Cambridge, MA

Cambridge, MA addresses ongoing rat control issues with Anticimex SMART Box and SMART Pipe pilot

City council members approved a pilot of the technology led by the City Manager and the Public Works team. Above-ground SMART Boxes activate electric shocks based on body heat and store exterminated rats for collection by contractors. The SMART Pipe uses a similar mechanism to keep rats from moving through underground sewers. This project builds on existing mitigation efforts like smart bins and free inspections for a comprehensive pest control system.

CM

Cambridge, MA

United States

Cambridge, MA offers free rodent inspections and "rat-proof" trash cans to every resident

The city of Cambridge established a rodent control program to combat the rising rodent population. The program gives private property owners the opportunity to apply online for a free rodent inspection. During the appointment, the city’s Inspectional Services staff and a pest control contractor assess the property’s rodent activity and then provide expert advice on preventing further rodent activity. The city also provides every resident with a "rat-proof" trash can for curbside composting.

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Cambridge, MA

United States

Cambridge, MA paves the way for equitable tree canopy with Healthy Forest Healthy City plan

The plan calls for at least 25% tree coverage in each neighborhood along with a diversified urban forest. A Tree Trust will provide funds for homeowners and businesses to increase plantings on private properties. Increased tree canopy on sidewalks will create cooling corridors for 38% of the city's lots. Cambridge will use Cartegraph's asset management system to track the health of each tree along with soil conditions.

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Cambridge, MA

United States

Cambridge, MA approves Recurring Income for Success and Empowerment pilot for low-income households

Cambridge RISE will randomly select 120 recipients to receive $500 per month during the 18-month pilot. Eligible participants are single-parent households earning less than 80% of the area median income. Each payment arrives on a debit card with no conditions placed on its use. City officials will work with local service organizations to connect participants with additional services that free payments for other uses. RISE is funded with a combination of public funds and donations.

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Cambridge, MA

United States

Cambridge, MA educates residents about public health protocols through the Cambridge Community Corps

Twenty-five team members answer questions about COVID-19 and safe activity tips in city parks and squares. Each member wears an orange shirt to stand out in open spaces. The city's Public Health Department supplies the Community Corps with hand sanitizer bottles and masks to dispense for free during member shifts. This initiative may be extended to future public health and wellness campaigns depending on the pilot's achievements.

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Cambridge, MA

United States

Cambridge, MA piloted rapid COVID-19 testing in senior care facilities

The Rapid Testing Pilot Program conducted weekly testing of all staff and residents at seven senior care facilities for two weeks. The city's public health department used test results to care for positive cases while protecting residents who tested negative. Cambridge's pilot improved the accuracy of COVID-19 information about seniors for inclusion in its data dashboard.

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Cambridge, MA

United States

Cambridge, MA promoted small-scale investments in public projects through Minibonds program

The Cambridge Minibonds program used the Neighborly Securities platform to allow resident bond purchases for $1,000 per bond. Participants purchased up to $25,000 in five-year bonds with a 5% interest rate paid each year. Cambridge sold $2 million in minibonds during an initial one-week sale. The full-fledged Minibonds program raised $800,000 in the first day on its way toward a $2.5 million limit.

CM

Cambridge, MA

United States