A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the findings of the 2024 Cambridge Resident Satisfaction Survey

Page 1 2024 Resident Opinion Survey Prepared for The City of Cambridge, MA November 1, 2024 Polity Research Consulting LLC

Page 2 Methodology Polity Research Consulting conducted a random telephone survey among 400 adult residents of the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts between September 11th and September 17th 2024. The sample was constructed to represent the adult population of the City—and was comprised of both landline and cell-phone households. The margin of error on the full, 400-member sample is ±4.90% at the mid-range of the 95% confidence interval. That is, when conducting 100 such surveys, 95 of them will yield results that fall—at worst—4.9 points on either side of a given percentage. When looking at smaller segments of the sample, margins of error will increase. Executive Summary Of Key Findings All in all, the results of this survey indicate that Cambridge residents continue to express overall positive attitudes towards a range of measures dealing with Cambridge City Government. In fact, on most measures, combined positive assessments closely match those we saw in 2023. However, we also see a lessening of attitudes on the positive extremes—like “excellence” and strong “satisfaction”. Interestingly, several results mirror those we saw in pre-COVID surveys— suggesting that residents may be re-focusing on broader issues—and examining them more carefully. For example: • "Excellent" ratings for City government performance currently stand at 15%—similar to the 16% we saw in both 2018 and 2020. However, 2022’s "excellent" number was 21% and 2023’s was 22%—the higher ratings then perhaps (at least partly) reflecting the City's handling of COVID during those years. • It's important to note that this drop in "excellent" ratings has not (for the most part) translated into an increase in negative ratings. On most measures, the shift has gone from ‘excellent’ to ‘good”. For example, even with the drop in “excellent” ratings on City government performance, the combined "excellent" and "good" numbers total 65%, while the 2023 combined result was 69%—right at the survey's 4-point margin of error. • Our Gap Analysis indicates areas where the most work needs to be done by the City.. The results show higher values (i.e., the biggest gaps between importance and performance) on the two affordable housing questions (1.86 mean difference on market housing; 1.48 on subsidized housing). Other large negative gaps exist on: the quality of transportation (1.16), the balance between construction and preservation (0.79), and informing residents (0.65). The lone positive gap exists on the question of cultural opportunities (-0.12). Other small negative gaps were on: quality of open space (0.12), safe streets (0.34) and connection and engagement with the community (0.37). • When this Gap Analysis is expressed as a ‘perceptual map’, we find that just three items fall in the "negative" quadrant (i.e., both important and underperforming). The three items are: 1.) affordable market housing; 2.) affordable subsidized housing; 3.) balance between new construction and neighborhood preservation.

Page 3 • Solid majorities continue to say they'd be very likely to recommend living in Cambridge and very likely to stay in Cambridge for five years (56% "very likely" for both). • Most City Departments tested also show a drop in "excellent" ratings—although, again, combined "excellent" and "good" responses closely matched the 2023 numbers in most cases. • City of Cambridge email updates, printed mailers and website continue to be the most valuable sources of information for residents (47% very valuable). Word of Mouth is again second in value (37%), while online and print newspapers have shown an increase in value over 2023 (34% now, 28% in 2023). • Traveling the City on foot remains the best option for residents, followed by bicycling, public transit and taxi/ride-share. And, by a wide margin, residents continue to urge the City to focus on public transportation. • All in all, while Cambridge residents continue to assign positive marks to most city-related measures, they also seem less likely to assign highly positive assessments to City performance and services.

Page 4 City Government Performance Rating As the chart shows, almost two-thirds of residents (65%) give the city either “excellent” or “good” marks on the overall performance of city government in Cambridge—although this represents a 4-point decrease from the 2023 score. Moreover, 15% now assign “excellent” ratings to overall performance—also down from 22% in 2023. These “excellent” levels are close to the levels we saw in the pre-COVID year of 2018. Demographically, the tendency to assign “excellent” ratings to the city comes most often from: men and women equally, people aged 45-54, residents with household incomes over $100,000, residents of Zip Code 02139. “Poor” ratings are most likely to come from Hispanic residents, people aged 56-64, those living in Zip Code 02141 and 02142, and longer-term residents.

Page 5 Overall City Attribute Ratings Respondents were also asked to rate a range of city attributes. As the chart shows, residents continue to assign the highest “excellent” ratings to their neighborhood being a safe place to live (54%, down slightly from 59% in 2023), followed by the city overall as a place to live (51% excellent); the city as a welcoming place (45% excellent); Cambridge as a safe place to live (44% excellent); a sense of community (25% excellent); and overall performance of the city government (15% excellent). A new question asks about city government “welcoming resident involvement” garners 20% “excellent” marks.

Page 6 Importance/Performance Gap Analysis And Perceptual Mapping Again this year, respondents were asked to rate a listing of 13 aspects of the community on two separate scales—first a “1” to “5” importance scale and next a “1” to “5” performance scale. We then analyzed the mean score results to construct a Gap Analysis—showing areas that the City performs well on and areas that need improvements. First, here are the overall results to the importance ratings. As the chart shows, both affordable housing measures continue to garner the highest percentages of “extremely important” ratings (66% “market” and 61% “subsidized”). Interestingly—as we saw in 2023—the quality of the transportation system (at 59% “extremely” important) is next in line of importance. The importance list continues with: quality of public utility infrastructure (52% “extremely” important); safe streets and neighborhoods (52%); efforts to address equity and inclusion (50%); efforts to address climate change (48%); economic health (44%); quality of open space/recreation (45%); construction-preservation balance (36%); opportunities in education/culture/arts (30%); connection and engagement with the community (27%). A new question was added to the mix this year asking about informing residents about issues facing the community—which received 44% extreme importance.

Page 7 Next, are the overall results to the performance ratings. As we saw in 2023, quality of open space/recreation tops the performance list—with 35% assigning “excellent” ratings to the City. Opportunities in education/culture/arts finishes second on the list (31% “excellent” ratings). ‘Excellent’ City performance continued on: safe streets and neighborhoods (26%); quality of public utility infrastructure (20%); efforts to address equity and inclusion (18%); economic health (14%—down from 17% in 2023); efforts to address climate change (13%—up from 9% in 2023); quality of transportation system (13%—down from 18 in 2023); engagement with the community (12%, down from 14% in 2023); subsidized affordable housing (11%—up from 9% in 2023); construction/preservation balance (10%—down from 13% in 2023); market affordable housing (6%). The new question about informing residents about issues facing the community—garnered 17% ‘excellent’ ratings.

Page 8 Next, we calculated the mean scores of all the importance/performance measures and matched them up with one another. We find that (not surprisingly) the two affordable housing measures show the biggest negative gaps between importance and performance (2.01 “market”, 1.61 “subsidized”). Interestingly, transportation system issues show the next biggest gap (1.13), followed by construction/preservation balance (0.76), equity efforts (0.70), climate change efforts (0.70); economic health (0.64); public utility infrastructure (0.59); resident engagement (0.49); safe streets (0.44); education/culture/arts (0.23); open space (0.10). The bottom line is that the community aspects at the top of the Gap Analysis “pyramid” are relatively important to residents and the City is performing well on them. Conversely, those on the bottom of the pyramid are relatively important to residents and the City is performing less well on them. This would suggest that follow-up research be targeted on issues like housing, transportation, the balance between construction and preservation, and informing residents about issues facing the community.

Page 9 Another way of looking at this issue is by use of a “perceptual map”—which plots the relative mean scores of the community aspects on a matrix of importance and performance. Aspects in the upper right-hand quadrant of the map represent areas where the City is performing well on areas residents consider to be important. Aspects in the lower right-hand quadrant represent those where the City performance needs improvement on issues that are important to residents. Again, the affordable housing issues are clearly in need of improved performance by the City— while transportation and preservation issues are also trending in a negative direction when using this perceptual map methodology

Page 10 Most Important Issues Needing City Attention Respondents were also asked to tell us—in their own words—what they think is the single most important issue that the City if Cambridge needs to focus on in the next two years. As the chart shows, affordable housing once again tops the list—now comprising almost half of all responses (46%). Far behind on the list are: cost of living (5%), safety/crime (5%—although up from 2% in 2023); bike safety issues (5%—also up from 3% in 2023); city planning/construction (4%); public transportation (4%—down from 7% in 2023); infrastructure (3%); education/schools (2%—down from 5% in 2023). A full listing of coded, open-ended responses follows.

Page 11 Frequency Of Activities As in past surveys, respondents were asked to tell us how many times they had participated in a range of activities in the city over the last 12 months. As the chart shows, the percentage of residents who have ridden a bike more than 26 times now stands at 32%—up two percent since 2023. The percentage who say they have "never" attended a City Council meeting is now 59%—up four percent from 2023. And, the percentage of residents who have never contacted a Cambridge City Councilor is 56%—down from 60% in 2023. Ratings Of Specific City Services

Page 12 Respondents were asked to rate a range of City services on a scale of “excellent” to “poor”. As we have seen with other measures this year, “excellent” ratings have dropped for a number of departments. For example: public information (down 10 points); library services (down 6 points); public health department (down 6 points); garbage recycling and compost (down 6 points); fire department services (down 5 points); police department (down 4 points). Smaller drops in “excellent” ratings occurred on: street cleaning and maintenance (down 3 points) and city parks and maintenance (down 2 points). Bucking the overall downward trend were increases in ‘excellent’ ratings for: water/sewer services (up 6 points, after rising 3 points in 2023) and sidewalk maintenance (up 1 point). Snow plowing held steady at 23% excellent). In terms of overall “excellent” scores, the top three were: libraries (60%); Fire Department services (46%); garbage, compost and recycling (44%). Demographic analysis on the “public information” measure shows that the tendency to assign “excellent” ratings comes most often from: women, those aged 35-44, residents with a bachelor’s degree, residents of 5-10 years and those living in Zip Code 02139. Less favorable view of public information tend to come from among: people aged 18-24, Black and Asian residents, students and those living in Zip Code 02141. City Pride, Resident Intentions And Recommendations

Page 13 As we did last year, we asked respondents two questions that reflect their level of pride in the City of Cambridge. First, we measured the likelihood that residents would “recommend” living in the city to someone who asked them. As the table shows, 56% of residents (down from 60% in 2023) say they are “very likely” to make that recommendation. Exactly the same number (56%) say they are “very likely” to “remain in Cambridge for the next five years”. Transportation Options

Page 14 As the following chart indicates, Cambridge residents continue to view walking as the best method for getting around the city—with almost half (48%) rating that option as “excellent”— down from 52% in 2023. Bicycle riding is considered the nest best option (24% “excellent”— down from 30% in 2023). Further down the list of options is public bus or subway (19%—up from 16% in 2023), Taxi/Uber (18%), and driving (8%). As we did last year, we asked residents which single transportation option is most important for the City to improve. As the chart shows, public transportation continues to top the list at 46%—

Page 15 up 2 points from 2023. Parking comes in second place at 16%, followed by bicycle infrastructure at 14% (up from 10% in 2023) and roadway infrastructure at 11%. Value Of Information Sources

Page 16 As the next chart shows, Cambridge residents continue to evaluate official city information sources (emails, mailers, city website) as the most valuable for their household (47% “very valuable”). Next on list are: word of mouth (37% “very valuable); online or print newspapers (34%—up from 28% in 2023), social media (24%) and television/radio (24%). Demographically, residents who consider City communications to be “very valuable” tend to be: women, those aged 35-44, Asian residents, those with household incomes between $100,000 and $124,000 a year, the best-educated, those with children in the home, and shorter-term residents.

Page 17 Polity Research Consulting, LLC 9 Bartlet Street, Suite 178 Andover, Massachusetts 01810 [phone removed] 2024 CITY OF CAMBRDIGE RESIDENT SURVEY PRC #5420—SEPTEMBER 2024 SOME PERCENTAGES MAY NOT TOTAL 100% DUE TO ROUNDING ERROR Interviewing dates: 9/11-9/17/2024; Sample size: N=400 Phone; MOE: ±4.90% ================================================================= To begin, on a scale of excellent, good, fair or poor, how would you rate each of the following quality of life aspects here in the City of Cambridge? SCALE: 1. Excellent 2. Good 3. Fair 4. Poor 5. (Don’t know) 1. Cambridge as a place to live Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 51% 39 7 3 -- September 2023 56% 31 8 5 -- September 2022 48% 40 9 4 -- September 2020 50% 42 6 2 -- September 2018 49% 42 8 - - September 2016 54% 32 11 3 - September 2014 49% 43 6 2 - September 2012 62% 34 3 1 - September 2010 48% 42 8 1 1 September 2008 43% 49 7 2 - September 2006 41% 45 10 3 1 October 2004 42% 47 8 2 1 October 2002 42% 44 10 3 1 November 2000 39% 50 8 2 1 2. Your neighborhood as a place to live* *different wording Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 54% 35 9 2 -- September 2023 59%. 28 8 5 1 September 2022 42% 45 9 4 - September 2020 47% 40 11 1 1

Page 18 September 2018 45% 43 11 1 - September 2016 43% 48 6 3 - September 2014 37% 51 10 2 - September 2012 46% 43 10 - - September 2010 42% 43 14 - - September 2008 37% 46 14 3 - September 2006 36% 48 12 4 - October 2004 34% 51 12 3 - October 2002 32% 48 17 2 1 November 2000 36% 49 13 2 - 3. Cambridge as a safe place to live Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 44% 42 10 1 3 September 2023 45% 41 9 3 1 September 2022 39% 43 14 5 - September 2020 45% 44 9 -- 2 September 2018 38% 48 12 1 - September 2016 41% 37 18 3 - September 2014 34% 52 14 1 - September 2012 32% 51 15 1 - September 2010 25% 52 22 1 1 September 2008 17% 55 24 4 - September 2006 19% 54 22 3 1 October 2004 21% 58 17 3 1 October 2002 24% 52 19 4 1 November 2000 21% 62 15 1 1 4. A sense of community Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 25% 46 20 8 2 September 2023 26% 42 22 8 2 September 2022 21% 44 26 8 2 September 2020 18% 53 25 4 1 September 2018 21% 48 22 7 1 September 2016 20% 47 21 11 2 September 2014 27% 51 18 4 - September 2012 16% 55 27 1 1 September 2010 21% 49 25 3 1 September 2008 16% 46 30 5 2 September 2006 17% 47 30 3 3 October 2004 18% 52 24 4 2 October 2002 17% 45 29 6 3 November 2000 10% 52 31 5 2

Page 19 5. A place welcoming to all races, ethnicities, cultures, and identities* *slightly different wording Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 45% 40 12 2 1 September 2023 48% 35 12 3 2 September 2022 36% 40 18 4 3 September 2020 34% 43 19 2 2 September 2018 41% 37 18 3 - September 2016 38% 46 13 3 - September 2014 53% 35 9 2 - September 2012 44% 45 8 1 1 September 2010 42% 47 9 1 1 September 2008 38% 44 13 3 2 September 2006 37% 46 13 2 1 October 2004 37% 46 14 1 2 October 2002 33% 46 15 3 3 November 2000 32% 45 17 4 3 6. Overall performance of City government here in Cambridge Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 15% 50 25 6 3 September 2023 22% 47 19 9 2 September 2022 21% 43 21 11 4 September 2020 16% 50 24 4 6 September 2018 16% 47 25 5 6 September 2016 20% 48 20 4 8 September 2014 16% 57 17 8 2 September 2012 18% 57 17 2 6 September 2010 14% 53 16 5 11 September 2008 12% 58 21 3 6 September 2006 12% 50 24 7 7 October 2004 9% 51 23 6 11 October 2002 6% 45 27 8 14 November 2000 5% 46 26 5 18 7. The job Cambridge city government does at welcoming Resident involvement Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 20% 42 19 7 12

Page 20 Please tell me how likely you’d be to do each of the following—very likely, somewhat likely, somewhat unlikely, or very unlikely. SCALE: 1. Very likely 2. Somewhat likely 3. Somewhat unlikely 4. Very unlikely 5. (Don’t know) 1 2 3 4 5 8. Recommend living in Cambridge to someone who asks September 2024 56% 32 8 4 1 September 2023 60% 27 4 8 1 9. Remain in Cambridge for the next five years September 2024 56% 27 9 8 2 September 2023 55% 26 7 10 1 Next, on a scale of “1” to “5”, where “1” means “Not important at all” and “5” means “Extremely important”, please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Cambridge community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years: Not important at all Extremely Important (Don’t Know) 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 10. The balance between new construction and neighborhood preservation September 2024 5% 10 22 24 36 3 September 2023 7% 5 20 20 42 5 11. Quality of public utility infrastructure (water, sewer, storm water) September 2024 --% 3 14 29 52 1 September 2023 3% 1 15 23 58 1 12. Quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus, subway) September 2024 1% 3 14 21 59 2 September 2023 3% 2 10 21 64 1 13. Safe streets and neighborhoods September 2024 3% 3 12 29 52 -- September 2023 1% 3 16 26 54 -- 14. Quality of open space, parks, and recreation opportunities September 2024 3% 2 17 32 45 1 September 2023 3% 2 18 32 45 -- 15. Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities *different wording September 2024 2% 8 26 32 30 1 September 2023* 2% 3 16 29 48 1 16. Residents’ connection and engagement with their community September 2024 2% 10 25 36 27 1 September 2023 4% 6 23 37 31 1 17. Market housing that is affordable September 2024 6% 4 8 14 66 2 September 2023 6% 5 10 13 65 1

Page 21 Not important at all Extremely Important (Don’t Know) 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 18. Affordable housing (that is, subsidized or income-restricted for low, moderate, and middle income families) September 2024 4% 4 12 18 61 1 September 2023 4% 4 13 14 64 1 19. Efforts to address climate change September 2024 5% 4 14 26 48 3 September 2023 5% 5 15 25 49 1 20. Efforts to address equity and inclusion, including racial and economic disparities September 2024 5% 5 13 25 50 2 September 2023 5% 4 12 25 52 1 21. Informing residents about issues facing the community September 2024 3% 6 15 30 44 1 22. Economic health (including jobs and workforce development) September 2024 3% 6 17 27 44 3 September 2023 2% 3 14 29 50 3 Now, using a “1” to “5” scale, where “1” means “poor” and “5” means “excellent”, please rate how well the City of Cambridge performs on each of these. [ROTATE QUESTIONS 23-35] Poor Excellent (Don’t Know) 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 23. The balance between new construction and neighborhood preservation September 2024 12% 19 33 21 10 5 September 2023 11% 16 34 22 13 5 24. Quality of public utility infrastructure (water, sewer, storm water) September 2024 2% 5 29 40 20 3 September 2023 5% 6 25 36 26 2 25. Quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus, subway) September 2024 10% 15 34 28 13 1 September 2023 10% 16 26 30 18 -- 26. Safe streets and neighborhoods September 2024 2% 5 20 46 26 2 September 2023 5% 2 20 48 25 -- 27. Quality of open space, parks, and recreation opportunities September 2024 2% 3 19 39 35 2 September 2023 5% 3 15 39 37 1 28. Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities *different wording September 2024 1% 7 20 38 31 3 September 2023* 4% 3 19 39 33 2 29. Residents’ connection and engagement with their community September 2024 3% 13 36 32 12 4 September 2023 5% 12 36 30 14 3

Page 22 Poor Excellent (Don’t Know) 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 30. Market housing that is affordable September 2024 22% 32 23 13 6 4 September 2023 30% 34 19 7 7 3 31. Affordable housing (that is, subsidized or income-restricted for low, moderate, and middle income families) September 2024 14% 24 27 14 11 9 September 2023 18% 24 27 14 9 7 32. Efforts to address climate change September 2024 4% 8 28 37 13 10 September 2023 6% 7 34 35 9 10 33. Efforts to address equity and inclusion, including racial and economic disparities September 2024 4% 8 32 34 18 4 September 2023 5% 10 31 33 16 6 34. Informing residents about issues facing the community September 2024 6% 13 26 35 17 2 35. Economic health (including jobs and workforce development) September 2024 4% 9 33 31 14 8 September 2023 6% 3 27 36 17 12 36. And, what is the single most important issue the City of Cambridge should focus on in the coming two years? September 2024 September 2023 Affordable housing 46% 39% Cost of living/economy/jobs 5 7 Safety/Crime 5 2 Bike safety issues 5 3 City planning/construction 4 4 Public transportation 4 7 Infrastructure 3 -- Education/Schools 2 5 Climate change/environment 2 5 Equality/Equity 2 4 Roads/Streets 2 3 Community involvement, unity 2 -- Homelessness 2 -- Traffic 2 2 Parking 1 2 Taxes 1 -- Government transparency -- 3 Community preservation -- 1 Parks -- 1 Nothing 1 1 Other/DK/Refused 10 9

Page 23 Now, I’d like to read you a number of services provided by the City of Cambridge. For each one, please rate the quality of these services on a scale of excellent, good, fair or poor. SCALE: 1. Excellent 2. Good 3. Fair 4. Poor 5. (Don’t know) 1 2 3 4 5 37. Police department Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 21% 49 24 3 3 September 2023 25% 46 19 6 4 September 2022 25% 42 18 6 10 September 2020 19% 44 22 5 10 September 2018 29% 52 10 4 5 September 2016 36% 42 16 1 5 September 2014 25% 52 15 4 5 September 2012 33% 38 16 2 10 September 2010 24% 52 11 3 11 September 2008 26% 53 13 4 3 September 2006 23% 53 14 3 7 October 2004 22% 56 10 2 10 October 2002 21% 54 10 3 12 November 2000 15% 58 15 2 9 38. Fire department Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 46% 47 4 -- 3 September 2023 51% 38 4 1 6 September 2022 42% 44 5 -- 9 September 2020 36% 43 4 -- 16 September 2018 52% 36 3 -- 10 September 2016 55% 34 3 -- 7 September 2014 41% 52 1 -- 6 September 2012 47% 35 2 -- 16 September 2010 37% 40 2 1 19 September 2008 40% 48 3 -- 9 September 2006 36% 46 5 1 12 October 2004 31% 47 3 -- 19 October 2002 34% 46 2 -- 18 November 2000 24% 53 3 -- 19

Page 24 39. Libraries Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 60% 33 2 1 4 September 2023 68% 23 4 2 2 September 2022 57% 32 2 1 8 September 2020 53% 32 5 -- 10 September 2018 56% 34 2 1 8 September 2016 67% 24 3 - 6 September 2014 56% 39 1 - 5 September 2012 56% 32 3 - 8 September 2010 47% 38 3 - 12 September 2008 38% 39 6 1 16 September 2006 38% 38 6 2 16 October 2004 34% 43 6 - 17 October 2002 30% 44 4 - 22 November 2000 21% 54 9 1 16 40. Public health department Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024. 19% 47 13 2 19 September 2023 25% 41 15 7 13 41. City parks and park maintenance Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 33% 48 14 3 2 September 2023 35% 47 11 6 1 September 2022 37% 50 8 4 2 September 2020 37% 51 8 2 2 September 2018 39% 49 6 3 2 September 2016 36% 43 13 4 3 September 2014 33% 53 12 1 1 September 2012 36% 51 7 3 3 September 2010 28% 57 9 3 4 September 2008 27% 57 12 3 2 September 2006 29% 53 14 1 3 October 2004 23% 59 12 2 4 October 2002 22% 58 12 2 6 November 2000 17% 61 14 2 5 42. Street cleaning and maintenance Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 26% 52 16 5 1 September 2023 29% 43 20 8 -- September 2022 28% 51 17 4 1

Page 25 September 2020 29% 51 14 4 2 September 2018 20% 51 22 6 - September 2016 16% 47 28 9 - September 2014 20% 44 22 14 - September 2012 26% 46 18 10 - September 2010 19% 49 22 9 1 September 2008 13% 50 27 9 1 September 2006 13% 42 34 10 - October 2004 9% 48 30 12 1 October 2002 11% 50 28 10 1 November 2000 10% 53 27 8 1 43. Sidewalk maintenance Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 13% 40 34 10 3 September 2023 12% 39 34 14 1 September 2022 15% 45 27 12 2 September 2020 14% 44 31 8 3 September 2018 16% 47 28 7 1 September 2016 15% 40 29 15 1 September 2014 10% 47 34 8 1 September 2012 15% 51 23 9 1 September 2010 13% 51 26 9 1 September 2008 6% 48 34 11 1 September 2006 7% 44 35 11 3 October 2004 8% 42 34 14 2 October 2002 9% 41 32 15 3 November 2000 6% 47 30 16 1 44. Snow plowing Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 23% 50 18 5 4 September 2023 23% 47 21 7 2 September 2022 26% 47 21 6 1 45. Water/sewer services Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 35% 47 13 3 3 September 2023 29% 52 12 4 3 September 2022 26% 50 18 4 3 September 2020 31% 51 11 1 6 September 2018 32% 55 6 2 5 September 2016 43% 43 3 5 5 September 2014 31% 57 8 1 3

Page 26 September 2012 35% 53 6 1 6 September 2010 24% 50 11 2 12 September 2008 17% 57 13 5 8 September 2006 16% 61 12 3 8 October 2004 13% 60 14 4 9 October 2002 13% 58 16 3 10 November 2000 10% 66 15 3 6 46. Garbage, recycling and compost Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 44% 41 13 1 1 September 2023 50% 36 9 4 1 47. Public information Excellent Good Fair Poor (DK) September 2024 19% 45 26 6 4 September 2023 29% 40 23 6 2 September 2022 25% 54 15 4 2 September 2020 30% 53 13 2 2 September 2018 27% 49 17 4 3 September 2016 21% 58 14 5 2 September 2014 25% 58 12 3 2 September 2012 22% 55 14 2 7 September 2010 22% 56 14 1 6 September 2008 17% 58 15 2 7 September 2006 18% 59 13 3 6 October 2004 14% 58 17 3 8 October 2002 12% 55 20 4 9 November 2000 9% 59 22 4 7 In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or another household member done the following: SCALE: 1. (Never) 2. (Once) 3. (Twice) 4. (3 to 12 times) 5. (13-26 times) 6. (More than 26 times) 8. (Don’t know/Refused) (Never) (Once) (Twice) (3-12 times) (13-26 times) (> 26 times) (DK/ Ref) 48. Attended a City Council meeting in person or watched it on TV or online September 2024 59% 16 9 12 2 1 1 September 2023 55% 15 10 14 1 4 1 September 2022 55% 14 10 17 3 2 1 September 2020 57% 13 10 13 1 3 2 September 2018 64% 6 7 18 1 4 - September 2016 59% 12 6 18 2 4 -

Page 27 September 2014 80% 10 3 7 - - - September 2012 79% 8 5 7 1 - 1 September 2010 76% 7 4 10 - 1 1 September 2008 77% 6 6 10 1 - - September 2006 78% 8 5 8 1 - - October 2004 77% 9 6 7 - 1 - October 2002 77% 9 6 6 - 1 1 November 2000 83% 9 3 4 - 1 1 49. Contacted a Cambridge City Councilor to express your opinion or seek services September 2024 56% 12 12 17 1 1 -- September 2023 60% 11 8 16 2 2 1 50. Ridden a bike in the City September 2024 43% 4 5 10 6 32 - September 2023 46% 2 3 12 7 30 - September 2022 41% 3 6 15 7 29 - September 2020 37% 4 5 14 6 34 - September 2018 47% 2 4 11 6 30 - Please rate how valuable each of the following Cambridge-related information sources are for your household—using a scale of very valuable, somewhat valuable, not very valuable or not valuable at all. [ROTATE LIST] SCALE: 1. Very valuable 2. Somewhat valuable 3. Not very valuable 4. Not valuable at all 5. (Don’t know) 1 2 3 4 5 51. Television/Radio September 2024 24% 25 25 24 2 September 2023 25% 29 15 30 1 52. City of Cambridge email updates, printed mailers, website September 2024 47% 37 6 8 2 September 2023 53% 35 4 7 1 53. Social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X [TWITTER], Nextdoor, Neighborhood listserv) September 2024 24% 39 12 21 3 September 2023 26% 32 12 28 2 54. Online or print newspapers (Boston Globe, Cambridge Day, Cambridge Chronicle) September 2024 34% 36 13 15 3 September 2023 28% 42 11 18 1 55. Word of Mouth September 2024 37% 36 13 13 2 September 2023 39% 41 10 9 1

Page 28 On a scale of excellent, good, fair or poor, please rate the ease of getting around the city for each of the following transportation options. SCALE: 1. Excellent 2. Good 3. Fair 4. Poor 5. (Don’t know) 1 2 3 4 5_ 56. Bicycle, electric bicycle, or scooter September 2024 25% 40 14 6 15 September 2023 30% 36 14 5 14 57. On foot September 2024 48% 35 10 4 3 September 2023 52% 32 11 4 1 58. Driving September 2024 8% 28 39 19 7 September 2023 10% 31 33 22 5 59. Taxi or ride hail (e.g. Uber/Lyft) September 2024 18% 41 24 7 10 September 2023 18% 39 25 9 8 60. Public transportation, like bus or subway September 2024 19% 35 28 14 5 September 2023 16% 34 35 13 2 61. As you continue to think about transportation options to get around Cambridge, which of the following do you think is the single most important option for the city to focus on improving over the next few years [READ 1-6]: September 2024 September 2023 1. Bicycle infrastructure 14% 10% 2. Pedestrian infrastructure 6 9 3. Roadway infrastructure 11 10 4. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure 5 9 5. Parking 16 14 6. Public transportation, like bus or subway 46 44 7. (All equally) 1 3 8. (Don’t know) 1 1 Our last questions are about you and your household. Again, all of your responses to this survey are confidential and no identifying information will be shared. 62. Are there any children under the age of 18 living in your household? 1. Yes 16% 2. No 83 3. (Refused) 1

Page 29 63. What is your gender identity? [DO NOT READ CATEGORIES] 1. Female/woman 49% 2. Male/man 47 3. Non-binary/gender non-conforming -- 4. Transgender—birth gender different from current gender -- 5. Cisgender—birth gender same as current gender 1 6. Other, SPECIFY______________________ -- 7. Refused 3 64. And what is your ZIP CODE here in Cambridge? 1. 02138 25% 2. 02139 29 3. 02140 29 4. 02141 13 5. 02142 3 6. (Don’t know/Refused) 1 65. In which of the following categories is your age? 1. 18-24 14% 2. 25-34 21 3. 35-44 9 4. 45-54 14 5. 55-64 14 6. 65-74 18 7. 75 and over 9 8. (Refused) 1 66. How many years have you lived in Cambridge? 1. Less than 1 year 2% 2. 1.1 to 2 years 7 3. 2.1 to 5 years 14 4. 5.1 to 10 years 14 5. 10.1 to 20 years 20 6. 20.1 to 30 years 13 7. Over 30 years 20 8. All my life 10 9. (Refused) --

Page 30 67. What is the primary language you speak at home? [DO NOT READ] 01. (Amharic) 2% 02. (Arabic) -- 03. (Bengali) 1 04. (Chinese) 3 05. (English) 89 06. (Haitian Kreyol) -- 07. (Portuguese) -- 08. (Spanish) 3 09. (Other, SPECIFY) 2 10. (Don’t know/Refused) 1 68. Do you own or rent your home? 1. Own 37% 2. Rent 61 3. (Other) 1 9. (Refused) 1 69. Which one of the following best describes the neighborhood of Cambridge you live in? [READ RESPONSES 01-13] 01. East Cambridge (Kendall Sq. northeast of Broadway) 15% 02. MIT/Area 2 3 03. Wellington/Harrington 2 04. The Port (Central Square north of Mass Ave) 10 05. CambridgePort 9 06. Mid-Cambridge 8 07. Riverside 4 08. Baldwin (formally Agassiz) 2 09. Neighborhood Nine 7 10. West Cambridge 8 11. North Cambridge 22 12. Cambridge Highlands 1 13. Strawberry Hill 3 14. (Other___________________) 2 15. (Don’t know/Not sure/Refused) 4

Page 31 70. Please tell me which of the following groups you identify with racially or ethnically: [READ RESPONSES 1-8, ACCEPT UP TO 3 RESPONSES] 1. Asian/East Indian 15% 2. Black/African American 14 3. Hawaiian/Pacific Islander -- 4. Hispanic/Latinx 9 5. Middle Eastern or North African 2 6. Native American/Alaskan 1 7. White/Caucasian 58 8. (Self-describe__________________________) 2 9. (Don’t know/Refused) 3 71. What is the highest level of education you have completed? [READ ALL GROUPS EXCEPT RESPONSE 7] 1. Less than High School/GED --% 2. High School/GED 9 3. Some college, no degree 12 4. Associate degree or technical certificate 5 5. Bachelor’s degree 31 6. Graduate school, professional, or advanced studies; no degree 28 7. Graduate school, professional, or advanced degree 13 8. (Refused/Don't know) 1 72. Which of the following best describes your current employment status? [READ ALL GROUPS EXCEPT RESPONSE 7] 1. Employed full-time 56% 2. Employed part-time 9 3. Student 6 4. Retired 23 5. Homemaker 2 6. Not employed 3 7. Other ________________ -- 8. (Refused/Don't know) 1 73. How much do you anticipate your household’s total income before taxes will be for the current year? Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household. [READ ALL GROUPS EXCEPT RESPONSE 7] 1. Less than $25,000 7% 2. $25,000-$49,999 11 3. $50,000-$74,999 12 4. $75,000-$99,999 13 5. $100,000-$124,999 11 6. $125,000 or more 35 7. (Prefer not to answer) 12

Cambridge Resident Survey September 2024

2 All in all, the results of this survey indicate that Cambridge residents continue to express overall positive attitudes towards a range of measures dealing with Cambridge City Government. In fact, on most measures, combined positive assessments closely match those we saw in 2023. However, we also see a lessening of attitudes on the positive extremes—like “excellence” and strong “satisfaction”. Interestingly, several results mirror those we saw in pre-COVID surveys—suggesting that residents may be re-focusing on broader issues—and examining them more carefully For example: • The current "excellent" rating for City government performance stands at 15%—similar to the 16% we saw in both 2018 and 2020. However, in 2022, the "excellent" number was 21% and in 2023 it was 22%—perhaps (at least partly) reflecting the City's handling of COVID. • It's important to note that this drop in "excellent" ratings has not (for the most part) translated into an increase in negative ratings. On most measures, the shift is from ‘excellent’ to ‘good”. For example, even with the drop in “excellent” ratings on City government performance, the combined "excellent" and "good" numbers total 65%, while the 2023 combined result was 69%—right at the survey's 4-point margin of error. • Our Gap Analysis shows where higher values (i.e., the biggest gaps between importance and performance) indicate areas where the most work needs to be done. The results show the highest such values on the two affordable housing questions (1.86 mean difference on market housing; 1.48 on subsidized housing). Other large negative gaps exist on: the quality of transportation (1.16), the balance between construction and preservation (0.79), and informing residents (0.65). The lone positive gap exists on the question of cultural opportunities (- 0.12). Other small negative gaps appear on: quality of open space (0.12), safe streets (0.34) and connection and engagement with the community (0.37). • When this Gap Analysis is expressed as a ‘perceptual map’, we find that just three items fall in the "negative" quadrant (i.e., important and underperforming). The three items are: 1.) affordable market housing; 2.) affordable subsidized housing; 3.) balance between new construction and neighborhood preservation. • Solid majorities continue to say they'd be very likely to recommend living in Cambridge and very likely to stay in Cambridge for five years (56% "very likely" for both). • Most City Departments tested also show a drop in "excellent" ratings—although, again, combined "excellent" and "good" responses closely matched the 2023 numbers in most cases. • City of Cambridge email updates, printed mailers and website continue to be the most valuable sources of information for residents (47% very valuable). Word of Mouth is again second in value (37%), while online and print newspapers have shown an increase in value over 2023 (34% now, 28% in 2023). • Traveling the City on foot remains the best option for residents, followed by bicycling, public transit and taxi/ride-share. And, by a wide margin, residents continue to urge the City to focus on public transportation. • All in all, Cambridge residents seem to have moved to a somewhat less positive assessment of City performance and services—although, for the most part, combined positive ratings still dominate on most key measures. Executive Summary

3 Please rate the following on a scale of excellent, good, fair, or poor. 15% 20% 25% 44% 45% 51% 54% 50% 42% 46% 42% 40% 39% 35% 25% 19% 20% 10% 12% 7% 9% 6% 7% 8% 1% 2% 3% 2% 3% 12% 2% 3% 1% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Overall performance of City government in Cambridge The job Cambridge city government does at welcoming Resident involvement A sense of community Cambridge as a safe place to live A place welcoming to all races, ethnicities, cultures, and identities* Cambridge as a place to live Your neighborhood as a place to live* Excellent Good Fair Poor (Don't know) *slightly different wording

4 Overall performance of City government here in Cambridge 51% 51% 60% 62% 70% 67% 75% 73% 68% 63% 66% 64% 69% 65% 31% 35% 29% 31% 24% 21% 19% 25% 24% 31% 28% 32% 28% 31% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Nov 2000 Oct 2002 Oct 2004 Sep 2006 Sep 2008 Sep 2010 Sep 2012 Sep 2014 Sep 2016 Sep 2018 Sep 2020 Sep 2022 Sep 2023 Sep 2024 Excellent/Good Fair/Poor

5 Overall performance of City government here in Cambridge By Area 24% 10% 15% 19% 14% 15% 53% 39% 52% 47% 55% 50% 12% 40% 28% 22% 20% 25% 11% 11% 3% 6% 7% 6% 2% 6% 4% 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 02142 02141 02140 02139 02138 Total Excellent Good Fair Poor (Don't know)

6 Overall performance of City government here in Cambridge By Age 15% 16% 18% 12% 15% 51% 41% 51% 53% 50% 20% 22% 25% 29% 25% 9% 15% 4% 1% 6% 5% 6% 1% 2% 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 65+ years old 55-64 years old 35-54 years old 18-34 years old Total Excellent Good Fair Poor (Don't know)

7 Overall performance of City government here in Cambridge By Income 19% 13% 13% 15% 56% 47% 45% 50% 19% 31% 30% 25% 5% 4% 5% 6% 1% 4% 7% 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% $100K + $50-$99K $0-$49K Total Excellent Good Fair Poor (Don't know)

8 Overall performance of City government here in Cambridge By Homeowner / Renter 14% 16% 15% 52% 48% 50% 27% 24% 25% 4% 10% 6% 4% 3% 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Renter Homeowner Total Excellent Good Fair Poor (Don't know)

9 Please tell me how likely you’d be to do each of the following— very likely, somewhat likely, somewhat unlikely, or very unlikely. 55% 56% 60% 56% 26% 27% 27% 32% 7% 9% 4% 8% 10% 8% 8% 4% 1% 2% 1% 1% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Sept 2023 Remain in Cambridge for the next five years Sept 2024 Sept 2023 Recommend living in Cambridge to someone who asks Sept 2024 Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely (Don't know)

10 How important is it for the Cambridge community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years: 27% 30% 36% 44% 44% 45% 48% 50% 52% 52% 59% 61% 66% 36% 32% 24% 27% 30% 32% 26% 25% 29% 29% 21% 18% 14% 25% 26% 22% 17% 15% 17% 14% 13% 12% 14% 14% 12% 8% 10% 8% 10% 6% 6% 2% 4% 5% 3% 3% 3% 4% 4% 2% 2% 5% 3% 3% 3% 5% 5% 3% 1% 4% 6% 1% 1% 3% 3% 1% 1% 3% 2% 1% 2% 1% 2% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Residents’ connection and engagement with their community Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities* The balance between new construction and neighborhood preservation Economic health (including jobs and workforce development) Informing residents about issues facing the community Quality of open space, parks, and recreation opportunities Efforts to address climate change Efforts to address equity and inclusion, including racial and economic disparities Safe streets and neighborhoods Quality of public utility infrastructure (water, sewer, storm water) Quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus, subway) Affordable housing (that is, subsidized or income-restricted for low, moderate,… Market housing that is affordable Extremely Important 4 3 2 Not important at all (Don't know) *slightly different wording

11 How important is it for the Cambridge community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years: 64% 59% 64% 61% 65% 66% 21% 21% 14% 18% 13% 14% 10% 14% 13% 12% 10% 8% 2% 3% 4% 4% 5% 4% 3% 1% 4% 4% 6% 6% 1% 2% 1% 1% 1% 2% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2023 Quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus, subway) 2023 Affordable housing (that is, subsidized or income-restricted for low, moderate, and middle income families) 2023 Market housing that is affordable Extremely Important 4 3 2 Not important at all (Don't know)

12 How important is it for the Cambridge community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years: 52% 50% 54% 52% 58% 52% 25% 25% 26% 29% 23% 29% 12% 13% 16% 12% 15% 14% 4% 5% 3% 3% 1% 3% 5% 5% 1% 3% 3% 1% 2% 1% 1% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2023 Efforts to address equity and inclusion, including racial and economic disparities 2023 Safe streets and neighborhoods 2023 Quality of public utility infrastructure (water, sewer, storm water) Extremely Important 4 3 2 Not important at all (Don't know)

13 How important is it for the Cambridge community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years: 50% 44% 44% 45% 45% 49% 48% 29% 27% 30% 32% 32% 25% 26% 14% 17% 15% 18% 17% 15% 14% 3% 6% 6% 2% 2% 5% 4% 2% 3% 3% 3% 3% 5% 5% 3% 3% 1% 1% 1% 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2023 Economic health (including jobs and workforce development) Informing residents about issues facing the community 2023 Quality of open space, parks, and recreation opportunities 2023 Efforts to address climate change Extremely Important 4 3 2 Not important at all (Don't know)

14 How important is it for the Cambridge community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years: 31% 27% 48% 30% 42% 36% 37% 36% 29% 32% 20% 24% 23% 25% 16% 26% 20% 22% 6% 10% 3% 8% 5% 10% 4% 2% 2% 2% 7% 5% 1% 1% 1% 1% 5% 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2023 Residents’ connection and engagement with their community 2023 Opportunities to attend cultural/ arts/music activities* 2023 The balance between new construction and neighborhood preservation Extremely Important 4 3 2 Not important at all (Don't know) *slightly different wording

15 Please rate how well the City of Cambridge performs on each of these. 6% 10% 11% 12% 13% 13% 14% 17% 18% 20% 26% 31% 35% 13% 21% 14% 32% 37% 28% 31% 35% 34% 40% 46% 38% 39% 23% 33% 27% 36% 28% 34% 33% 26% 32% 29% 20% 20% 19% 32% 19% 24% 13% 8% 15% 9% 13% 8% 5% 5% 7% 3% 22% 12% 14% 3% 4% 10% 4% 6% 4% 2% 2% 1% 2% 4% 5% 9% 4% 10% 1% 8% 2% 4% 3% 2% 3% 2% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Market housing that is affordable The balance between new construction… Affordable housing (that is, subsidized or income-restricted… Residents’ connection and engagement with their community Efforts to address climate change Quality of the transportation system… Economic health… Informing residents about issues facing the community Efforts to address equity and inclusion,… Quality of public utility infrastructure… Safe streets and neighborhoods Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities* Quality of open space, parks, and recreation opportunities Excellent 4 3 2 Poor (Don't know) *slightly different wording

16 Please rate how well the City of Cambridge performs on each of these. 26% 20% 25% 26% 33% 31% 37% 35% 36% 40% 48% 46% 39% 38% 39% 39% 25% 29% 20% 20% 19% 20% 15% 19% 6% 5% 2% 5% 3% 7% 3% 3% 5% 2% 5% 2% 4% 1% 5% 2% 2% 3% 2% 2% 3% 1% 2% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2023 Quality of public utility infrastructure (water, sewer, storm water.) 2023 Safe streets and neighborhoods 2023 Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities* 2023 Quality of open space, parks, and recreation opportunities Excellent 4 3 2 Poor (Don't know) *slightly different wording

17 Please rate how well the City of Cambridge performs on each of these. 17% 14% 17% 16% 18% 36% 31% 35% 33% 34% 27% 33% 26% 31% 32% 3% 9% 13% 10% 8% 6% 4% 6% 5% 4% 12% 8% 2% 6% 4% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2023 Economic health (including jobs and workforce development) Informing residents about issues facing the community 2023 Efforts to address equity and inclusion, including racial and economic disparities Excellent 4 3 2 Poor (Don't know)

18 Please rate how well the City of Cambridge performs on each of these. 14% 12% 9% 13% 18% 13% 30% 32% 35% 37% 30% 28% 36% 36% 34% 28% 26% 34% 12% 13% 7% 8% 16% 15% 5% 3% 6% 4% 10% 10% 3% 4% 10% 10% 1% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2023 Residents’ connection and engagement with their community 2023 Efforts to address climate change 2023 Quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus, subway) Excellent 4 3 2 Poor (Don't know)

19 Please rate how well the City of Cambridge performs on each of these. 7% 6% 13% 10% 9% 11% 7% 13% 22% 21% 14% 14% 19% 23% 34% 33% 27% 27% 34% 32% 16% 19% 24% 24% 30% 22% 11% 12% 18% 14% 3% 4% 5% 5% 7% 9% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2023 Market housing that is affordable 2023 The balance between new construction and neighborhood preservation 2023 Affordable housing (that is, subsidized or income-restricted for low, moderate, and middle income families) Excellent 4 3 2 Poor (Don't know)

20 Importance/Performance Gap Ranking (higher number=greater attention needed) 1.86 1.48 1.16 0.79 0.65 0.6 0.58 0.56 0.56 0.37 0.34 0.12 -0.12 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Afford. Market Housing Afford. Housing/Sub. Trans. System Construction./Preserv. balance Informing Residents Climate Change Economic health Equity/Inclus./Disparities Utility infrastructure Community Engage. Safe streets Open space/Rec. Educ./Cult./Arts

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 5 21 Importance / Performance Perceptual Map Performance Importance Legend 1. Economic health 2. Construction./Preserv. balance 3. Utility infrastructure 4. Trans. System 5. Safe streets 6. Open space/Rec. 7. Educ./Cult./Arts 8. Community Engage. 9. Afford. Market Housing 10. Afford. Housing/Sub. 11. Climate Change 12. Equity/Inclus./Disparities 13. Informing Residents 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

22 What is the single most important issue the City of Cambridge should focus on in the coming two years? 10% 1% 1% 1% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 3% 4% 4% 5% 5% 5% 46% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Other/DK/Refused Nothing Taxes Parking Traffic Homelessness Community involvement, unity Roads/Streets Equality/Equity Climate change/environment Education/Schools Infrastructure Public transportation City planning/construction Bike safety issues Safety/Crime Cost of living/economy/jobs Affordable housing

23 What is the single most important issue the City of Cambridge should focus on in the coming two years? 9% 1% 1% 1% 3% 2% 2% 3% 4% 5% 5% 7% 4% 3% 2% 7% 39% 10% 1% 1% 1% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 3% 4% 4% 5% 5% 5% 46% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% Other/DK/Refused Nothing Parks Community preservation Government transparency Taxes Parking Traffic Homelessness Community involvement, unity Roads/Streets Equality/Equity Climate change/environment Education/Schools Infrastructure Public transportation City planning/construction Bike safety issues Safety/Crime Cost of living/economy/jobs Affordable housing 2024 2023

24 Now, I’d like to read you a number of services provided by the City of Cambridge. For each one, please rate the quality of these services on a scale of excellent, good, fair or poor. 13% 19% 19% 21% 23% 26% 33% 35% 44% 46% 60% 40% 47% 45% 49% 50% 52% 48% 47% 41% 47% 33% 34% 13% 26% 24% 18% 16% 14% 13% 13% 4% 2% 10% 2% 6% 3% 5% 5% 3% 3% 1% 1% 3% 19% 4% 3% 4% 1% 2% 3% 1% 3% 4% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Sidewalk maintainence Public health department Public information Police department Snow plowing Street cleaning and maintenance City parks and park maintenance Water/sewer services Garbage, recycling and compost Fire department Libraries Excellent Good Fair Poor (Don't know)

25 Police Department 73% 75% 78% 76% 79% 76% 71% 77% 78% 81% 63% 67% 71% 70% 17% 13% 12% 17% 17% 14% 18% 19% 17% 14% 27% 24% 25% 27% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Nov 2000 Oct 2002 Oct 2004 Sep 2006 Sep 2008 Sep 2010 Sep 2012 Sep 2014 Sep 2016 Sep 2018 Sep 2020 Sep 2022 Sep 2023 Sep 2024 Excellent/Good Fair/Poor

26 Fire Department 77% 80% 78% 82% 88% 77% 82% 93% 89% 88% 79% 86% 89% 93% 3% 2% 3% 6% 3% 3% 2% 1% 3% 3% 4% 5% 5% 4% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Nov 2000 Oct 2002 Oct 2004 Sep 2006 Sep 2008 Sep 2010 Sep 2012 Sep 2014 Sep 2016 Sep 2018 Sep 2020 Sep 2022 Sep 2023 Sep 2024 Excellent/Good Fair/Poor

27 Libraries 75% 74% 77% 76% 77% 85% 88% 95% 91% 90% 85% 90% 91% 93% 10% 4% 6% 8% 7% 3% 3% 1% 3% 3% 5% 3% 6% 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Nov 2000 Oct 2002 Oct 2004 Sep 2006 Sep 2008 Sep 2010 Sep 2012 Sep 2014 Sep 2016 Sep 2018 Sep 2020 Sep 2022 Sep 2023 Sep 2024 Excellent/Good Fair/Poor

28 Public Health Department 66% 66% 22% 15% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Sep 2023 Sep 2024 Excellent/Good Fair/Poor

29 City parks and park maintenance 78% 80% 82% 82% 84% 85% 87% 86% 79% 88% 88% 87% 82% 81% 16% 14% 14% 15% 15% 12% 10% 13% 17% 9% 10% 12% 17% 17% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Nov 2000 Oct 2002 Oct 2004 Sep 2006 Sep 2008 Sep 2010 Sep 2012 Sep 2014 Sep 2016 Sep 2018 Sep 2020 Sep 2022 Sep 2023 Sep 2024 Excellent/Good Fair/Poor

30 Street cleaning and maintenance* 63% 61% 57% 55% 63% 68% 72% 64% 63% 71% 80% 79% 72% 78% 35% 38% 42% 44% 36% 31% 28% 36% 37% 28% 18% 21% 28% 21% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Nov 2000 Oct 2002 Oct 2004 Sep 2006 Sep 2008 Sep 2010 Sep 2012 Sep 2014 Sep 2016 Sep 2018 Sep 2020 Sep 2022 Sep 2023 Sep 2024 Excellent/Good Fair/Poor * new wording in 2020

31 Sidewalk maintenance 53% 50% 50% 51% 54% 64% 66% 57% 55% 63% 58% 60% 51% 53% 46% 47% 48% 46% 45% 35% 32% 42% 44% 35% 39% 39% 48% 44% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Nov 2000 Oct 2002 Oct 2004 Sep 2006 Sep 2008 Sep 2010 Sep 2012 Sep 2014 Sep 2016 Sep 2018 Sep 2020 Sep 2022 Sep 2023 Sep 2024 Excellent/Good Fair/Poor

32 Snow plowing 73% 70% 73% 27% 28% 23% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Sep 2022 Sep 2023 Sep 2024 Excellent/Good Fair/Poor

33 Water/sewer services 76% 71% 73% 77% 74% 74% 88% 88% 86% 87% 82% 76% 81% 82% 18% 19% 18% 15% 18% 13% 7% 9% 8% 8% 12% 22% 16% 16% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Nov 2000 Oct 2002 Oct 2004 Sep 2006 Sep 2008 Sep 2010 Sep 2012 Sep 2014 Sep 2016 Sep 2018 Sep 2020 Sep 2022 Sep 2023 Sep 2024 Excellent/Good Fair/Poor

34 Garbage, recycling and compost 86% 85% 13% 14% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Sep 2023 Sep 2024 Excellent/Good Fair/Poor

35 Public Information 68% 67% 72% 77% 75% 78% 77% 83% 79% 76% 83% 79% 69% 64% 26% 24% 20% 16% 17% 15% 16% 15% 19% 21% 15% 19% 29% 32% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Nov 2000 Oct 2002 Oct 2004 Sep 2006 Sep 2008 Sep 2010 Sep 2012 Sep 2014 Sep 2016 Sep 2018 Sep 2020 Sep 2022 Sep 2023 Sep 2024 Excellent/Good Fair/Poor

36 In the last 12 months, about how many times, if ever, have you or another household member done the following: 1% 1% 32% 1% 2% 6% 17% 12% 10% 24% 25% 9% 56% 59% 43% 1% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Contacted a Cambridge City Councilor to express your opinion or seek services Attended a City Council meeting in person or watched it on TV or online Ridden a bike in the City >26 times 13-26 times 3-12 times Once or twice Never Don't know/Refused

37 Times in the Last 12 Months: Attended a City Council meeting in person or watched it on TV or online 83% 77% 77% 78% 77% 76% 79% 80% 59% 64% 57% 55% 55% 59% 12% 15% 15% 13% 12% 11% 13% 13% 18% 13% 23% 24% 25% 25% 4% 6% 7% 8% 10% 10% 7% 7% 18% 18% 13% 17% 14% 12% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 0% 6% 5% 4% 5% 5% 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Nov 2000 Oct 2002 Oct 2004 Sep 2006 Sep 2008 Sep 2010 Sep 2012 Sep 2014 Sep 2016 Sep 2018 Sep 2020 Sep 2022 Sep 2023 Sep 2024 Never 1-2 times 3-12 times 13+

38 Times in the Last 12 Months: Contacted a Cambridge City Councilor to express your opinion or seek services 60% 56% 19% 24% 16% 17% 4% 2% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Sep 2023 Sep 2024 Never 1-2 times 3-12 times 13+

39 Times in the Last 12 Months: Ridden a bike in the City 47% 37% 41% 46% 43% 6% 9% 9% 5% 9% 11% 14% 15% 12% 10% 36% 40% 36% 37% 38% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Sep 2018 Sep 2020 Sep 2022 Sep 2023 Sep 2024 Never 1-2 times 3-12 times 13+

40 Please rate how valuable each of the following Cambridge-related information sources for your household 24% 24% 34% 37% 47% 25% 39% 36% 36% 37% 25% 12% 13% 13% 6% 24% 21% 15% 13% 8% 2% 3% 3% 2% 2% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Television/Radio Social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X [TWITTER], Nextdoor, Neighborhood listserv) Online or print newspapers (Boston Globe, Cambridge Day, Cambridge Chronicle) Word of Mouth City of Cambridge email updates, printed mailers, website Very valuable Somewhat valuable Not very valuable Not valuable at all (Don't know)

41 Please rate how valuable each of the following Cambridge-related information sources for your household 25% 24% 26% 24% 28% 34% 39% 37% 53% 47% 29% 25% 32% 39% 42% 36% 41% 36% 35% 37% 15% 25% 12% 12% 11% 13% 10% 13% 4% 6% 30% 24% 28% 21% 18% 15% 9% 13% 7% 8% 1% 2% 2% 3% 1% 3% 1% 2% 1% 2% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2023 Television/Radio 2023 Social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X [TWITTER], Nextdoor, Neighborhood listserv) 2023 Online or print newspapers (Boston Globe, Cambridge Day, Cambridge Chronicle) 2023 Word of Mouth 2023 City of Cambridge email updates, printed mailers, website Very valuable Somewhat valuable Not very valuable Not valuable at all (Don't know)

42 On a scale of excellent, good, fair or poor, please rate the ease of getting around the city for each of the following transportation options. 8% 18% 19% 25% 48% 28% 41% 35% 40% 35% 39% 24% 28% 14% 10% 19% 7% 14% 6% 4% 7% 10% 5% 15% 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Driving Taxi or ride hail (e.g. Uber/Lyft) Public transportation, like bus or subway Bicycle, electric bicycle, or scooter On foot Excellent Good Fair Poor (Don't know)

43 On a scale of excellent, good, fair or poor, please rate the ease of getting around the city for each of the following transportation options. 10% 8% 18% 18% 16% 19% 30% 25% 52% 48% 31% 28% 39% 41% 34% 35% 36% 40% 32% 35% 33% 39% 25% 24% 35% 28% 14% 14% 11% 10% 22% 19% 9% 7% 13% 14% 5% 6% 4% 4% 5% 7% 8% 10% 2% 5% 14% 15% 1% 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2023 Driving 2023 Taxi or ride hail (e.g. Uber/Lyft) 2023 Public transportation, like bus or subway 2023 Bicycle, electric bicycle, or scooter 2023 On foot Excellent Good Fair Poor (Don't know)

44 As you continue to think about transportation options to get around Cambridge, which of the following do you think is the single most important option for the city to focus on improving over the next few years? 1% 3% 44% 14% 9% 10% 9% 10% 1% 1% 46% 16% 5% 11% 6% 14% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% (Don’t know) (All equally) Public transportation, like bus or subway Parking Electric vehicle charging infrastructure Roadway infrastructure Pedestrian infrastructure Bicycle infrastructure 2024 2023

45 Demographics 1% 9% 18% 14% 14% 9% 21% 14% 3% 1% 47% 49% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% (Refused) 75 and over 65-74 55-64 45-54 35-44 25-34 18-24 Refused Other Cisgender—birth gender same as current gender Transgender—birth gender different from current gender Non-binary/gender non-conforming Male/Man Female/Woman What is your gender identity? In which of the following categories is your age?

46 Demographics 1% 1% 61% 37% 10% 20% 13% 20% 14% 14% 7% 2% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% (Refused) (Other) Rent Own (Refused) All my life Over 30 years 20.1-30 years 10.1-20 years 5.1-10 years 2.1-5 years 1.1-2 years Less than 1 year How many years have you lived in Cambridge? Do you own or rent your home?

47 Demographics 1% 3% 13% 29% 29% 25% 1% 2% 3% 89% 3% 1% 2% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% (Don’t know/Refused) 02142 02141 02140 02139 02138 (Don’t know/Refused) (Other, SPECIFY) (Spanish) (Portuguese) (Haitian Kreyol) (English) (Chinese) (Bengali) (Arabic) (Amharic) What is your ZIP CODE here in Cambridge? What is the primary language you speak at home?

48 Demographics 4% 2% 1% 2% 2% 3% 3% 4% 7% 8% 8% 9% 10% 15% 22% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% (Don’t know/Not sure/Refused) (Other) Cambridge Highlands Baldwin (formally Agassiz) Wellington/Harrington MIT/Area 2 Strawberry Hill Riverside Neighborhood Nine Mid-Cambridge West Cambridge CambridgePort The Port (Central Square north of Mass Ave) East Cambridge (Kendall Sq. northeast of Broadway) North Cambridge Which one of the following best describes the neighborhood of Cambridge you live in?

49 Demographics 12% 35% 11% 13% 12% 11% 7% 3% 2% 1% 2% 9% 14% 15% 58% 1% 83% 16% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% (Prefer not to answer) $125,000 and over $100,000-$124,999 $75-99,999 $50-74,999 $25-49,999 Less than $25,000 (Don’t know/Refused) (Self-describe) Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Native American/Alaskan Middle Eastern or North African Hispanic/Latinx Black/African-American Asian/East Indian White/Caucasian (Refused) No Yes Are there any children under the age of 18 living in your Income Ethnicity

50 Demographics 1% 13% 28% 31% 5% 12% 9% 1% 3% 2% 23% 6% 9% 56% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% (Refused/Don’t know) Graduate school, professional, or advanced degree Graduate school, professional, or advanced studies; no degree Bachelor’s degree Associate degree or technical certificate Some college, no degree High School/GED Less than High School/GED (Refused/Don’t know) Other Not employed Homemaker Retired Student Employed part-time Employed full-time Employment Education

1241 John Q. Hammons Dr, Suite #203 Madison, WI 53717 info.polco.us • [phone removed] Cambridge, MA Public Opinion Survey National Benchmark Comparisons October 2024

Cambridge, MA / Public Opinion Survey National Benchmark Comparisons 1 Detailed Benchmark Comparisons Comparison Data Polco/National Research Center (NRC)’s database of comparative resident opinion comprises resident perspectives gathered in surveys from over 500 communities. The comparison evaluations are from the most recent survey completed in each community; most communities conduct surveys every year or in alternating years. Polco adds the latest results quickly upon survey completion, keeping the benchmark data fresh and relevant. The communities in the database represent a wide geographic and population range. Interpreting the Results Ratings are compared when there are at least five communities in which a similar question was asked. Where comparisons are available, four columns are provided in the table. The first column is Cambridge’s “percent positive.” The percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., “excellent” and “good,” “very safe” and “somewhat safe,” “essential” and “very important,” etc.), or, in the case of resident behaviors/participation, the percent positive represents the proportion of respondents indicating “yes” or participating in an activity at least once a month. The second column is the rank assigned to Cambridge’s rating among communities where a similar question was asked. The third column is the number of communities that asked a similar question. The final column shows the comparison of Cambridge’s rating to the benchmark. In that final column, Cambridge’s results are noted as being “higher” than the benchmark, “lower” than the benchmark or “similar” to the benchmark, meaning that the average rating given by residents is statistically similar to or different (greater or lesser) than the benchmark. Being rated as “higher” or “lower” than the benchmark means that Cambridge’s average rating for a particular item was more than 10 points different than the benchmark. If a rating was “much higher” or “much lower,” then Cambridge’s average rating was more than 20 points different when compared to the benchmark.

Cambridge, MA / Public Opinion Survey National Benchmark Comparisons 2 National Benchmark Comparisons Table 1: Quality of Life Quality of Life Items Percent positive Rank Number of communities in comparison Comparison to benchmark Cambridge as a place to live 91% 182 349 Similar Recommend living in Cambridge to someone who asks 90% 110 316 Similar Remain in Cambridge for the next five years 85% 135 320 Similar Table 2: Governance Governance Items Percent positive Rank Number of communities in comparison Comparison to benchmark Public information 67% 224 320 Similar Table 3: Economy Economy Items Percent positive Rank Number of communities in comparison Comparison to benchmark Economic health (including jobs and workforce development) 53% 206 316 Similar Table 4: Mobility Mobility Items Percent positive Rank Number of communities in comparison Comparison to benchmark Quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus, subway) 45% 148 295 Similar Driving 38% 321 324 Much lower Public transportation, like bus or subway 56% 57 306 Higher On foot 86% 42 326 Higher Snow plowing 75% 146 272 Similar Sidewalk maintenance 53% 232 318 Similar

Cambridge, MA / Public Opinion Survey National Benchmark Comparisons 3 Table 5: Community Design Community Design Items Percent positive Rank Number of communities in comparison Comparison to benchmark Your neighborhood as a place to live 89% 177 329 Similar Table 6: Utilities Utilities Items Percent positive Rank Number of communities in comparison Comparison to benchmark Quality of public utility infrastructure (water, sewer, storm water) 65% 153 286 Similar Table 7: Safety Safety Items Percent positive Rank Number of communities in comparison Comparison to benchmark Cambridge as a safe place to live 88% 154 337 Similar Police department 73% 312 360 Similar Fire department 95% 257 340 Similar Table 8: Parks and Recreation Parks and Recreation Items Percent positive Rank Number of communities in comparison Comparison to benchmark Quality of open space, parks, and recreation opportunities 79% 182 292 Similar City parks and park maintenance 83% 216 337 Similar Table 9: Health and Wellness Health and Wellness Items Percent positive Rank Number of communities in comparison Comparison to benchmark Public health department 83% 116 298 Similar

Cambridge, MA / Public Opinion Survey National Benchmark Comparisons 4 Table 10: Education, Arts, and Culture Education, Arts, and Culture Items Percent positive Rank Number of communities in comparison Comparison to benchmark Opportunities in education, culture, and the arts 73% 121 316 Similar Libraries 96% 88 330 Similar Table 11: Inclusivity and Engagement Inclusivity and Engagement Items Percent positive Rank Number of communities in comparison Comparison to benchmark Residents" connection and engagement with their community 49% 181 288 Similar A sense of community 74% 171 330 Similar A place welcoming to all races, ethnicities, cultures, and identities 86% 11 324 Higher Table 12: Participation Participation Items Percent positive Rank Number of communities in comparison Comparison to benchmark Contacted a Cambridge City Councilor to express your opinion or seek services 45% 3 305 Much higher

Cambridge, MA / Public Opinion Survey National Benchmark Comparisons 5 Table 13: Focus Areas Importance Items Percent essential or very important Rank Number of communities in comparison Comparison to benchmark Economic health (including jobs and workforce development) 76% 101 297 Similar Quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus, subway) 82% 2 285 Much higher Quality of public utility infrastructure (water, sewer, storm water) 81% 51 285 Similar Quality of open space, parks, and recreation opportunities 79% 1 286 Much higher Opportunities in education, culture, and the arts 64% 26 297 Higher Residents" connection and engagement with their community 65% 6 297 Higher

Cambridge, MA / Public Opinion Survey National Benchmark Comparisons 6 National Benchmark Comparisons (2024 -2023) Table 14: COMPARISION OF BENCHMARKS All benchmarks 2024 2023 Police department Similar Similar Fire department Similar Similar Snow plowing Similar Similar Sidewalk maintenance Similar Similar Driving Much lower Much lower On foot Higher Higher Public transportation, like bus or subway Higher Similar Quality of public utility infrastructure Similar Similar Libraries Similar Similar City parks and park maintenance Similar Similar Quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus, subway) Similar Similar Economic health (including jobs and workforce development) Similar Similar Public health department Similar Similar Public information Similar Similar Cambridge as a place to live Similar Similar Your neighborhood as a place to live Similar Similar Cambridge as a safe place to live Similar Similar A sense of community Similar Similar A place welcoming to all races, ethnicities, cultures, and identities Higher Higher Opportunities in education, culture, and the arts Similar Similar Recommend living in Cambridge to someone who asks Similar Similar Remain in Cambridge for the next five years Similar Similar Contacted a Cambridge City Councilor to express your opinion or seek services Much higher Much higher Residents" connection and engagement with their community Similar Similar Quality of open space, parks, and recreation opportunities Similar Similar Economic health (including jobs and workforce development) Similar Similar Quality of the transportation system (auto, bicycle, foot, bus, subway) Much higher Much higher Quality of public utility infrastructure (water, sewer, storm water) Similar Similar Quality of open space, parks, and recreation opportunities Much higher Higher Opportunities in education, culture, and the arts Higher Much higher Residents" connection and engagement with their community Higher Higher