In the historic YWCA hall that’s been a community safe haven for decades, we gathered last week to talk about our city’s future. The “First, They Listen” city council candidates forum began with residents sharing their lived experiences around the high cost of housing, food insecurity, immigration, mental health, and challenges facing youth and older adults.
Co-hosted by the Cambridge Community Foundation, CEOC, and YWCA Cambridge, we brought together over 350 people in person and online with a shared purpose: to listen to voices that need to be heard.
“Local voices are essential, local solutions are possible, and local action is needed now more than ever,” said President Geeta Pradhan in introducing the panel.
Raquel, a Cambridge mother of three, spoke powerfully about her experience with food insecurity.
“There have been weeks when I’d have to decide between paying a bill and getting groceries. No parent should have to make that choice. Our food pantries are not just places to get food, they are places of hope,” said Raquel, adding that local food pantries have been a lifeline. “The truth is, food insecurity is not just about food. It’s about dignity, stability, children focusing on school without worrying about dinner. Families like mine, we don’t need handouts. We need systems that work.”
Another panelist, Karim, shared how Cambridge became home after he immigrated to the US, because it’s where he found neighbors who cared—but said we can’t take the character of our city for granted. “Many families live with deep fear and anxiety, worried about deportation, hesitate to reach out for help. Immigrants here are scientists. Harvard and MIT students. Business owners. Advocates. They are shaping Cambridge’s story not from the margins but at its heart. Inclusion doesn’t happen by accident; it happens by intention. It happens when city leaders make sure residents feel safe, seen, and valued. When we make sure compassion, not fear, defines who we are as a community.”
These powerful testimonials set the stage for 15 city council candidates to share their thoughts on solutions and effective city leadership.
We have a passionate group of local leaders interested in supporting our city. With city council elections on Nov. 4, you can learn more about the issues and the candidate by watching the forum on our YouTube.
To our partners CEOC and YWCA, panelists, attendees, and the candidates who showed up ready to listen—thank you. You reminded us that policy begins with presence, and that the future of our city is shaped by the people who call it home.
Let’s keep centering community. Let’s keep building together.
