David Maher is a lifelong resident of Cambridge who lives on Appleton Street, just around the corner from the Blakeslee Street house where his parents' raised their four children. He understands the importance of having and maintaining vibrant neighborhoods in Cambridge.

Prior to serving as Mayor, Councillor Maher was the Co-Chair of the City's Ordinance Committee for six years. His leadership successfully guided the City Council through the most comprehensive down zoning in the last fifty years. These changes have resulted in a balance between the strong desire of neighborhoods to decrease traffic and improve living conditions with the need for lasting economic stability. The restrictions on parking, building heights, density, and the screening of rooftop mechanical equipment, enacted under Maher's leadership, will make Cambridge a more livable community for all our residents.

As Mayor, David Maher has continued to advocate for neighborhoods by bringing countless neighborhood coalitions together, to work with the city, on improving existing zoning requirements and reducing the potential density in neighborhoods with large non-conforming structures. Mayor Maher recognizes that Cambridge is a dynamic community and the zoning requirements, that made sense 30 years ago, may not fit the needs of today. Maher believes that only through active participation with all stakeholders, can the best solutions be found.

As part of the Mayor's commitment to improve Cambridge, David appointed a special Mayoral Red Ribbon Commission, which is charged with studying the issues facing Central Square. The goal of this Commission is to bring together stakeholders in the square to form a plan that will revitalize the area for both residents and small business owners alike.

During his time on the City Council, David has worked tirelessly to promote the acquisition of and capital expenditures for improving and expanding parks and open spaces that have become sanctuaries from urban life. As a proud sponsor of little league baseball in both West and North Cambridge, Maher understands the impact that quality parks and open space have on recreational opportunities for both children and adults.