priorities

In February 2025, the Cambridge City Council adopted an upzoning ordinance that incentivizes the demolition of single, two-family, and three-family homes for the development of four-story buildings with ZERO affordable housing requirements.

This zoning change created a financial windfall for developers and will change our city forever.

The upzoning ordinance provides this relief, as of right, to develop a 4-story building on any size lot, on any street, in any neighborhood, without any community input, without any design review, and without regard to any neighborhood objection. This radical change has eliminated the city’s traditional role of determining whether a variance should be granted to these projects, it has eliminated minimum parking requirements, and it has dramatically reduced setbacks to 5 feet. Because developers are no longer constrained by setbacks and parking restrictions, and because there is no requirement that affordable housing be included, the city council has legislated a rule which creates a massive financial incentive to demolish existing homes.

This is a mistake.

I think I have a better idea.

The housing shortage issue we face requires context. This is a regional problem which requires a regional solution. Cambridge does not exist in a silo, and we must not pretend that it does. Over my lifetime, our city has contributed more housing production to help abate this shortage than any of the other 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. Yet, we remain the second most dense city in the Commonwealth. Moreover, we recently completed a $2.2 billion investment with the state and federal government to extend the MBTA green line to Somerville and Medford so that people living in those neighboring communities can quickly and efficiently commute by train to high-paying jobs in Kendall Square.

I believe that we need to address this issue in partnership with our neighboring municipalities, and I agree with Governor Maura Healey who has proposed a comprehensive statewide housing plan. I support the MBTA Communities Act which provides for increased transit housing. I support incentivizing the construction of more accessory dwelling units by right to increase the production of accessory dwelling units. I support using grants, low-interest loans, and historical tax credits to incentivize the repurposing of vacant and unused office buildings into affordable housing. Here in Cambridge, we have many pre-WW II construction buildings that are not being used at their full capacity. These buildings are superb for conversion to housing stock. The construction materials and methodology commonly used this period are optimal for repurposing to residential use. I also support the creation of a Cambridge First Home Ownership Program that provides below-market rate mortgages for qualified Cambridge residents.

I also support examining city-owned buildings and property for the development of Municipal Housing. I support a policy that prioritizes home rental and/or ownership of Municipal Housing for essential city workers such as teachers, police, and fire, or Cambridge families that are in the process of being displaced.

Rents are too high, home ownership is practically unattainable, and we are displacing middle-class families. I am the only candidate in this race who grew up in two-family home, rented an apartment for over a decade, and now is raising his family in a single-family home. I am also the only candidate who has lived just off Mass Ave and directly on Fresh Pond Parkway for most of my life, and I have learned that 12, 15, 16, 18, or 20 story buildings should not be constructed on either of these corridors.

We have a housing shortage that is a regional problem. It is not specific to Cambridge. The zoning ordinance passed by this City Council provides a financial incentive to eradicate entire neighborhoods, and it is not the answer. We must continue to contribute where we can to the development of more affordable housing, but in the process, we must have honest conversations and be transparent about the consequences of the decisions we make

Most importantly, the City Council must listen to its residents. We must work together to create a housing policy and zoning code that respects and celebrates the diversity of our neighborhoods, supports our families, and reflects a shared vision for the future of Cambridge.

Cambridge, like the Greater Boston area, is experiencing a transportation crisis.

Cambridge was founded as Newtowne in 1636, became a city in 1846 by uniting the three rival villages of Old Cambridge, Cambridgeport, and East Cambridge, and today operates on a street grid that was principally laid out in the late 1800s. 

Due to our immediate proximity to Boston, the number of students from around the world studying at Harvard and MIT, our diverse population of more than 100,000, and the evolution of Kendall Square as the epicenter of technology-based enterprises, including software and biotechnology research and development, our streets are congested.

Because of the many complexities our community faces, the regional traffic crisis that has impacted Eastern Massachusetts is even more profound here in Cambridge.

I support the safe implementation of multimodal transportation options, such as bike lanes, but their design must be optimal and reflective of the needs of the broader community. The purpose of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Act, which authorized the United States Department of Transportation to administer $5 billion in grants to communities, is to create a systematic approach to prevent deaths and serious injuries. 

Cambridge, despite the installation of bike lanes and safety measures, has experienced the tragic deaths of three bicyclists in the last 18 months.

I also support a robust review of the entire implementation process, public education, and safety measures that focuses on the need for improvements and any measures that provide increased safety on our streets for foot, bicycle, public transportation vehicles, and people traveling with their own personal vehicles. I also support a focused review of the most dangerous intersections.

Any process needs to listen to all concerned stakeholders: bicyclists, small businesses, residents, police, fire, and other first responders. This process must include input regarding intersection configuration, pavement markings, and traffic signals. 

I support the designation of bicycle priority streets, and the direction of bicycle traffic to streets with low traffic, with less speed, and with less busy through streets.

We also need to recognize that for many Cambridge residents, especially seniors, people with disabilities, and young families, cars are necessary. This is especially true in the winter, and it’s crucially important to protect handicapped access.

I support full funding of all efforts to enhance public transit in and around Cambridge, including a city run shuttle service.

Fresh Pond Reservation is the urban jewel of Cambridge. It is unmatched in Massachusetts.

I support the preservation of the unadulterated natural habitat of Fresh Pond Reservation, including the Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr. Municipal Golf Course, and the walking, bicycling, and jogging path that circles the pond.  

Our density requires relief. Climate challenges require the preservation of our environment at all costs. Fresh Pond Reservation contributes substantially to the livability of our city. The tree canopy and urban forest located there are a vital part of a healthy city. They improve our air quality by filtering air pollutants, including carbon dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter. The tree canopy and forest also provide a wildlife habitat and biodiversity in an urban environment, and naturally assist in stormwater management. The existence of this green space adds to the positive mental health and well-being of all Cambridge residents.

Less noticed, but just as important, Fresh Pond Reservation builds a sense of community. Here, children and seniors gather. The dog owning community visits daily, and enjoys the untold benefits of friendly conversation, shared interests, and companionship. This is a special place where all of us can enjoy a quiet moment and appreciate the beauty of our surroundings.

I support all efforts to preserve, protect, and enhance the Fresh Pond Reservation for the enjoyment of future generations of Cantabridgians.

Throughout our city, we need to work as a city and with our partners to maintain and improve our open and green spaces like Danehy Park, Magazine Beach, Russell Field, Cambridge Commons, Raymond Park, the banks of Charles River, Jerry’s Pond, and the Alewife Reservation, among others.

I support efforts to implement the Urban Forest Master Plan.

As a former prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney with many years of experience, I know first-hand the devastating impact of trauma that urban violence can have on young people, especially males between the ages of 16 and 24.

Our young people are not receiving the support they need to break away from violence and engage with professionals to heal trauma and find hope. We need to change that. 

I want to create a City-wide program, that finds and focuses on young people at the center of urban violence – those who are traumatized, full of distrust, and are trapped in a cycle of violence and poverty that traditional youth programs alone are not equipped to deal with. If Cambridge is serious about making a commitment to heal the trauma of urban violence,  and the extreme racial disparity of its impact, it will require building partnerships with Public Safety Officials, Police Officers, Court Personnel, Child Protective Services, and Prosecutors. 

It will take a community effort.

16-to-24-year-olds who have experienced extensive trauma and are the primary victims - or drivers - of urban violence are often involved in the criminal justice system, have lower literacy and typically no high-school degree or GED, have no formal or sustained employment history, are involved with guns, gangs, and drugs, have failed out or dropped out of programs, schools, and jobs, and may be young parents. We could choose to write them off; I choose to try and help turn their lives around. 

Our youth is our hope for the future.

The goal is to reduce incarceration, sustain employment, and improve parenting.  We know this can work. Clinical research at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, has proven that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other interventions can improve the trajectory of justice-involved young adults.

Cambridge must engage these young people, where they live, and be relentless in our approach to heal trauma, find hope, and drive change. 

Cambridge is one of 22 cities nationwide to earn the highest credit rating possible from Moody’s Investor Service, S&P Global Ratings, and Fitch Ratings. This distinction has been earned since 1999. We should be proud of this accomplishment since it allows the City to borrow funds through the issuance of municipal bonds at lower interest rates to fund major capital projects, which saves the City money. It also reflects the strong fiscal management of the city, which includes a working relationship between the City Administration and City Council.  

I will ensure that the city continues on this successful path. 

The next few years will be challenging and I will be vigilant in protecting property taxpayers during these difficult and uncertain times. 

The City Council adopted a FY26 Operating Budget of almost one billion dollars and a Capital Budget of $151 million in June 2025. Property taxes of approximately $678 million will fund these budgets. This reflects an increase of more than $50 million dollars or 8% from FY25.

The FY26 Budget provides funding for including Cambridge Public Schools Budget, early childhood education and universal preschool, city and school infrastructure projects, climate resiliency projects, and affordable housing

It is expected that Commercial Property owners will again pay approximately two-thirds of the property taxes budgeted with Residential Property owners paying one-third, the final amounts will be finalized in the fall 2025. 

Property tax bills are determined by three factors: The City’s Operating and Capital Budgets; Property values (individual assessments); and Commercial and Residential property tax classifications. Commercial properties are taxed at a higher rate than residential, due to the City’s property tax classifications. By state law, Commercial Property owners may not be charged more than 175% of residential property owners tax rate. If the city’s operating budget exceeds the funds raised by that formula, we will be forced to raise residential property taxes. 

As your City Councilor, I will support responsible fiscal management to ensure our residents are not overburdened with tax increases as we develop future budgets. 

This is because there are significant changes occurring in the financial and commercial property environment, which are out of the City’s direct control, that will have fiscal impacts on the City. While assessed values overall in the City saw a modest increase for FY25, it is not anticipated that assessed values, especially commercial property values will increase in the near future. In addition, some key factors don’t necessarily reflect a short-term impact, but rather a long-term or permanent shift in the real estate market, particularly in the office sector. Telework is driving high office and retail vacancy rates, while interest rates and construction costs have constrained growth and new development. The current lab space sector reflects a soft market. In addition, changes in employment in the city can have an impact on other revenue streams such as meals tax, building permits fees, parking revenues and reserves. Also, it is unclear of the impact of potentially reduced federal or state grant funding to support city programs and our partners at MIT and Harvard. 

A shift or decline in commercial values, as noted above, could place an increased burden on residential taxpayers, as well as limits on the amount of financial flexibility, particularly related to excess levy capacity and reserves, that the City has enjoyed for several years.

The one factor that the City Council has control over of the three factors noted above is the City’s Operating and Capital Budgets. The City Council will need to work with the City Administration to moderate budget growth in the near future, which will translate into lower property tax levy increases and avoiding a property tax shift from commercial properties. The City Council will also need to work with City Administration to monitor City finances, federal funding, debt and other liabilities, preserve future financial flexibility, maintain a healthy excess levy capacity and reserves.

The City’s resilience, financial management, planning, and preparation, has allowed the City to maintain a high level of essential services while also making new investments in key priority areas and should be a source of pride for the entire community.  

As a new member of the City Council, I will support the continuation of fiscal stability so we can provide the high quality of services that our residents have come to expect. 

The Cambridge Police Department is an exceptional urban police force that has received intensive sensitivity training that prioritizes the development of strong partnerships and relationships within our community. Our CARE program is an innovative example of our progressive approach to community policing.

In our neighborhoods and near our transit stations, we are experiencing an up-tick in nuisance crimes. In Central, Harvard, Porter, and Alewife we are noticing substantial increase in negative behavior such as open-air drug use and sales, public drinking, loitering, encampments, and other anti-social behavior that is impacting the quality of life of the people who live in those neighborhoods.

We must balance our compassion for the impoverished, the unhoused, the drug and alcohol addicted, and the mentally ill with our need for community safety. As a former prosecutor and current criminal defense attorney, I have a balanced perspective and deep understanding of the competing interests. I will advocate for, in partnership with out police department, human services staff, and non-profit organizations that are involved with these marginalized communities, for access to better services and programs while also respecting residents right to safety and the quiet enjoyment of their neighborhoods.

I support the efforts of our police department as it continues to evolve and make measured use of technology to enhance safety during every police encounter and to improve transparency.