headshot of candidate

Nicola Williams

She/Her

Currently
Marketing Consultant
Election history
2nd time running

More about Nicola Williams

Nicola is a Jamaican immigrant who has lived in Cambridge for much of her life. She has been involved for many years in organizing and running area food and cultural events, such as the Boston Local Food Festival, Boston JerkFest and the Local Food Trade Show.

Professionally, Nicola is a marketing consultant and event organizer. She founded the marketing company The Williams Agency in 1995, and also worked at the Cambridge Business Development Center from 1993-2000. She also serves on the board of three non-profits including the Harvard Square Neighborhood Association.

In addition to her own unit, she also co-owns the 6th unit in her building. She serves as a trustee of the condo association.

Incumbent
No
Education
Bachelor of Arts, Wells College
Age
60 years
Born in Jamaica in 1963
Voter Registration
Aug. 30, 2006

Where does Nicola live?

Address
Owns (second owned unit in same building; approx. same value as own unit) at 8-10 Brewer St. #5 Cambridge, MA 02138
Valued at approx. $720,000
Last sold Jan. 30, 1998 for $93,000
inflation adjusted approx. $158,000

What are their housing positions?

Proposal Supported?
2072 Mass Ave
AHO #2
AHO #1

Q&A

Interviews with the candidate

ABC Candidate 2021 Survey

Housing policy questions

ABC Candidate 2021 Survey

Housing policy questions

Cambridge Citizen's Coalition Survey

Questions about recent zoning petitions, city manager contract, and "housing challenges"

Cambridge Citizen's Coalition Survey

Questions about recent zoning petitions, city manager contract, and "housing challenges"

Cambridge Bike Safety Pledge 2021

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 2021

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

Vision Zero Coalition 2021

Reduction in traffic injuries and deaths

Vision Zero Coalition 2021

Reduction in traffic injuries and deaths

Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition 2021

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

Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition 2021

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

Quotes

(Do you believe we have a climate obligation to pursue greater density and allow more people to live here?)

Generally Not. Cambridge holds a moral obligation to develop a comprehensive and regional approach to housing and transportation that is affordable and environmentally sustainable for all while also ensuring that we have a green contract for every new residential and commercial development affordably.

Press

Articles about the candidate

The Harvard Crimson Nicola Williams Tackles Housing Disparities, Climate Change in Second Council Bid

In regards to housing, Williams said the city needs to enact policies that compensate for the loss of rent control in the city, which ended more than two decades ago.

Oct. 29, 2021 — Edona Cosovic, Sage S. Lattman
The Harvard Crimson Nicola Williams Tackles Housing Disparities, Climate Change in Second Council Bid

In regards to housing, Williams said the city needs to enact policies that compensate for the loss of rent control in the city, which ended more than two decades ago.

Oct. 29, 2021 — Edona Cosovic, Sage S. Lattman
The Harvard Crimson Challenger Candidates Propose Housing Plans, Government Reform in Bid for City Council

Candidate Nicola A. Williams proposed a "50/20" plan to expand affordable housing in the city by increasing the proportion of homeownership to 50 percent and the amount of affordable housing in Cambridge to 20 percent by the year 2040.

Oct. 27, 2021
The Harvard Crimson Challenger Candidates Propose Housing Plans, Government Reform in Bid for City Council

Candidate Nicola A. Williams proposed a "50/20" plan to expand affordable housing in the city by increasing the proportion of homeownership to 50 percent and the amount of affordable housing in Cambridge to 20 percent by the year 2040.

Oct. 27, 2021
Wicked Local Cambridge ELECTION 2021: Cambridge City Council candidate statements

She wants to ensure all residents, regardless of economic status, have access to clean and green spaces by preserving our tree canopy and advocating for our most vulnerable residents. We need development that focuses on advocating for more affordable grocery stores in our community. Most importantly, Nicola wants to see more tenants become homeowners and have the opportunity to own a home they can afford through her 50/20 plan and affordable down-payment program. We need homeownership programs that offer pathways for families to build home equity and the ability to pass down their homes to family members.

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

She wants to ensure all residents, regardless of economic status, have access to clean and green spaces by preserving our tree canopy and advocating for our most vulnerable residents. We need development that focuses on advocating for more affordable grocery stores in our community. Most importantly, Nicola wants to see more tenants become homeowners and have the opportunity to own a home they can afford through her 50/20 plan and affordable down-payment program. We need homeownership programs that offer pathways for families to build home equity and the ability to pass down their homes to family members.

Oct. 21, 2021 — Community Content
The Harvard Crimson Cambridge City Council Candidates Debate Climate Change Approach at Forum

"We need to slow down our development,” Williams said, "We need to change our ‘build, build, build' mentality. It is affecting and harming our environment."

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

"We need to slow down our development,” Williams said, "We need to change our ‘build, build, build' mentality. It is affecting and harming our environment."

Sept. 26, 2019 — Declan J. Knieriem, Michelle G. Kurilla

Campaign finance

How much the candidate has raised and spent

$4,361
Current balance
$75
Balance at the start of 2021
$39,711
Raised in 2021
$35,425
Spent in 2021