‘Resilient, Unbowed, and Strong’: Cambridge Holds State of City Address

Every Monday, Cambridge residents filter into City Council meetings, using their two minutes of public comment in Sullivan Chamber to inform their leaders’ decisions. But on Tuesday, decision-makers and residents sat side-by-side in the decorated chamber to review Cambridge’s biggest successes — and challenges — in this year’s State of the City Address.

A joint address from Mayor E. Denise Simmons and City Manager Yi-An Huang ’05 covered the city’s recent accomplishments and future priorities, with both leaders candidly sharing their worries about the Trump administration’s impact on the city.

“Even in these early weeks, we’ve seen an escalation of chaos and unpredictability sending shock waves that could disrupt critical funding programs and policies that directly impact our residents,” Simmons said. “Make no mistake, the road ahead of us will not be easy.”

“But let me also be clear that Cambridge will not yield,” she added.

Huang echoed Simmons’ sentiments, adding that the new federal administration and its “chaos” would present a major challenge to the city’s future.

“We are entering a time of lower growth, of flat valuations and tremendous uncertainty in federal funding,” he said.

But despite the challenging road ahead, Huang also reassured attendees that Cambridge will remain committed to its core ideals.

“We are committed to the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is not about identity-based politics, but about creating a real meritocracy where everyone has a chance to succeed and to lead,” Huang said. “We will remain a welcoming community that supports everyone in our city.”

Councilors were joined by the Cambridge delegation to the Massachusetts legislature and Lieutenant Governor Kimberly L. Driscoll, who connected Cambridge’s progress to state-level initiatives — specifically tackling affordable housing.

“The City of Cambridge has really done outsized work in tackling the state’s housing crisis and being a real partner in that effort,” Driscoll said.

“You’re really helping drive the agenda, and I want to say thank you for that because somebody needs to drive the agenda,” she added.

Simmons and Huang highlighted Cambridge’s recent policy successes, including a recent end to single-family zoning, the launch of the city’s universal preschool program, and the expansion of unarmed police alternatives.

Echoing Driscoll’s comments on affordable housing, Simmons praised the Council’s move to restructure zoning laws.

“We are taking bold steps to increase housing supply, promote equity, and create a more inclusive community,” Simmons said.

Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons speaks at the State of the City Address held Tuesday evening. By Ike J. Park

Simmons also touted the Cambridge Preschool Program, which was launched last February after more than 30 years of development.

“This program will benefit 800 children in its first year. The program has been a huge success, and we’re looking ahead to find new ways to expand this program to include all of our three-year-olds in the future,” Simmons said.

As Cambridge works to resolve ongoing problems with gun violence in the city, Simmons discussed safety measures — including the installation of surveillance cameras in Central Square and the launch of CARE, Cambridge’s behavioral health response team — as positive steps forward.

Huang also spoke highly of the CARE team, which launched last year.

“CARE started responding to 911 calls this past summer and has served, since then, more than 200 911 calls,” Huang said.

Despite the evolving challenges that Huang mentioned, Simmons stressed the stability of the city.

“Tonight, I’m proud to report, the state of our city is resilient, unbowed, and strong,” Simmons said.

— Staff writer Jack B. Reardon can be reached at jack.reardon@thecrimson.com. Follow him on X @JackBReardon.

— Staff writer Shawn A. Boehmer can be reached at shawn.boehmer@thecrimson.com. Follow him on X @ShawnBoehmer.