Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

Volunteer Opportunities – Cambridge Boards & Commissions

Members Sought for Cambridge’s Council on Aging Board

May 12, 2025 – The Cambridge Council on Aging (COA) is seeking interested individuals to serve on its board to help advocate for important issues impacting older adults (residents ages 60 and older).

The purpose of the COA board is to:

Promote and encourage existing and new services and activities intended to enhance and improve the quality of life of older persons in the city; Advise the City Manager on all matters pertaining to the welfare of older adults who live in Cambridge ; Advocate for older adults in Cambridge . Board members also support COA/ Senior Center staff with community outreach for services, benefits, activities and programs available to older adults.

Applicants must be Cambridge residents, age 60 or older.

The Council on Aging meets virtually via the Zoom platform on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 9:30-11am.

For more information about the Council on Aging, please contact Susan Pacheco, Executive Director of the Council on Aging at 617-349-6220 or at spacheco@cambridgema.gov.

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, June 16, 2025. Applications can be submitted using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/Apply. A cover letter and resume, or an overview of relevant experience, can also be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are also available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

Members Sought for Cambridge’s Public Planting Committee

Apr 30, 2025 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking Cambridge residents interested in serving on the City’s Public Planting Committee.

The Public Planting Committee is charged with the responsibility of promoting and improving the quality and diversity of plantings throughout all areas of Cambridge. This includes reviewing planting plans for new public work in the city; advising the city on effective maintenance of public plantings; supporting the role of the Urban Forestry Division of the Cambridge Public Works Department; and encouraging interest in public plantings in all neighborhoods.

Committee members are appointed to 2-year terms. Candidates should be Cambridge residents who have an interest in urban forestry and landscape issues, and, ideally, experience in horticulture.

The Committee holds a hybrid meeting on the second Wednesday of each month, from 5:30-7pm, at the Department of Public Works, 147 Hampshire Street, Frazier Building Conference Room, Cambridge. Committee members and the public can also attend virtually.

Applications to serve on this committee can be submitted by Monday, June 2, 2025 using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/Apply. A cover letter and résumé or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process.

For more information about the committee, contact David Lefcourt, City Arborist, at 617-349-6433 or dlefcourt@cambridgema.gov.

Members Sought for Cambridge Commercial Parking Control Committee

Apr 24, 2025 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking new members for the Cambridge Commercial Parking Control Committee, a five-member board established to review applications for new Commercial Parking Permits.

The Commercial Parking Control Committee is established pursuant to Chapter 10.16.030 of the Cambridge Municipal Code. Committee members will be appointed by the Cambridge City Council and initial appointment will be for a term of 1-3 years and will be eligible for reappointment.

Applicants must be Cambridge residents. No person shall be appointed to the Committee who has a financial interest in commercial parking in Cambridge.

Members of the Commercial Parking Control Committee should be able to:

• Participate in a collaborative process with other Committee members.
• Consider diverse ideas and perspectives with empathy and respect.
• Be willing to work with the Cambridge Department of Transportation.
• Review and understand the City of Cambridge’s policies, rules, and regulations related to Commercial Parking; understand issues related to the safety, sustainability, and accessibility of the city’s transportation network and its operations.
• Be willing to navigate complex issues related to how parking supports public policy, accessibility, economic development, and other City of Cambridge goals.
• Demonstrate strong attentiveness and listening skills to complex presentations and discussions.

The Commercial Parking Control Committee will meet on an as-needed basis (at least biannually) based on submission of applications for Commercial Parking Permits. Members must review applications and application materials prior to each meeting they attend. Recent changes in city regulations establishing Flexible Parking Corridors have lowered barriers to the establishment of Commercial Parking, and we anticipate a renewed interest in Commercial Parking Permits. For more information on Flexible Parking Corridors, visit https://www.cambridgema.gov/streetsandtransportation/flexibleparkingcorridors.

Under the provisions of the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, meetings are usually required to be in person, although the Commercial Parking Control Committee may meet remotely under the temporary Open Meeting Law provisions.

Applications to serve on this committee can be submitted by Monday, June 2, 2025, to City Manager Yi-An Huang using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/Apply. A cover letter and résumé or applicable experience should be submitted during the online application process.

Member Sought for Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) Board of Commissioners Vacancy

Apr 10, 2025 – What is the Cambridge Housing Authority?
The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) was established in 1935. It provides long-term rental housing and rental assistance. More than 10,000 low-income families, elders, and disabled individuals receive this assistance. CHA invests in Cambridge families and provides enhanced support to 10% of the city population. The CHA mission is to develop and manage safe, good quality, affordable housing for low-income individuals and families in a manner which promotes citizenship, community and self-reliance in one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. Learn more about Cambridge Housing Authority.

What are the terms of appointment for the CHA Board?
The Board of Commissioners is a five-member Board with each member serving five years. One member is appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts; the remaining four members are appointed by the Cambridge City Manager and confirmed by the Cambridge City Council. All Board members must be residents of Cambridge, and one member must physically reside in CHA/affiliate owned housing.

What is the role of the Cambridge Housing Authority Board?
The CHA Board oversees the Agency’s direction. This includes approving:

• Contract awards
• Budget decisions
• Formal submissions to state and federal funding agencies
• Planning and reporting documents
• Major policy decisions

Commissioners also serve as board members on CHA’s five non-profit affiliates. The Board appoints an Executive Director to oversee the housing authority and implement the Board’s policies.

What kind of skills/experience should members have?
For this vacant seat, applicants must be residents of CHA/affiliate-owned housing. Cambridge Housing Authority commissioners should believe in the mission of the Housing Authority and the urgent need for affordable housing in Cambridge. Preferred skills include:

• Computer literacy to participate in hybrid meetings
• Ability to interact with the public
• Advocacy skills

How can I apply to serve on the committee?
Applications to serve on the Board can be submitted using the City of Cambridge’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience may be submitted during the online application process.

The application deadline is Monday, May 12, 2025.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. 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. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.