Author | Lightnews

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · 1d

@burhanazeem.bsky.social @marcgov.bsky.social @votejivan.bsky.social @councillorsiddiqui.bsky.social @danabullister.bsky.social

2

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · 1d

Vote tomorrow for all eight of these candidates. Rank them 1-8 in order of your preference to preserve the progress we've made fighting the housing crisis.

Polls are open 7am-8pm. Find your polling place here: www.sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVote...

Slate endorsed by A Better Cambridge: Burhan Azeem, Dana Bullister, Mark McGovern, Ned Melanson, Sumbul Siddiqui, Denise Simmons, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, and Ayesha Wilson.

1 3 5

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · 1d

Powerful letter to reflect on before you go to vote.

Many candidates are running to roll back the progress Cambridge has made - they are explicitly pro-exclusionary zoning.

A vote for ABC's pro-housing slate will help Cambridge go forward, not back.

www.cambridgeday.com/2025/11/03/c...

I’m proud that our city has faced the resulting housing crisis realistically, and with an eye to equity and sustainability. Cambridge started with the 100% Affordable Housing Overlay, which has opened new opportunities for lower-cost housing, with over 800 homes in the pipeline.

This year, Cambridge passed a Multi-family Zoning Ordinance – a landmark law that received national attention as it created possibilities for multi-family housing citywide. Among the results of the lowered barriers in this law:

a 4-unit lot in mid-Cambridge will become home for 30 households;
a one-story retail building with three stores near Porter, fixed at that size and use since 1894, can now become three stores plus 71 homes;
a deteriorating historic structure near Harvard Sq. is on track to be restored and maintained because it can share its large lot with housing and a small hotel.

Cambridge accomplished all this with planning, deliberation and resident involvement, although not everyone’s policy preferences could be adopted. I expect there will be much more to come as we work our way out of the long-term housing shortage.

This is what some Council candidates want to repeal. We’ve seen what happens when conservatives try to take their country back. Some of our local conservatives have announced their intention to take our city back – to the exclusionary policies from the last century.

To keep Cambridge on an equitable and inclusionary path, I’m voting for the slate endorsed by A Better Cambridge: Burhan Azeem, Dana Bullister, Mark McGovern, Ned Melanson, Sumbul Siddiqui, Denise Simmons, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, and Ayesha Wilson. For Cambridge’s sake, I hope you will, too.

1 2 5

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · 1d

Join us on election day! Help voters rank the pro-housing slate as they're heading into their polling place.

Christopher Schmidt @crschmidt.net · 2d

If you want to help on Election Day, and don’t have anything to do, I could use a few more people to hold signs for @abciepac.org on Election Day in the morning or evening; let me know if you’re interested!

1 2

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · 6d

Rep. Pressley endorsed all 6 pro-housing incumbents for re-election. Let's turn out to support them! Join us tonight at Squirrel Brand Park in the Port to get out the vote

The Harvard Crimson @theharvardcrimson.bsky.social · 6d

Representative Ayanna S. Pressley (D-Mass.) endorsed six candidates for Cambridge City Council on Tuesday, just one week before the Nov. 4 elections that will decide the most crowded race for local office in modern history.

Megan L. Blonigen reports.

www.thecrimson.com/article/2025...

Rep. Pressley Endorses Six Incumbents Running for City Council as Race Heats Up | News | The Harvard Crimson

Representative Ayanna S. Pressley (D-Mass.) endorsed six candidates for Cambridge City Council on Tuesday, just one week before the Nov. 4 elections that will decide the most crowded race for local…

www.thecrimson.com

2

Reposted by A Better Cambridge IEPAC

Ayanna Pressley @ayannapressley.bsky.social · 10d

📢Hey Massachusetts 7th!

Early voting across our district is now open.

Find your early vote polling location and make a plan to vote today.

3 36 110

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · 7d

@ayannapressley.bsky.social is a nationwide progressive leader who's saying YES in her backyard to proven pro-housing champions! Congratulations Mayor Simmons, VM McGovern, @councillorsiddiqui.bsky.social, Ayesha Wilson, @votejivan.bsky.social, @burhanazeem.bsky.social: all 6 ABC-endorsed incumbents

5 8

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · 11d

Early voting starts tomorrow! You can be first in line to vote, then join our canvasses in Central, the Port, or Cambridgeport

Check our newsletter here: mailchi.mp/9f7d2039accc...

Saturday, 2pm, Old Morse Park (Cambridgeport)

Saturday, 3:30pm, Greene-Rose Heritage Park (155 Harvard St. in the Port)

Sunday, 11am, City Hall lawn, Central Square (795 Mass Ave.)

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · 14d

Want to get involved?

* Tonight & tomorrow evening, 4:30-6, we'll be doing visibility and handing out flyers in Central Sq! Drop by anytime, DM if you can help in other neighborhoods

* Free tomorrow night or over the next few days to help with texting? Send us a message and we can get you set up!

1

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · 14d

In February, Cambridge City Council voted 8-1 to allow multifamily housing in every neighborhood. Now, 100+ new homes are moving forward, on top of 1000s advanced under the Affordable Housing Overlay and transit-oriented neighborhood plans.

Get the facts, then VOTE by November 4!

NEIGHBORHOOD MULTIFAMILY UPZONING

What does Cambridge's New Upzoning, passed in February 2025, actually mean for residential neighborhoods?

A quide with facts for 2025 voters.

WHAT DOES THE NEW ZONING ACTUALLY CHANGE?
• Allows multifamily housing in all Cambridge neighborhoods (most already have multifamily homes, but new construction
was banned for decades)
• Promotes more housing, especially adding more affordable housing units built within a larger, market-rate development
• Removes barriers like minimum lot sizes, unit limits, and floor area restrictions

WHAT REMAINS UNCHANGED:
• Climate Resilience requirements
• Inclusionary Housing requirements
• Green Building requirements
• Historical Commission review
• Tree Protection Ordinance
• Building, codes fire safety, sanitary, energy
ALL CURRENT PROPOSED PROJECTS IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS (3):
Three projects currently in design review with city of Cambridge utilize the multifamily housing zoning for residential neighborhoods (none under construction):
• 60 Ellery Street - demolition approved, project will include 20% inclusionary unit, 6 stories
• 84-86 Ellery Street - demolition not approved, development will repurpose existing building project will include 20% inclusionary unit, 6 stories
• Spears Funeral Home - demolition approved, construction likely 2027, project will include 20% inclusionary units, 6 stories

NEIGHBORHOOD MULTIFAMILY ZONING
OTHER BENEFITS
• Homeowner flexibility: Possible to change your home to add rental units for income or to house home caregivers (previously required difficult variances)
• Housing ladder: Helps residents transition from shared housing to family homes, from shelters to homes, and more
• Affordable housing stock: Encourages developers to build affordable units that are rented to qualified people and rents are set at 30% of household income for families.
• Housing crisis: A step forward in addressing local, regional and national housing shortage

POLITICAL REALITY
After years of meetings and community
input, the final zoning petition passed in the
council 8 to I.
• Extensive compromises negotiated by all councillors and through community engagement resulted in :
⁃ Market-rate buildings: max 4 stories
⁃ 6 stories only if: 20% inclusionary, 5,000+ sq ft lot, 30% green space, larger setbacks
⁃ Buildings over 3 stories require community meetings
• Pro-housing is a popular policy position and pro-housing candidates took 68% of the #1 votes in 2023
• In 2023, pro-housing candidates ran on supporting at least 4 stories in neighborhoods
Sources: Cambridge CDD

1 3

Reposted by A Better Cambridge IEPAC

City of Cambridge @cambridgemass.bsky.social · 17d

Want to vote by mail in Cambridge's upcoming election? Apply for a mail-in ballot by Oct. 28! 👉 https://camb.ma/3psgxA6

3 1

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · 18d

Check out our latest newsletter: mailchi.mp/ed3399cec619...

Then join us this weekend! Sign up below or just stop by at any of these events
forms.gle/TjavP3feVvb8...

Saturday, 10/18 at 1:00pm, Punjabi Dhaba on Hampshire St

Saturday, 10/18 at 3:00pm, Silva Park on Sciarappa St

Saturday, 10/18 at 4:00pm, Alberico Park on Allston St

Saturday, 10/18 at 4:00pm, Baldwin School on Oxford St

Sunday, 10/19 at 1:00pm, Donnelly Field on York St

Sunday, 10/19 at 2:00pm, O'Neill Branch Library on Rindge Ave

Sunday, 10/19 at 2:00pm, Dana Park on Magazine St

1

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · 19d

All Politics IS Local - shot from our North Cambridge canvass last weekend

Two men standing in front of mural showing Tip O'Neill that says All Politics is Local

1

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · 24d

So far we've knocked on the doors of 3000 voters! With less than a month before the election, there's lots left to do.

Check here for volunteer events this weekend:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Saturday, 10/11 at 11:00am, O'Neill Branch Library on Rindge Ave

Saturday, 10/11 at 2:00pm, Alberico Park on Allston St

Saturday, 10/11 at 3:00pm, Sennott Park on Broadway

Sunday, 10/12 at 2:00pm, Silva Park on Sciarappa St

Sunday, 10/12 at 3:00pm, Sennott Park on Broadway

1

Reposted by A Better Cambridge IEPAC

Kim Driscoll @kimdriscollma.bsky.social · 29d

I’m so excited to introduce AD&U, our new social media series highlighting the stories behind accessory dwelling units across Massachusetts.

1 5 8

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · Oct 3

The pro-housing coalition endorsed by A Better Cambridge fought for affordable housing at 2072 Mass Ave. Now, the project is moving forward! Let's keep up the momentum: join us for a pro-housing canvass at 3pm on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Sign up to knock doors this weekend: forms.gle/NDDNJpZk5pfL...

Text: Thankfully, candidates endorsed by A Better Cambridge formed a pro-housing majority after the 2021 election. In 2023, they updated Cambridge's 100% Affordable Housing Overlay to allow taller buildings on major corridors like Mass Ave, meaning 2072 Mass Ave can be approved "by-right" (it's not up to the BZA's discretion). The council also supported historic levels of funding for Cambridge's Affordable Housing Trust, through the commercial linkage fee and city funds.
Image: rendering of building with trees on top, one-story buildings in foreground.

3

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · Sep 26

Come help us keep up the momentum going telling voters about our pro-housing slate! Sign up to canvass this weekend:

forms.gle/k4RV5CNGvC3w...

Which events do you want to attend? *
Saturday, 9/27 at 1:30pm, Dana Park on Magazine St
Saturday, 9/27 at 3pm,* Donnelly Field on York St (note corrected time)
Sunday, 9/28, at 1:30pm, Dana Park on Magazine St
Sunday, 9/28, at 3pm, Baldwin School on Oxford St
Sunday, 9/28 at 4pm, Baldwin School on Oxford St
I want to canvass in another neighborhood this weekend, please contact me
Not free this weekend but I'm free during the week, please contact me

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · Sep 24

Our grassroots campaign knocked on 797 doors and spoke to 102 voters last weekend - help us reach our goal of knocking on 10,000 doors by November 4!

Sign up to volunteer: forms.gle/qLcPLvFDCy1g...

Donate: secure.actblue.com/donate/abc20...

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · Sep 20

Canvass TODAY and TOMORROW for our pro-housing slate! More info and sign up here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Hear from our volunteers in 2023 about why they canvassed. Come join us and share your "Why?" for our next newsletter!

Two volunteers Sophia and Camilla from 2023 talk about why they canvass.

1

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · Sep 19

See you at the doors tomorrow! Sign up or just drop by any of our events - check times and locations here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · Sep 16

Now we need YOUR HELP to reach voters. Join us this weekend!

Cambridgeport: Saturday, 1:30pm

Porter Square: Saturday, 3pm

East Cambridge: Sunday, noon

Port/Inman Square: Sunday, 3pm

North Cambridge: Sunday, 4pm

+Thursday night at 7:30, there's a Zoom training!

RSVP: forms.gle/t2e5MSZucDho...

ABC Canvassing Kickoff

Thank you for being part of our pro-housing campaign! All events will start with training and plenty of time for questions, so it's OK if this is your first time doorknocking. You can contact Cathy a...

forms.gle

1

A Better Cambridge IEPAC @abciepac.org · Sep 16

A Better Cambridge endorsed eight candidates who represent the diversity of the city, bringing lived experiences as well as professional expertise to bear in support of effective solutions to Cambridge’s housing shortage.
www.abettercambridge.org/endorsements...

Vote for pro-housing candidates endorsed by A Better Cambridge by election day, November 4. Burhan Azeem, Dana Bullister, Marc McGovern, Ned Melanson, Sumbul Siddique, Denise Simmins, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, and Ayesha Wilson. (pictures of all eight candidates included)

1 1

Reposted by A Better Cambridge IEPAC

Dana Bullister @danabullister.bsky.social · Sep 15

Honored to share that I have been endorsed by A Better Cambridge! @abciepac.org 🎉🎉🎉

www.abettercambridge.org/election2025

This endorsement is deeply meaningful for me both as a renter and as someone who believes we should prioritize the most urgent needs of people over preserving some status quo.

1 1 3

Reposted by A Better Cambridge IEPAC

Carolyn Fuller @carolynfuller.bsky.social · Sep 7

#CambMA City Council Candidate Forum on #Housing, this Wednesday, Sep 10, at 6:00 pm at the Cambridge Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave. in Central Square

Register here to attend in person or via Zoom:

forms.gle/rL8mYaBt7LoZ...

A BETTER CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUM - Because Renters Matter

September 10th | 6-8 pm
Cambridge Senior Center
806 Mass Ave, Central Square

2 6

Reposted by A Better Cambridge IEPAC

Carolyn Fuller @carolynfuller.bsky.social · Aug 23

#CambMA City Council Candidate Forum on #Housing, Sept 10 at 6:00 pm at the Cambridge Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave. in Central Square

Register here to attend in person or via Zoom: forms.gle/rL8mYaBt7LoZ...

City Council Candidate Forum, Sept 10

Please join A Better Cambridge (ABC) for our 2025 City Council Candidate Forum to learn more about the candidates and their plans to build more homes, create more affordable housing, and enhance tenant protections. Wed. Sept 10, 6pm at the Cambridge Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave. in Central Square. Moderated by Jesse Kanson-Benanav, Executive Director of Abundant Housing MA. Register here to attend in-person or by zoom

6 6