John Hanratty

Proven Leadership. Deep Roots.
A Vision for Cambridge.

I’ve lived in Cambridge for over 35 years. It’s where I raised my family, where my son attended public schools—graduating from Cambridge Rindge and Latin in 2023—and where I’ve committed my career and time to building both technology businesses and community. Cambridge has given my family a great life. I’m running for City Council to ensure it remains a thriving, diverse, and livable city for all its residents.

What Cambridge Needs Now

Cambridge is at a crossroads. As our commercial tax base shrinks, residents face growing financial burdens. The city’s $1 billion budget must be managed with clarity, discipline, and accountability.

My business background taught me how to:

  • Prioritize spending for impact

  • Adapt to change

  • Measure outcomes—not just intentions

These are the skills Cambridge needs on the Council today.

Community First

Since stepping away from a career in the tech world, I’ve focused my energy on civic engagement. In 2023, I ran for City Council and subsequently founded the Neighborhood Nine Coalition (N9C)—a grassroots group that helps residents and small businesses stay informed and empowered about city initiatives that impact them.

The truth is, City Hall often makes big decisions with little input from the people affected most. Through N9C, we’ve created a neighborhood association to provide:

  • Early alerts on policy proposals affecting residents

  • Opportunities for public input

  • Coalition-building across neighborhoods

This kind of proactive, transparent communication is what Cambridge desperately needs at the Council level—and I intend to bring it there.

A Career in Innovation and Impact

After a successful career in the technology sector, I retired from full-time work in 2019. I founded and led several companies that delivered cutting-edge solutions in clean energy, cybersecurity, AI, and data communications. These ventures:

  • Served global markets

  • Employed thousands of people from Cambridge and the surrounding region

  • Tackled real-world challenges with smart, scalable solutions

What I bring to City Hall:

Strategic Planning – Setting goals and aligning resources

Fiscal Management – Running budgets with accountability

Problem Solving – Translating complex issues into practical outcomes

Team Leadership – Motivating people toward shared success

Final Word

I’m not a career politician. I’m a problem-solver, a listener, and someone who cares deeply about this city’s future. With your support, I’ll work every day to ensure Cambridge works—for everyone.