E. Denise Simmons

Quick Facts

• Current Position: Mayor (incumbent)
• Candidate Status: Undeclared, likely running for reelection
• Website: https://www.denise-simmons.com/
• Committee Registration: OCPF ID 13783

From the Candidate’s Website

Simmons was born and raised in Cambridge. As a small business owner, she is, “acutely aware of the many challenges small business owners face.” Throughout her 12 terms on the City Council, including three as mayor. Simmons has been an advocate for small business owners and marginalized peoples. She has supported state legislation and programs such as the Green Jobs Act, Pathways out of Poverty Program, and Building Pathways, the first two of which supported “green-collar” jobs and promoted green infrastructure.

Denise has helped hundreds of individuals get connected to the job-finding services and organizations designed to help connect them with stable, viable employment. She has worked closely with the Office of Workforce Development, placed calls to her extensive network of friends and associates on behalf of her constituents, written letters of reference and recommendation for job seekers, and worked to help many families avert financial disaster. She has also helped organize programs to help professionals and business owners, particularly women and minorities, network and create beneficial relationships.

Other Work and Positions

• Small business owner
• Executive Director of the Cambridge Civic Unity Committee in the 1980s
• Cambridge School Committee member in the 90s
• Cambridge City Council member since 2002

Finances