Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

Volunteer Opportunities – Cambridge Boards & Commissions

Cambridge Seeking Community Member for New Community Preservation Act Committee Vacancy

Nov 2, 2026 – The City of Cambridge is currently seeking to fill a vacancy on the Community Preservation Act Committee. The deadline to apply for the Committee is November 30.

The Community Preservation Act Committee makes funding recommendations in support of affordable housing, open space, and historic preservation. It studies the needs, possibilities and resources of the City regarding community preservation. The Committee consults with existing municipal boards, including the Conservation Commission, the Historical Commission, the Planning Board, and the Housing Authority in conducting studies. As part of its study, the Committee holds one or more public informational hearings on the needs, possibilities and resources of the City regarding community preservation possibilities and resources.

The committee has nine members, including representatives from the Cambridge Housing Authority, Affordable Housing Trust, Historical Commission, Conservation Commission, and Planning Board, and a member with oversight of City parks. Learn more about the Community Preservation Act by visiting their website.

Committee members serve a five-year term and typically meet virtually four times a year between May and September. There may be additional off-cycle meetings.

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 across a variety of topics.

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.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact cpa@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4270.

Cambridge Seeking Community Members for New Commission Vacancies

Aug 25, 2026 (updated Sept 21) – 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 across a variety of topics.

The City of Cambridge is currently seeking to fill vacancies on the Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board and the Planning Board.

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:

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board (Application deadline extended to October 31, 2026, but is apparently still open.)
The CCPD Advisory Board works to increase access to all aspects of Cambridge community life for people with disabilities. The Commission raises awareness about disability issues and promotes equal opportunities for people with a range of abilities, including physical, mental, and sensory. CCPD also provides information, referrals, guidance, and technical assistance to individuals and their families, employers, public agencies, businesses and private non-profit organizations. CCPD Advisory Board members work with other board members and office staff to carry out the CCPD Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.96).

The CCPD Advisory Board, which has 11 members who serve as volunteers for three-year terms, currently meets virtually on the second Thursday of every month at 5:30pm. Members must attend monthly meetings and also take part in Working Groups and work on projects as needed.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact CCPD@cambridgema.gov, call 617-349-4692 (voice), or 711 (relay).

Planning Board (Application Deadline: September 21, but is apparently still open.)
The Planning Board is a group of Cambridge residents who make recommendations and decisions about urban development on behalf of the City of Cambridge. The Planning Board meets regularly in a public forum to discuss the City’s urban planning objectives, and apply them in the following ways:

• Reviewing major urban development proposals, granting certain types of Special Permits when they are needed, and putting conditions on Special Permit approval. The Planning Board reviews about 20-25 Special Permit cases each year;
• Reviewing proposed amendments to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, which sets rules for urban development, and making recommendations to the City Council. The Planning Board reviews about 10-15 proposed zoning amendments each year;
• Making recommendations to the Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA) on some cases. The BZA is a different board that grants some Special Permits and variances;
• Discussing other City of Cambridge planning efforts.

The Planning Board, which has 10 members who serve as volunteers for five-year terms, typically meets one-two times in the evening every month virtually or in a hybrid format.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Swaathi Joseph in the Community Development Department at 617-349-4668, email sjoseph@cambridgema.gov or visit www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard.

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.