For cambridge neighborhoods and families

I’m Tim Flaherty. I’m running for City Council because I love Cambridge.

I’ve lived here for 60 years - my whole life. I grew up in North Cambridge, the 4th generation of my family to live here, in a two-family on Woodbridge Street. It felt like I knew every family within a 20-block radius; I loved that sense of community, and still have many strong friendships from childhood. I treasure memories of playing ball at Rindge Park and Comeau Field, and am confident that the memories are mostly completely accurate.

My wife Lisa and I now live in West Cambridge, with our 14-year-old son Timothy. I loved coaching him and the Tigers in West Cambridge Little League and kids from across the city in CYO basketball, and I love walking our dog Bozo* around Fresh Pond.

*Lisa (She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed) would like to inform you that our dog’s government name is Beaumont.

The Flaherty family smiling and standing close together outdoors on a wooden deck, with trees and a backyard fence in the background during daytime or early evening.
Tim Flaherty giving a speech at a wooden podium in a room with an audience in the foreground.

So why am I running? Because I think I can help.

Cambridge is a special place: inhabited by the most welcoming, diverse, thoughtful, generous people on the planet; home to some of the greatest universities in the world; an epicenter for innovation in biotech, health care, and clean energy. We have been creative, entrepreneurial, and dedicated in providing exceptional access to education, housing, civil rights and civil liberties, and public assistance to the marginalized and impoverished members of our community.

Yet we can do more.

Our politics are too often polarized. We need people on the City Council who can get past that polarization, and find areas of common ground and compromise. We are stronger together, and we can make more concrete progress when united than divided, especially in a legislative body.

I believe I can provide mature and seasoned leadership that is rooted in common sense, that will advance common ground, compromise, and real progress.

My professional life has prepared me well for the Cambridge City Council.

I started my legal career as a prosecutor, and have now spent over 25 years primarily as a criminal defense attorney. The justice system is often a highly polarized environment; I have a strong track record of navigating its complexities and achieving just outcomes for my clients, often against considerable odds.

For the last several years, I have helped start and provide legal advice to minority-owned businesses in emerging industries, in Cambridge and elsewhere. I’m deeply familiar with the financial struggles of small businesses, especially those facing zoning and regulatory issues.

These professional experiences have taught me how to talk to both sides (without talking out of both sides of my mouth) and find creative solutions in the legal and business arenas.

I’ll be knocking on your door in the near future, and I hope to earn your support.

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Register to Vote

Check your voter registration status or register today at Cambridge’s official election site.

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get involved

Sign up to volunteer, get updates, and attend our campaign events! We’d love to have you on Team Flaherty.

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Yard Sign

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As a long-time, former Cambridge City Councillor, I know the most important part of the job is to listen and to help any residents in need. I am supporting Tim because he knows our city like the back of his hand, and he will always be responsive to the concerns of our neighborhoods.   

-Former City Councilor Tim Toomey

View fullsize As someone who grew up playing ball at Rindge Park and Comeau Field, and who’s had the joy of coaching youth baseball in West Cambridge, I couldn’t be prouder of these young athletes. Their grit, teamwork, and sportsmanship represent the
View fullsize The Paddy’s 5K isn’t just a race, it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and supporting girls' youth sports in Cambridge. Come run, walk, cheer, and party with us! Race Day: Sunday, September 28th at 10:30 AM 260 Walden Stree
View fullsize Before the sky opened up with heavy rain, the younger members of Team Flaherty were out in full force - knocking on doors with Tim, sharing his message, and bringing real civic spirit to the streets of Cambridge. Their energy was electric, their comm
View fullsize Just one day away! Don't miss this great community event. Starting tomorrow through Sunday. Celebrate the 100th Annual @sscosmasdamiansociety - Cambridge, MA Italian Feast of Saints. Hope to see you there!
View fullsize Huge thanks to the @gblcboston for your support and for all you do to uplift working families across our region. I am truly honored for your endorsement and proud to stand with you in solidarity. ✊❤️ #GBLC #UnionStrong #laborday #cambridgema #TeamF
View fullsize Boston’s first-ever Labor Day parade wasn’t just historic—it reignited my pride in my family’s long-standing commitment to the labor movement. I am proud to say that without my grandfather’s hard work as a bus driver in
View fullsize 🚨CAMPAIGN ALERT🚨 Yard signs are now available for delivery. Click the link in Tim's bio to request your campaign sign! 📸 Snap a pic with your sign and tag us. 📢 Tell your neighbors. Share this post. Help spread the word. #teamflaherty #cambrid
View fullsize We hit the streets today with sneakers laced, voter lists ready, and a whole lot of civic pride. Our crew brought the energy, the smiles, and the message: We are ready to lead with heart, grit, and hometown know-how. These future leaders made their m
View fullsize The race for Cambridge City Council has officially begun! Thank you to everyone who attended our very exciting campaign kick-off! It was a spectacular night in a fabulous venue, and it was very special to see so many friends and supporters who all s

Vote By Mail

Request a vote-by-mail application. The deadline to request a ballot is October 28th at 5 PM.

A young baseball player wearing a red helmet and blue jersey standing face to face with a Coach Tim Flaherty wearing a black cap, sunglasses, and a black jacket at a baseball field.
Tim Flaherty in a blue suit and red tie speaking at a podium in a formal room with white walls.
Tim Flaherty in a suit and glasses speaking passionately in a courtroom.
A group of men in suits attending a formal event, sitting on red chairs. One man is sitting with crossed arms, smiling, while another man has a document in his hands.
A young boy in a baseball uniform and helmet is at home plate with Coach Tim Flaherty, who is holding a line-up sheet. In the background, a catcher is in position, and spectators are watching behind a chain-link fence.
Coach Tim Flaherty and his St. Peter's CYO basketball team posing in a gymnasium after a game, some holding a basketball, with banners and a scoreboard in the background.