Volunteer Opportunities – Cambridge Boards & Commissions
Cambridge Seeking Community Members for New Commission Vacancies
Vacancies are available for the American Freedmen Commission, Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, Cambridge Climate Committee, Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, LGBTQ+ Commission, and the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission.
May 20, 2026 (updated June 15) – Serving on a City of Cambridge board, commission or committee can be a rewarding experience and an excellent way to contribute to our community. Members have the opportunity to participate in the City’s decision-making process for a variety of important matters.
The City of Cambridge is currently seeking to fill vacancies on the American Freedmen Commission, Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, Cambridge Climate Committee, Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, and the LGBTQ+ Commission. The deadline to apply for each vacancy is June 22 (see below).
Apply today at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. If you have questions about the application process or need assistance, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 617-349-4300 or boardsandcommissions@cambridgema.gov.
Below is more detailed information on each of the current vacancies:
American Freedmen Commission (Application Deadline: June 22)
The American Freedmen Commission explores historic and ongoing harms to the Cantabrigian descendants of enslaved people and determine appropriate reparations.
The Commission works together to investigate and report on any historical, systemic, and/or ongoing harms done to American Freedmen by the Federal, Massachusetts, and/or Cambridge governments. They also make recommendations to the City Manager and leadership concerning implementing sustainable solutions for transitional justice and prompt reparations for Cambridge Resident American Freedmen.
While experience is not a requirement, a commitment to the commission’s mission and to the principles of antiracism, equity, inclusion, autonomy, and dignity is required. Knowledge and understanding of American Freedmen history, the history and legacy of American Chattel slavery, and Reconstruction Experience, as well as community outreach and engagement, consensus building, and problem-solving, are preferred.
Regular meetings are held monthly. If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Deidre Brown at dbrown@cambridgema.gov.
Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission &
Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission &
Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission (Application Deadline: June 22)
Neighborhood Conservation Districts (NCDs) were established by City ordinance in 1983. Conservation district designation recognizes a distinctive physical environment that reflects the architectural, cultural, political, economic, or social history of the City. NCDs foster wider public knowledge and appreciation of such neighborhoods. Designation encourages the conservation and maintenance of these areas, so that the City may be a more attractive and desirable place in which to live and work.
Each NCD commission includes seven members and three alternates. Appointments to these Commissions are made by the City Manager, with regard for a diversity of viewpoints and experience. Most members must reside in the respective district; renters, property owners and business operators are encouraged to apply.
The volunteer commissions meet monthly and are supported by the professional staff of the Cambridge Historical Commission. Applicants should have knowledge and concern for improvement, conservation, and enhancement of the district. The composition of each Commission shall represent the diversity of the designated neighborhood in terms of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and property ownership or tenancy.
More information and maps for the Neighborhood Conservation Districts are available through the following links:
Avon Hill NCD: Cambridgema.gov/avonhillncd
Half Crown-Marsh NCD: Cambridgema.gov/halfcrownmarshncd
Mid Cambridge NCD: Cambridgema.gov/midcambridgencd
If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Sarah Burks at sburks@cambridgema.gov.
Climate Committee (Application Deadline: June 22)
The Cambridge Climate Committee is an advisory group of community members who work together to provide feedback to the City on strategies and goals related to climate change, advocate for community needs, and share City climate programs with their communities.
The committee is made up of volunteers who live or work in Cambridge. Members come from across the community and bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to the table. They typically serve two-year terms and usually meet the second Thursday of the month at 6pm.
If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Stephen Early at searly@cambridgema.gov.
LGBTQ+ Commission (Application Deadline: June 22)
The LGBTQ+ Commission was established under Chapter 2.125 of the Cambridge Municipal Code. The function of the Commission is to advocate for a culture of respect and monitor progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Commission also works to promote policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare, and safety of all persons who live, visit, or work in the City, with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Commissioners are expected to be knowledgeable about the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and must live or work in Cambridge.
The Commission consists of up to 20 appointed members, who serve three-year terms. Meetings are typically held on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6pm. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings, as well as participate and volunteer for outreach and other community events.
If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Shameka Gregory at sgregory@cambridgema.gov or call (617) 349-3355.
All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Members should be Cambridge residents representing different disabilities, diverse cultures and races, and all areas of Cambridge.
Best source of personality traits aimed at commercial proposals in the square is the BZA minutes archive:
https://www.cambridgema.gov/inspection/zoning/boardofzoningappeal/bzameetingminutes
Reasoning such as “I bicycle and my friend almost got hit by a truck. Fast food will cause double parking and more traffic” prevents family landlords from securing reasonable tenants, like a city policy that could be nicknamed “rent zero.”
Comment by george stylianopoulos — July 11, 2017 @ 8:31 am
In the notice seeking members for boards and commission, I couldn’t help but notice that “seniors” are not on the list. Ageism is perhaps the last bastion of discriminations that has not permeated our “progressive “ consciousness. Women, minorities, LGBTQ+, and others are always listed but seniors are forgotten. We need more representation of older Cambridge people on all boards and Commission.
Comment by Barbara Anthony — September 8, 2023 @ 3:48 pm
Barbara – You are completely correct. I suppose we could also go for classism in that the “inclusivity” statement makes no reference to socioeconomic status.
Comment by Robert Winters — September 8, 2023 @ 5:06 pm
The city claims it supports the arts. But there’s one change I’d like to see in the city’s arts policy: Stop charging fees for small event entertainment licenses and street performers! Especially the former.
Nearby cities and towns don’t do this. A $50 one-day entertainment license can be a significant chunk of a fringe event’s budget. The cost and bureaucratic hassle of picking up the license during business hours have driven some arts events out of Cambridge.
I hope the Cambridge Arts Council would be open to advocating for this change.
Comment by Ed Morganstern — May 30, 2024 @ 1:32 pm