Cambridge Launches Dashboard to Track Housing Progress

The city's new interactive tool monitors residential development progress toward its 12,500-unit goal by 2030.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Isometric editorial illustration of simplified, matte-colored architectural building models representing housing development units. — Cambridge has launched an interactive dashboard to track progress on nearly 250 housing projects toward a 12,500-unit goal by 2030. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust your local government to provide clear information about housing changes in your area?

Cambridge has introduced an interactive dashboard to track nearly 250 housing projects across the city. The database monitors units from the pre-permitted stage through to construction and completion.

Why it matters

The tool aims to provide transparency on housing reform outcomes following recent zoning changes. By centralizing data from city departments, officials hope to better communicate the status of development goals to residents.

The city has generated 3,100 housing units toward its 12,500-unit 2030 goal. The new database tracks nearly 250 projects, which must include at least 20% affordable square footage per local zoning mandates.

The players

Cambridge

The city government is managing a multi-year housing expansion plan while navigating legal challenges regarding its zoning regulations.

The details

The dashboard tracks progress for projects completed since January 1, 2025, and includes those currently under construction. To assist with public engagement, Cambridge has also appointed a temporary multifamily housing community liaison.

The city established its goal to build 12,500 units by 2030 in 2018.
Tracking for completed housing units began on January 1, 2025.
City officials passed a multifamily housing zoning ordinance in February 2025.
The city produced 3,100 housing units as of 2025.
The interactive housing development dashboard launched in October 2026.

Political Context

The dashboard launch arrives amid pushback from opponents challenging the city's inclusionary zoning regulations. These two pending lawsuits specifically contest requirements that mandate at least 20% of square footage in large residential developments be set aside for affordable units.

Residents can now use the dashboard to review the status of housing developments in their specific neighborhoods. The appointment of a housing liaison also provides a direct channel for citizens to ask questions about how the city's zoning reform affects their community.

The takeaway

The new dashboard serves as a central resource for understanding how residential growth is physically changing the city. Residents are encouraged to use the portal to monitor specific projects in their area as the city works toward its long-term development targets.