headshot of candidate

Marc McGovern

He/Him

Currently
City Councillor
Election history
4th term in (council) office

More about Marc McGovern

Marc McGovern was born in Cambridge and has spent much of the last two decades in elected offices, first on the School Committee where he served four terms and then on the City Council where he served four terms including one as Mayor. He is also active in the Cambridge Democratic City Committee.

Outside of politics, he is a trained social worker, and when first elected he continued to work part-time as a Clinical Support Social Worker for Farr Academy, a Cambridge school for students grades 7-12 with a range of emotional and learning problems.

Incumbent
Yes
Education
  • BA, UMass Boston
  • Master's, Simmons Graduate School of Social Work
Age
55 years, 11 months
Born in Cambridge in 1968
Voting
Reg. Sept. 30, 1994
History
  • 🗳️ 2022 General Primary - Democratic
  • 🗳️ 2022 General
  • 🗳️ 2021 Municipal
  • 🗳️ 2020 General
  • 🗳️ 2020 General Primary - Democratic
  • 🗳️ 2020 Presidental Primary - Democratic
  • 🗳️ 2019 Municipal
  • 🗳️ 2018 General Primary - Democratic
  • 🗳️ 2018 General
  • 🗳️ 2017 Municipal
  • 🗳️ 2016 General Primary - Democratic
  • 🗳️ 2016 General
  • 🗳️ 2016 Presidental Primary - Democratic
  • 🗳️ 2015 Municipal
  • 🗳️ 2014 General Primary - Democratic
  • 🗳️ 2014 General
  • 🗳️ 2013 Special
  • 🗳️ 2013 Special Primary - Democratic
  • 🗳️ 2013 Municipal
  • 🗳️ 2012 General Primary - Democratic
  • 🗳️ 2012 Presidental Primary - Democratic
  • 🗳️ 2012 General

Where Marc Lives

Address
Owns (unit in a multi-family building, owned by a McGovern family trust) at 15 Pleasant St. #2

Marc on Housing

Proposal Supported?
AHO #3
2072 Mass Ave
AHO #2
AHO #1
+$20mil Housing Trust
10% Budget for Housing
NCD Reform

Marc on Other Issues

Proposal Supported?
BEUD(ER)O
Sa/Su Car-free Mem Drive
Delay Mass Ave Bike Lanes
Remove Wires Before Bike Lane
CSO #2
CSO #1
Release Use-of-Force Names
HEART Funding
No Parking Min.

Endorsements for Marc

Organization Cambridge? Union? View
Massachusetts Sierra Club this cycle
Cambridge Bicycle Safety on Sept. 23, 2023
A Better Cambridge on Sept. 15, 2023
Greater Boston Labor Council this cycle

Q&A

Interviews with Marc

ABC Candidate 2021 Survey

Housing policy questions

ABC Candidate 2021 Survey

Housing policy questions

Cambridge Bike Safety Pledge 2023

They asked candidates to sign a pledge, which starts: "I support rapid implementation of the citywide network of protected bicycle lanes..."

Cambridge Bike Safety Pledge 2023

They asked candidates to sign a pledge, which starts: "I support rapid implementation of the citywide network of protected bicycle lanes..."

ABC Candidate Questionnaire 2023

Housing policy, development, governance questions

ABC Candidate Questionnaire 2023

Housing policy, development, governance questions

Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition

Distribution of funds, non-profits and their position in Cambridge

Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition

Distribution of funds, non-profits and their position in Cambridge

CEOC Questionnaire 2023

"questions about the issues that most impact Cambridge’s low-income populations" (available in several languages)

CEOC Questionnaire 2023

"questions about the issues that most impact Cambridge’s low-income populations" (available in several languages)

Quotes by or about Marc

I am the only city councillor who has filed major policy initiatives with every other member of the city council. I work with everybody.

Marc McGovern, Multiple, including our 2017 "Differences" Interview

In the midst of a housing crisis, how could I ever vote for shadows and height over the housing needs of the people of this city?

Marc McGovern, ABC Candidate Questionnaire

I live across the street from the needle exchange program in Cambridge. They came in in 1994; my family's been there a lot longer than that. We welcomed them. ...

In my dream of my 7-year-old twins getting off the school bus to come home from school, did it include walking past active heroine users waiting for clean needles? No, that's not how I envisioned my kids' childhood. But you know what? It's a value we believe in.

Press

Articles about or by Marc

Cambridge Day McGovern seeks return as Cambridge councillor to keep working toward a more just community

My name is Marc McGovern, and I’m running for reelection to Cambridge City Council because – despite the craziness that surrounds politics these days – I still believe in the government’s ability to make tangible differences in people’s lives.

Oct. 25, 2023 — Marc McGovern
Cambridge Day McGovern seeks return as Cambridge councillor to keep working toward a more just community

My name is Marc McGovern, and I’m running for reelection to Cambridge City Council because – despite the craziness that surrounds politics these days – I still believe in the government’s ability to make tangible differences in people’s lives.

Oct. 25, 2023 — Marc McGovern
Cambridge Day Statements by five Cambridge city councillors on the attack on Israel

Oct. 13, 2023 — E. Denise Simmons, Patty Nolan, Paul Toner, Burhan Azeem, Marc McGovern
Cambridge Day Statements by five Cambridge city councillors on the attack on Israel

Oct. 13, 2023 — E. Denise Simmons, Patty Nolan, Paul Toner, Burhan Azeem, Marc McGovern
The Harvard Crimson Marc McGovern Wants to Tackle Housing Crisis ‘Directly, Aggressively, Boldly’ in Bid for Reelection

“It’s really funny, you hear people say, well, we don’t want taller buildings because we don’t want to be Manhattan,” McGovern said. “You know how we’re like Manhattan? We’re second to them in rents.”

“They’re talking about aesthetics. I’m talking about the people, and that’s the difference,” he added.

Sept. 22, 2023 — Jina H. Choe
The Harvard Crimson Marc McGovern Wants to Tackle Housing Crisis ‘Directly, Aggressively, Boldly’ in Bid for Reelection

“It’s really funny, you hear people say, well, we don’t want taller buildings because we don’t want to be Manhattan,” McGovern said. “You know how we’re like Manhattan? We’re second to them in rents.”

“They’re talking about aesthetics. I’m talking about the people, and that’s the difference,” he added.

Sept. 22, 2023 — Jina H. Choe
The Harvard Crimson Cambridge Becomes First Massachusetts City to Fully Abolish Parking Minimums

“Not everybody who lives in the city is all about cars anymore,” McGovern said. “We have to figure out ways to accommodate different needs, different wants, different desires in a city that is really tight on space.”

Oct. 25, 2022 — Elias J. Schisgall
The Harvard Crimson Cambridge Becomes First Massachusetts City to Fully Abolish Parking Minimums

“Not everybody who lives in the city is all about cars anymore,” McGovern said. “We have to figure out ways to accommodate different needs, different wants, different desires in a city that is really tight on space.”

Oct. 25, 2022 — Elias J. Schisgall
The Harvard Crimson Seeking a Fifth Term, Marc McGovern Focuses on His Housing Victories

"I am not the sexiest candidate," Councilor Marc C. McGovern said in describing his campaign for a fifth term.

"But I am probably the most effective candidate," he added. "I get stuff done."

Oct. 25, 2021 — Caroline E. Curran, Miles J. Herszenhorn
The Harvard Crimson Seeking a Fifth Term, Marc McGovern Focuses on His Housing Victories

"I am not the sexiest candidate," Councilor Marc C. McGovern said in describing his campaign for a fifth term.

"But I am probably the most effective candidate," he added. "I get stuff done."

Oct. 25, 2021 — Caroline E. Curran, Miles J. Herszenhorn
The Harvard Crimson Incumbent City Council Candidates Focus on Housing Crisis, Voter Engagement in Reelection Campaigns

"Our [covid-19] positivity rates were consistently the lowest of any city in the state. We had some of the highest testing numbers as well," he said. "We addressed the immediate needs of our unhoused population by serving thousands of meals, providing public showers and restrooms, opening congregate and non-congregate shelter space."

Oct. 21, 2021 — Sarah Girma, Jennifer L. Powley
The Harvard Crimson Incumbent City Council Candidates Focus on Housing Crisis, Voter Engagement in Reelection Campaigns

"Our [covid-19] positivity rates were consistently the lowest of any city in the state. We had some of the highest testing numbers as well," he said. "We addressed the immediate needs of our unhoused population by serving thousands of meals, providing public showers and restrooms, opening congregate and non-congregate shelter space."

Oct. 21, 2021 — Sarah Girma, Jennifer L. Powley
Wicked Local Cambridge ELECTION 2021: Cambridge City Council candidate statements

From taking the lead on the Affordable Housing Overlay that in one year has close to 400, 100% affordable homes in the pipeline, to working with Mayor Siddiqui, Vice-Mayor Mallon and many of our nonprofits to bring a Universal asic Income program to Cambridge, to bringing free breakfast to every Cambridge Public School student regardless of income, I take concrete actions that lead to tangible results.

Oct. 21, 2021 — Community Content
Wicked Local Cambridge ELECTION 2021: Cambridge City Council candidate statements

From taking the lead on the Affordable Housing Overlay that in one year has close to 400, 100% affordable homes in the pipeline, to working with Mayor Siddiqui, Vice-Mayor Mallon and many of our nonprofits to bring a Universal asic Income program to Cambridge, to bringing free breakfast to every Cambridge Public School student regardless of income, I take concrete actions that lead to tangible results.

Oct. 21, 2021 — Community Content
Wicked Local Cambridge Cambridge councilors write in support of 2072 Mass. Ave. affordable housing project

In short, this building is everything we’ve stated we want as a city: affordable, family-sized homes that are transit oriented, on a major retail corridor, beautifully designed, and environmentally sustainable. This is a project that meets all the city’s major goals, and it should be applauded.

May 17, 2021 — Sumbul Siddiqui, Alanna Mallon, Denise Summons, Marc McGovern
Wicked Local Cambridge Cambridge councilors write in support of 2072 Mass. Ave. affordable housing project

In short, this building is everything we’ve stated we want as a city: affordable, family-sized homes that are transit oriented, on a major retail corridor, beautifully designed, and environmentally sustainable. This is a project that meets all the city’s major goals, and it should be applauded.

May 17, 2021 — Sumbul Siddiqui, Alanna Mallon, Denise Summons, Marc McGovern
Commonwealth Magazine Support black-owned cannabis shop in Harvard Square

We must act to undo decades of damage caused by the War on Drugs and play a proactive role in supporting minority-owned businesses in Cambridge by taking steps to fuel their success and swell their ranks. As Cambridge officials, we urge you to join us in supporting the project by speaking during public comment periods in upcoming hearings and/or emailing the Planning Board.

Feb. 27, 2021 — Sumbul Siddiqui, Alanna Mallon, Quinton Zondervan, Marc McGovern
Commonwealth Magazine Support black-owned cannabis shop in Harvard Square

We must act to undo decades of damage caused by the War on Drugs and play a proactive role in supporting minority-owned businesses in Cambridge by taking steps to fuel their success and swell their ranks. As Cambridge officials, we urge you to join us in supporting the project by speaking during public comment periods in upcoming hearings and/or emailing the Planning Board.

Feb. 27, 2021 — Sumbul Siddiqui, Alanna Mallon, Quinton Zondervan, Marc McGovern
The Harvard Crimson Cambridge City Council Candidates Debate Climate Change Approach at Forum

Several questions Wednesday evening focused on the role of real estate development in dealing with climate change. Mayor Marc C. McGovern said that when dealing with developers, he wants to make them "scream, but not run away."

Sept. 26, 2019 — Declan J. Knieriem, Michelle G. Kurilla
The Harvard Crimson Cambridge City Council Candidates Debate Climate Change Approach at Forum

Several questions Wednesday evening focused on the role of real estate development in dealing with climate change. Mayor Marc C. McGovern said that when dealing with developers, he wants to make them "scream, but not run away."

Sept. 26, 2019 — Declan J. Knieriem, Michelle G. Kurilla
The Harvard Crimson McGovern and Simmons Most Favored On Cambridge City Council Per Resident Survey

In a poll of registered voters in Cambridge released Monday, Mayor Marc C. McGovern and City Councilor E. Denise Simmons garnered the highest approval rating among their peers, polling at 42.5 percent and 40.7 percent, respectively.

Sept. 11, 2019 — Declan J. Knieriem
The Harvard Crimson McGovern and Simmons Most Favored On Cambridge City Council Per Resident Survey

In a poll of registered voters in Cambridge released Monday, Mayor Marc C. McGovern and City Councilor E. Denise Simmons garnered the highest approval rating among their peers, polling at 42.5 percent and 40.7 percent, respectively.

Sept. 11, 2019 — Declan J. Knieriem
The Boston Globe Cambridge passes ‘first-of-its-kind’ law to add protected bike lanes when reconstructing roads

The ordinance was a collaborative effort between City Manager Louis A. DePasquale’s office, Mayor Marc McGovern’s office, and members of Cambridge Bicycle Safety.

April 9, 2019 — Steve Annear
The Boston Globe Cambridge passes ‘first-of-its-kind’ law to add protected bike lanes when reconstructing roads

The ordinance was a collaborative effort between City Manager Louis A. DePasquale’s office, Mayor Marc McGovern’s office, and members of Cambridge Bicycle Safety.

April 9, 2019 — Steve Annear
Wicked Local Cambridge Councilors look to address aggressive turkeys in Cambridge

Vice Mayor Marc McGovern also voiced his support for bunnies.

“For the record, I like bunnies,” McGovern said.

Sept. 19, 2017 — Adam Sennott
Wicked Local Cambridge Councilors look to address aggressive turkeys in Cambridge

Vice Mayor Marc McGovern also voiced his support for bunnies.

“For the record, I like bunnies,” McGovern said.

Sept. 19, 2017 — Adam Sennott
Spare Change News Addressing Homelessness with a New Lens

My hope and the hope of many is that through these and other initiatives, we can better provide for the homeless in our community. We need to be focused on both short- and long-term goals to ensure that every member of our community has a safe place to call home.

Oct. 21, 2016 — Marc McGovern
Spare Change News Addressing Homelessness with a New Lens

My hope and the hope of many is that through these and other initiatives, we can better provide for the homeless in our community. We need to be focused on both short- and long-term goals to ensure that every member of our community has a safe place to call home.

Oct. 21, 2016 — Marc McGovern

Campaign finance

How much Marc has raised and spent

$38,610
Current balance
$11,358
Balance at the start of 2023
$56,816
Raised in 2023
$29,564
Spent in 2023