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The affordable housing crisis has plagued Cambridge for more than a decade. As Councilors have failed to reach a consensus on how to address the issue, upzoning proposals consistently occupy Cambridge City Council meetings week after week.
Meanwhile, residents are dealing with soaring prices and struggling to make ends meet.
“I have a six figure job, and I still struggle to pay rent in this area,” Cambridge resident Heather D. Ranken said.
As the council nears a vote to ban exclusionary zoning — a policy that experts say contribute greatly to the ongoing nation-wide housing shortage — Cambridge residents and advocates have cautioned that the proposal has not undergone adequate public discourse.
So what do Cambridge residents think will solve the city's housing issues? The Crimson interviewed residents across the city — from the Charles River to Porter Square and everything in between — for their ideas on making Cambridge a more affordable place to live.
Responses — which were summarized for concision — ranged from ending occupancy limits to raising property taxes to investing in public transport. Proposals fell broadly into three categories: financial incentives, maximizing space, and regional collaboration.
Creating Financial Incentives and Disincentives
Simplify assistance applications: Establishing a simpler platform to apply for payment assistance vouchers would make it easier for individuals to access assistance when they need it. Matoaka T. Kipp, Director of Simmons University student support center
Establish a Land Value Tax: Instead of taxing people based on their homes’ value, tax people for the land on which their property lies. This would encourage vertical developments because then many occupants could divide the land tax among themselves. David Halperin, software engineer
Increase assistance accessibility: Increase the annual income required to qualify for the first-time home buyer assistance program. This would allow middle-class families who do not currently qualify for the program but cannot afford to buy a house either to receive government assistance. Michael B. Jefferson, academic adviser at Harvard Extension School
Mixed-income housing: Create new housing developments in which some units are designated affordable housing and the rest are sold at the market price. This structure raises revenue that can then be reinvested back into a development fund. Lee Farris, retired community organizer, Cambridge Housing Justice Coalition and reiterated by Justin N. Saif ’99, attorney
Utilize pre-existing structures: Rather than tearing down existing buildings that serve as naturally occurring affordable housing, the city should incentivise the maintenance of existing housing which protects the historic character of neighborhoods and feeds the local tourism industry. Francesca Gordini, architect, Cambridge Citizens Coalition
Raise property taxes: Increase property taxes to encourage homeowners to sell their land to developers who will build more housing options. The increase in revenue could be used to fund affordable housing units. David Halperin, software engineer
Rent control: Don’t allow landlords to increase rent prices beyond the annual inflation rate. Jeremey J. Johnson, Artificial Intelligence engineer
End broker fees: Eliminate broker fees or mandate that landlords, rather than tenants, pay them to lower the upfront costs of renting. Maya C. Gibbons, financial analyst
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Maximizing Space
Make use of “blighted” properties: Invoke eminent domain to build affordable housing on investment properties that are left vacant. Brendan M. Hickey, software engineer
Increasing oversight: Prevent short term rental properties — which are often left vacant — from taking up valuable space. Suzanne P. Blier, Harvard professor
Changing regulations: Change fire codes to require only one staircase rather than two — and build using inflammable materials instead — to maximize living space. Also, expedite the approval process for 100 percent affordable housing designs and shelters. Brendan M. Hickey, software engineer
University support: The local universities should provide more housing for their students and staff in order to decrease demand for apartments in the city. Charles R. Norris, architect
Regional Outreach
Collaboration across cities: The housing crisis is larger than just Cambridge — so the solutions should be, too. Cambridge should ask for help from other municipalities and the state government to tackle larger-scale projects than the city could tackle alone. Stephen E. Coit ’71 , artist and former high-tech investor
Improve public transportation: By simplifying bus routes and investing in public transportation to make it a faster commuting option, more people who work in Cambridge could live in neighboring towns, reducing the demand for housing within the city. Brendan M. Hickey, software engineer
...for example, constructing a high-speed rail system: The federally-funded construction of a high-speed rail system that serves New England would make it easier for residents to commute into Cambridge from neighboring towns. Phil N. Sego, retired environmental advocate
Corrections: February 14, 2025
A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Brendan M. Hickey recommended that Cambridge follow Somerville's lead in using eminent domain to seize vacant properties. In fact, Hickey criticized Somerville’s use of eminent domain, which has embroiled the city in lawsuits.
A previous version of this article included a recommendation that Cambridge allow more co-ops by ending a policy that limited the number of unrelated individuals who can occupy a dwelling. In fact, the policy ended in June 2024 when the City Council changed the definition of “family” in Cambridge’s zoning code.
— Staff Writer Diego García Moreno can be reached at diego.garciamoreno@thecrimson.com.
— Staff Writer Summer E. Rose can be reached at summer.rose@thecrimson.com.
