I believe that creating and sustaining jobs is the key to turning the economy around. As Chair of the Economic Development, Training and Employment committee, I serve as a partner and advocate for local businesses. During my time on the Council, I led efforts to make Cambridge more business-friendly by reevaluating out-of-date laws that hinder business growth, worked behind the scenes to keep companies like Novartis in the city and partnered with Boston City Councillor Mike Ross in a joint initiative to hold the first ever Boston/Cambridge hearing on economic development. Previously, I worked at the Department of Energy and as a venture capitalist in Cambridge investing in startup companies, I know what it takes to grow businesses in the city.

* Led efforts to involve Cambridge in Global Entrepreneurship Week 2011, to spur new ideas, develop the economy and foster the entrepreneurial spirit.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?item_id=32149

* Reevaluated out-of-date laws that hinder business growth.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?item_id=32081

* Partnered with MIT behind the scenes to protect unionized workers.

Cambridge is the fifth most densely populated city in America and the second most densely populated city in Massachusetts. The number of cars, buses, bikes and trucks are equally matched by the number of pedestrians using sidewalks. This past term, I invested in infrastructure, ensuring that drivers, walkers and bikers can get to their destinations safely. I also introduced a bike-share program, which will begin this fall and give residents the ability to rent bikes from one of 14 solar-powered stations around the city.

* Supported the MassDot green line extension plan.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?item_id=29713

* Fought for expanding parking in Inman Square.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?item_id=31613

* Advocated on behalf of business owners by calling for their own designated parking spaces.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?item_id=32106

Cambridge has built its reputation on its school systems. In order to continue to top the rankings, I remain committed to strengthening education and investing in the next generation of learners. As Chair of the University Relations Committee, I have taken important steps to connect universities with the city and reach out to new students to welcome them to Cambridge. I have been a strong advocate for housing aimed at keeping graduating students — tomorrow’s workforce — in the community and making sure that the city provides affordable housing options for students.

* Partnered with the Election Commission to develop a biannual program to visit every student dorm in Cambridge to educate students on their voting rights and encourage youth participation in government.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?item_id=29711

* Made information for college students more accessible on the city website and developed a flyer that advertises the city website.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?item_id=29715

* As Chair of the University Relations Committee, I made campus safety one of my highest priorities by evaluating university safety policies and analyzing national campus crime statistics.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?item_id=29418

Too often we are willing to let someone else be concerned about the direction the city is headed. When it comes to civic participation, each and every one of us plays a crucial role. Building on my record for fostering civic participation, I make every effort to hold events to meet with residents and engage in conversations about our government. I believe change requires work by many people and that thousands of voices calling for change can make a huge impact in the world around us.

* Introduced a flyer distributed to universities to provide voters information on local government.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?item_id=29712

* Developed a "Welcoming Packet" for new students, distributed by universities with information on ways students can get civically involved.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?item_id=29300

* Introduced “Cambridge Local Economy Week” September 26th - October 2nd.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?item_id=32096

In order to keep as well as attract new residents to Cambridge, housing prices must remain affordable for everyone at all stages and walks of life. In my last term, I reached out to community groups to analyze and provide low-cost housing where it is needed most and prevent clustering. Reducing the foreclosure rate and stabilizing the housing market has been one of my highest priorities, and I remain committed to providing affordable options so that everyone in Cambridge has a place to call home.

* I led efforts to ensure that Craigie Arms remains a key long-term affordable housing resource.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/PolicyOrder.cfm?action=search&item_id=32290

* Organized a forum focused on future housing needs for senior citizens and called on a panel of housing experts to work towards solutions.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/PolicyOrder.cfm?action=search&item_id=29336

* I took a strong stand against repealing 40B to protect affordable housing.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/PolicyOrder.cfm?action=search&item_id=29583

I believe keeping City Hall transparent is necessary to rebuilding trust in government. Building on this mission, I introduced a ‘Good Government’ rules change requiring the City Council to publicly post the City Manager’s contract 96 hours before it is voted on. In order to make the city website accessible to residents with disabilities, I developed a live-streaming video with closed captioning of Council meetings on the city website. I also introduced a non-emergency phone line (311) that connects residents to the services they need more efficiently. I apply the same rule of transparency to myself and encourage residents to call my cell phone if they have questions or concerns about items that are before the Council.

* Advocated for transparency in government by posting the Bridgestat program on the city website.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/PolicyOrder.cfm?action=search&item_id=29583

* Developed a plan to include city services online and to identify the constituent issues.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?item_id=32105

* Investigated voters being labeled inactive or registered under the wrong address by assessing the census forms appropriately.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?item_id=30441

Promoting an eco-friendly way of life is the key to living healthy. We only have one environment — I took steps this past term to preserve our surroundings by investing in parks, hybrid taxis and open space to maintain our community feel. I also led initiatives to develop a curbside compost program to reduce waste, cut down on greenhouse gases and delay the need for new landfills. Everyone can help reverse the damage done to the environment and take small steps to practice green alternatives.

* Developed a curbside composting program to eliminate greenhouse gases and protect the environment.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?item_id=31417

* Led initiatives to preserve the large trees in front of the old Cambridge Library.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?item_id=30297

* Advocated using canvas bags instead of plastic bags at grocery stores.

http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?item_id=29301

Leland Cheung is the hardest working Cambridge City Councillor. He brings a fresh perspective, strong leadership and accessibility to City Hall and is dedicated to making Cambridge even better.

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