are the City's parking procedures during a snow storm?
In the event of a snow storm, remember these general on-street parking guidelines:
Always park at least 20 feet from the street corner. Parking this far away from the corner improves visibility and safety year-round and ensures compliance with Cambridge Traffic Regulations. In the winter, it also allows plows to push snow away from crosswalks.
Think safety! Please do your part and dig out fire hydrants and street drains while digging out your car.
When digging out your car, think about how you pile snow; don't create new problems in the street or on sidewalks.
Please don't take it personally if Public Works plows accidentally push snow back into your driveway or parked car. It’s sometimes unavoidable in order to keep streets as passable as possible during all stages of the storm.
During substantial storms, the City may declare a Snow Emergency Parking Ban which prohibits parking on streets signed “No Parking during Snow Emergency.” When a snow emergency is declared, information is available on the
City’s Snow Center
website and on
22-CityView
. Information can also be found by calling 617-349-4700 (Traffic Department during regular hours or recorded snow information line after hours) To receive notifications about snow emergencies via e-mail, text message, and/or phone call (for any landline or cell phone in the city or elsewhere), sign up for Code Red through the
Cambridge Alert Network
. Every effort is made to give residents as much advance notice as possible of an impending snow emergency.
How Do I Report a Rodent Sighting
To report a sighting of rodents you can call the rodent hotline (617) 349-4899 or email
rodents@cambridgema.gov
How Do I File a Complaint Against the Cambridge Police
The Police Review & Advisory Board provides a prompt, impartial and fair investigation of complaints brought by individuals against members of the Cambridge Police Department.
Learn more
.
I feel unsafe in the City, who can I speak to/where can I file a report?
Please call the Cambridge Police Department's Non-Emergency number at 617-349-3300.
If you have more general concerns about public safety, you can email the mayor at
dsimmons@cambridgema.gov
and the full Council at
council@cambridgema.gov
.
Contact Us
How can we help?
Please provide as much detail below as possible so City staff can respond to your inquiry:
Description:
*
Name:
Email:
As a governmental entity, the Massachusetts Public Records Law applies to records made or received by the City. Any information received through use of this site is subject to the same provisions as information provided on paper.
Read our complete privacy statement
Service Requests
Enter a service request via SeeClickFix
for things like missed trash pickups, potholes, etc., click here
Close
Skip to Navigation
Skip to Main Content
Skip to Footer
Official websites use .gov
A
.gov
website belongs to an official government
organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A
lock
(
) or
https://
means you’ve safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
Housing Assistance
Learn more about affordable housing, housing rights or disputes, financial assistance, emergency housing and more.
Learn More
Community Engagement
Mayor Siddiqui is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community by actively promoting engagement and collaboration among all residents.
Learn More
Support for Seniors
Working to promote and safeguard the health and independence of Cambridge seniors over the age of 60.
Learn More
City Council Meetings
Request Mayor to Speak at Event
Request a Proclamation from the Mayor
Interpretation Services
Mayors Summer Youth Employment Program
Employment Resources
The mayor serves as the Chairperson for the City Council and as a member of the School Committee. As the official leader of the City, the Mayor fulfills political, ceremonial, and community leadership functions on behalf of the City and serves as the City's official receiver for visiting dignitaries and distinguished visitors.
The Mayor’s Office has a diverse range of responsibilities that include supporting members of the public seeking information or seeking to address concerns regarding City government and municipal services. The Mayor’s Office also implements citywide public events and celebrations, conducts public policy research, drafts legislation, and serves as the City liaison between federal and state agencies, community groups, and citizens.
Contacts
PHONE:
617-349-4321
Email Us
795 Massachusetts Ave., 2nd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02139
Frequently-Asked Questions
I am facing eviction. Who can help me?
If you are facing eviction, your first step should be to consult a lawyer. Depending on your income, you may be able to secure a free lawyer. Contact either
DeNovo
at 617-661-1010 during business hours or
Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services
at 617-603-2713. Another resource includes
Homeless and Eviction Prevention Services
.
How do I apply for Public Housing or get in touch with Cambridge Housing Authority?
For more information about applying for Public Housing, contact the
Cambridge Housing Authority
362 Green Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone:
617-864-3020
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf
: 800-545-1833 x112
www.cambridge-housing.org
For more general advice and assistance, contact:
Cambridge Multi-Service Center
362 Green Street, 1st floor
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: 617
-349-6340
www.cambridgema.gov/MultiServiceCenter
To learn about the City's Inclusionary Housing, how to apply, and for information about other affordable housing options in the Cambridge, please visit the
City's Community Development Department Housing Division website:
www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/housing
What are some tips on Raising Healthy Children in Cambridge
Here is the link to
Raising Healthy Children in Cambridge Handbook
, created by the Cambridge Healthy Children Task Force (HCTF). The HCTF is a community coalition made up of parents and professionals who work with children and families in Cambridge. The HCTF was organized in 1990 to promote the health of children in Cambridge. This booklet brings together the HCTF member’s expertise along with national guidelines and research.
How can low-income individuals or families access legal services?
The following Cambridge based organizations offer civil (non-criminal) legal aid to low-income individuals and families:
Cambridge/Somerville (Greater Boston) Legal Services
60 Gore Street, Suite 203
Cambridge, MA 02141
617-603-2700
gbls.org
De Novo (formerly Community Legal Services and Counseling Center)
47 Thorndike Street, SB-LL-1
Cambridge, MA 02141
617-661-1010
clsacc.org
Harvard Legal Aid Bureau
23 Everett Street, 1st Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138
617-495-4408
harvardlegalaid.org
What do I need to know about waste collection in Cambridge?
The City provides
weekly curbside pickup
of household trash, recycling, and compost. Curbside collection is generally one day behind schedule following a holiday. Street cleaning makeup dates for holidays vary, so please check the
Department of Public Works website
for the latest information.
Use the
"Get Rid of it Right"
tool on the
Curbside Collections webpage
to find your curbside collection and street cleaning schedule, search for how to dispose of items, schedule a mattress pick-up and more.
Overview of
Weekly Curbside Collection
Recycling
Compost
Trash Collection
Yard Waste
(April 1 - December 31)
Schedule a Curbside Pickup
Clothing and Textiles
TV, appliances, furniture, other bulky waste disposal
Mattress Recycling
Drop-Off Locations/Events
Recycling Center
Household Hazardous Waste Events
Additional links
The City’s
"Get Rid of it Right" tool
and free Zero Waste Cambridge app (iOS and Android) allow you to find your curbside collection and street cleaning schedule, report a missed pickup, search for how to dispose of items, schedule a mattress pick-up and more,
Order supplies for curbside collection through the
Compost, Recycle, and Trash Supplies Request Form
Register here
to receive news, tips, and updates about recycling and composting from Cambridge Recycling
SeeClickFix
helps residents reach the City online or via their smartphone to request services or get help fixing issues
My trash and/or recycling was not picked up, what do I do?
If your curbside collection was missed, please submit a report at
CambridgeMA.gov/311
after 4 p.m. on your collection day. Typically, collection trucks go back for missed pickups after completing the current day’s route. Please leave the missed items at the curb to ensure collection. Learn more at
Cambridgema.gov/curbsidecollections
.
Do Property Owners need to clear sidewalks of snow?
Ice needs to be removed within 6 hours from the time it forms, per
City Ordinance
. Snow needs to be removed within 12 hours after snow stops falling during the day and before 1pm if it snowed during the night, per
City Ordinance
.
Public Works and the Traffic Department work together to enforce this Ordinance. Parking Control Officers in the Traffic Department conduct enforcement on priority pedestrian routes throughout the winter, and Public Works Compliance Officers investigate all complaints received of uncleared sidewalks.
The fine for failing to comply with the City’s sidewalk clearance ordinances is $50/day for each day of non-compliance. Even if you aren’t around, it is your responsibility to ensure someone clears sidewalks and ramps next to your property.
We all have a shared responsibility for keeping our community safe and accessible during winter weather. For you, your neighbors, people with strollers or using wheelchairs, and the many people in Cambridge who walk, please do your part.
How often does the city sweep the streets?
Public Works mechanically sweeps each street in Cambridge once per month, April through December (weather permitting). Signs are posted on each residential street indicating
the schedule
. In order to ensure that streets are properly cleaned, cars must move off the side of the street being swept to avoid being
ticketed
.
Citywide street sweeping includes twice yearly vacuum sweeping to
improve stormwater quality
.
In addition to neighborhood sweeping, City squares are cleaned daily: on weekdays from 7 am to 3 pm, weekends and holidays from 4 am to 8 am (street sweeping) and 6 am to 10 am (hand-cleaning crew). Litter barrels in squares are emptied twice daily on weekdays and three times daily on weekends.
The Division also has a power washer which is used to clean public trash and recycling receptacles, and to operate a graffiti removal program on both public and private property (with owner's permission).
How do I pay for a parking ticket or dispute a parking ticket?
A Parking ticket must be paid within 21 days of receiving it to avoid any additional fees. If you feel that the ticket was received in error, you may dispute the ticket.
Options for paying a parking ticket:
Pay by Web
:
Pay by Phone: 617 491-7277
Pay by Mail: P. O. Box 399113, Cambridge, MA 02139
Pay in Person:
344 Broadway
Monday 8:30am - 8:00pm
Tuesday - Thursday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Friday 8:30am - Noon
Forms of Payment Accepted
MC/Visa accepted.
Cash, credit card or money order accepted for booted vehicles.
Cash, credit card or money order accepted for immediate clearance at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. If you pay by check, there is a 30 day waiting period before clearance.
Disputing a parking ticket:
Fill out the Parking Ticket Dispute form and submit either
online
, by mail or in person. You will need the ticket number and plate number when filling out the form. Completed forms can be mailed or delivered to:
Traffic, Parking & Transportation
City of Cambridge
344 Broadway
Cambridge, MA 02139
Attn: Hearing Officer
You will receive a communication regarding the disposition of the dispute. If you feel the decision is not correct you may request a hearing.
How do I get a parking permit or a visitors parking permit?
Resident’s car
A
resident parking permit
is required to park on most residential streets in Cambridge Monday through Saturday. The resident parking permit program was created to ease parking problems in residential areas by making it illegal for non-resident commuters to park on residential streets.
Visitors
Each residential household can obtain one visitor parking permit good in the area in which they live whether or not that household has a car. If you own multiple Cambridge properties, you must declare one as your primary residence. Only one visitor permit will be issued in your name.
Consideration
If you are having an event with multiple visitors you can submit a request for consideration to prevent your visitors from receiving a ticket.
Eligibility requirements
To purchase a resident parking permit you must:
1. Submit proof of residency as a Cambridge resident.
2. Have your car registered in your name at your Cambridge address
3. Principally garaged at your Cambridge address.
4. Pay all outstanding parking tickets and excise tax.
To purchase a visitor parking permit you must:
1. Submit proof of residency as a Cambridge resident.
Company Vehicle
To purchase a resident parking permit you must:
1. Submit a letter on company letter head stating that the vehicle is in your custody
2. Vehicle must be registered in MA and principally garaged in Cambridge through RMV.
3. Pay all outstanding parking tickets and excise tax.
You may apply for a resident and/or visitor parking permit by mail or by going to the Office of Traffic and Parking located at 344 Broadway -
Monday, 8:30am to 8:00pm, Tuesday - Thursday, 8:30am - 5:00pm, Friday, 8:30am - Noon.
For more information visit the
Traffic and Parking Webpage
What are the City's parking procedures during a snow storm?
In the event of a snow storm, remember these general on-street parking guidelines:
Always park at least 20 feet from the street corner. Parking this far away from the corner improves visibility and safety year-round and ensures compliance with Cambridge Traffic Regulations. In the winter, it also allows plows to push snow away from crosswalks.
Think safety! Please do your part and dig out fire hydrants and street drains while digging out your car.
When digging out your car, think about how you pile snow; don't create new problems in the street or on sidewalks.
Please don't take it personally if Public Works plows accidentally push snow back into your driveway or parked car. It’s sometimes unavoidable in order to keep streets as passable as possible during all stages of the storm.
During substantial storms, the City may declare a Snow Emergency Parking Ban which prohibits parking on streets signed “No Parking during Snow Emergency.” When a snow emergency is declared, information is available on the
City’s Snow Center
website and on
22-CityView
. Information can also be found by calling 617-349-4700 (Traffic Department during regular hours or recorded snow information line after hours) To receive notifications about snow emergencies via e-mail, text message, and/or phone call (for any landline or cell phone in the city or elsewhere), sign up for Code Red through the
Cambridge Alert Network
. Every effort is made to give residents as much advance notice as possible of an impending snow emergency.
How Do I Report a Rodent Sighting
To report a sighting of rodents you can call the rodent hotline (617) 349-4899 or email
rodents@cambridgema.gov
How Do I File a Complaint Against the Cambridge Police
The Police Review & Advisory Board provides a prompt, impartial and fair investigation of complaints brought by individuals against members of the Cambridge Police Department.
Learn more
.
I feel unsafe in the City, who can I speak to/where can I file a report?
Please call the Cambridge Police Department's Non-Emergency number at 617-349-3300.
If you have more general concerns about public safety, you can email the mayor at
dsimmons@cambridgema.gov
and the full Council at
council@cambridgema.gov
.
Contact Us
How can we help?
Please provide as much detail below as possible so City staff can respond to your inquiry:
Description:
*
Name:
Email:
As a governmental entity, the Massachusetts Public Records Law applies to records made or received by the City. Any information received through use of this site is subject to the same provisions as information provided on paper.
Read our complete privacy statement
Service Requests
Enter a service request via SeeClickFix
for things like missed trash pickups, potholes, etc., click here
Close