| Preliminary Results (Tues, Nov 4): City Council (in order of election): Marc C. McGovern Sumbul Siddiqui Ayah Al-Zubi Burhan Azeem Jivan G. Sobrinho-Wheeler E. Denise Simmons Tim Flaherty Cathie Zusy Patricia M. Nolan |
Preliminary Results (Tues, Nov 4): School Committee (in order of election): Elizabeth Hudson Richard Harding Luisa De Paula Santos Caitlin Dube Arjun Jaikumar Eugenia Schraa Huh |
Charter Ballot Question: Yes: 17,930 (75.5%) No: 5,824 (24.5%) |
| Round-by-Round Results (PDF) – official City version | Round-by-Round Results (PDF) – official City version | |
| Spreadsheet (PDF) – with transfer details | Spreadsheet (PDF) – with transfer details |
November 5, 2025
Preliminary Cambridge Election Results (Nov 4, 2025)
October 31, 2025
Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be Will Be) – November 3, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be Will Be) – November 3, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
Will we have rainbows day after day? Or will this be The Eve of Destruction?
The meeting on the eve of the municipal election every two years is usually short and sweet as the kids dream of grabbing those last few Number Ones.
[Note: The meeting adjourned at 6:58pm and 4 councillors (Azeem, Siddiqui, Toner, Wilson) only attended remotely.]
Here’s the stuff I found interesting this week:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, City Manager Yi-An Huang; Placed on File 8-0-1 (McGovern-Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $250,000, from the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account, to help address potential short term food insecurity within the Cambridge Community.
Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-52, regarding the Special Commission on Micromobility. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Brooke McKenna, Wilson, Zusy; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-47 regarding Kendall Square Parking Considerations. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order Item Number 2025 #143 directing the City Manager to work with relevant departments to consider a plan to better utilize the Russell Youth and Community Center. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Nolan, Wilson, Ellen Semonoff; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #6 (Late): Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $138,372 funded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services and administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($33,176), and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($105,196). Funds will be used to help with the heating bills during November 1st – April 30th. (CM25#272) [text of report]
Comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Nolan, Wilson; Order Adopted 9-0
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Executive Director of the Council on Aging and other relevant City departments to explore the feasibility of creating a dedicated position or function focused on triaging and directing senior residents to appropriate services and supports. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Zusy (who wished to be added as sponsor), Nolan; Charter Right – Nolan
Order #2. That this City Council go on record urging the Harvard administration to engage in good faith with the demands of workers represented by 32BJ SEIU, including fair pay, healthcare, retirement benefits, and improved protections for immigrant members. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0
Committee Report #1. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on October 8, 2025 with the Community Development Department (CDD), Economic Opportunity and Development Division, to provide an update on the city’s efforts to support small businesses and commercial districts in Cambridge. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
The Proposed Cambridge City Charter
The Proposed Cambridge City Charter
Oct 31, 2025 – I have been meaning to write up my thoughts on the proposed new Charter, but so many things all at once have been getting in my way. Many people have been asking me about it, so here are some thoughts:
Basically, it will be OK whether or not it passes. Virtually all of the Plan E provisions will remain – albeit it with some language revision and a relatively small number of actual changes.
The bottom line for me was the following:
(a) allow the Election Commission the freedom to approve a tabulation method for the PR Count that is independent of the order in which the ballots are counted;
(b) maintain the city manager form of government;
(c) maintain the practice of the City Council electing its own Chair, i.e. The Mayor;
(d) allow the School Committee to choose its own Chair.
If I had my druthers (which I don’t and I don’t really even know what that word means), I would have:
(a) created a new elected advisory council with representation from all the city’s neighborhoods that could propose legislation to the City Council and require a vote.
(b) rescinded the authority of the City Council to approve board appointments (they actually increased it – bummer)
(c) enhance the citizen petition mechanism to require a City Council vote on the substance of a petition with sufficient signatures.
I was not thrilled with the efforts of some city councillors to gain more power over city management, e.g. the power to approve or deny appointment of City department heads – a surefire way to bring back political patronage. Thankfully we were able to beat back that proposal. I was also quite horrified that some councillors wanted to give themselves the power to reallocate essentially all of the discretionary budget of any City department to other City departments. Again, we were able to beat back that effort. There were other disastrously misguided recommendations from the Charter Review Committee that were thankfully voted down or delayed to another day (or never).
I felt that the entire Charter Review process was flawed from beginning to end. Just as one example, the initial City Council vote was to completely eliminate the citizen right to petition based on the belief that it is already guaranteed in state law. It isn’t. That right was only restored when I convinced a few councillors and the Law Department that the City Council was in error – and they rescinded their prior vote and restored the right to petition.
I plan to vote for the new Charter – not because it’s perfect or what I would ideally want, but because it met my minimum requirements (see above).
Robert
October 25, 2025
Time Out of Time – October 27, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
Time Out of Time – October 27, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
Election Day approaches. Here are the items that I found interesting in this week’s relatively short agenda:
Late Order #4 (taken up at start of meeting) That the City Manager provide an update at the Oct 27, 2025 City Council meeting regarding the pause in SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
Comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang (~6,700 Cambridge households and ~10,000 individuals affected – up from ~6,000 pre-Covid), Toner, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Azeem, McGovern; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)
 Vail Court – Aug 2017 |
Manager’s Agenda #3. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $4,300,000, from Free Cash to the General Fund Employee Benefits Department Salary and Wages account, which will replenish funds that were transferred out of the Employee Benefits Department and subsequently used to fund the settlement payment relating to Said S. Abuzahra, Trustee of Equity Realty Trust, et al. v. City of Cambridge (Mdsx. Super. Ct. Docket No. 2017- cv-2459/J). [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)
This is the follow-up from the appropriation made in July relating to the City’s eminent domain taking of the Vail Court property on Bishop Allen Drive in September 2016.
Manager’s Agenda #1 (July 21, 2025).Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of Four-Million-Three-Hundred-Thousand dollars and no cents ($4,300,000), from the General Fund Employee Benefits Department Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Law Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account for the settlement payment relating to Said S. Abuzahra, Trustee of Equity Realty Trust, et al. v. City of Cambridge (Mdsx. Super. Ct. Docket No. 2017- cv2459/J). (CM25#188)
The original cost in 2016 was $3,700,000, so (not including the cost of demolition and litigation), this would bring the total to $8 million for the now-vacant Vail Court property. What the City will ultimately choose to do with this property is not entirely clear, but my guess is that it becomes some version of public housing. An enlightened City would work with the abutting property owner at Bishop Allen and Prospect to create a mixed-income project with amenities on the Bishop Allen and Prospect Street frontages. I won’t hold my breath waiting for that.
Manager’s Agenda #4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $20,000,000, from Free Cash to the General Fund Employee Benefits Department Salary and Wages account, which will replenish funds that were transferred out of the Employee Benefits Department and subsequently used to fund expenses related to the demolition of 221 Mount Auburn Street. [text of report]
pulled by Toner, Manager’s Agenda #4-6 taken together; comments by Toner, Claire Spinner, Zusy, Taha Jennings, Kathy Watkins, Wilson, Nolan, McGovern, Yi-An Huang; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)
Demolition of the Riverview Condominiums is now scheduled to take place during December 2025 through March 2026.
Manager’s Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,905,500 from Free Cash to the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund. During FY25, the City received mitigation revenues from various developers as a result of commitments related to zoning ordinance amendments and special permit conditions. By law, all mitigation revenues must be deposited into the General Fund and can only be appropriated after the Free Cash Certification is complete. [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update re: the Massachusetts Department of Revenue certification of the City’s Free Cash balance as of June 30, 2025, in the amount of $184,251,490. [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)
After the above appropriations are adopted, the City’s Free Cash balance is estimated to be $157,045,990.
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO25#107, re: a request to support an exploratory process – potentially including stakeholder engagement, legal and technical assessments, and community outreach – to evaluate the creation of a Business Improvement District in Porter Square. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Pardis Saffari, Nolan, Zusy; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Department of Transportation and other relevant departments to examine how to improve connectivity north of Rindge Avenue during the Linear Park Reconstruction Project so that vulnerable road users can bypass Rindge Avenue and Cedar Street where possible. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by JSW, Toner, Zusy, Wilson; Toner added as sponsor 9-0; Order Adopted 9-0 as Amended
Order #3. City Council support for the workers of Cambridge Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in their efforts to secure fair wages, respect, and improved working conditions through collective bargaining. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)
Campaign donations this election cycle (so far) from SEIU: Siddiqui ($500), Sobrinho-Wheeler ($1000), Wilson ($500), Azeem ($500), McGovern ($500), Simmons ($1000)
Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Councillor Nolan transmitting a letter re: revocation of a curb cut application previously granted. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; prepared comments by Nolan; comments by Toner, Azeem; Motion to Suspend Rules for the Purpose of Reconsideration Fails 2-7 (Nolan, Zusy-YES); Placed on File 9-0
Councillors Zusy and Nolan expressed strong interest at the Oct 20 meeting in revoking this Hancock St. curb cut in order to restore 2 on-street parking spaces. Earlier this year they were the swing votes that approved the elimination of most of the on-street parking along the entire length of Broadway. – RW
October 24, 2025
Intrigue on the Campaign Trail
Intrigue on the Campaign Trail
Oct 24 – As editor of the Cambridge Civic Journal, I occasionally receive mail and phone calls of the “drop a dime” nature informing me of some impropriety or scandal about which the sender feels very strongly or which he or she feels needs to be thrust into the public eye. For example, several election cycles ago there was a minor City Council candidate who had once been arrested for running guns from Georgia to the streets of Boston. I promised to only report on this if the candidate rose to the level of electability (which never happened), so I just let it go. Earlier this year a police report fell into my lap about a former city councillor who had recently been arrested on kidnapping and assault charges. I did (quietly) run that story without much fanfare.
Today I received a mystery in the mail – postmarked in Boston with no return address – containing in ransom letter format the suggestion that the Cambridge Education Association (CEA, i.e. the Cambridge Teachers Union) had violated state election laws in undertaking a large mail drop. The CEA is one of the “allies” of the recently cobbled together “Cambridge Progressive Electoral Collaboration” that consists of barely distinguishable left-wing activist groups such the Cambridge Residents Alliance, Our Revolution Cambridge, the Cambridge chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), and several other “progressive” clubs such as the “Solidarity Squad”. I don’t actually know what, if any, laws were violated nor do I know what mail drop is referenced – though I suspect it may be the apparently citywide mailing paid for by the Massachusetts Teachers Association Independent Expenditure PAC funded by the Massachusetts Teachers Association. That mailing explicitly endorsed six Cambridge School Committee candidates – Caitlin Dube, Jess Goetz, Lilly Havstad, Jane Hirschi, Arjun Jaikumar, and Luisa de Paula Santos. The connection here appears to be with the Solidarity Squad group and Missy Page, a member of that group and the same person who unsuccessfully challenged incumbent School Committee member Caroline Hunter’s name being on this year’s School Committee ballot.
If anyone knows more about this, please contact me either by phone (617-661-9230), email, or ransom note.
October 18, 2025
A Tax Attacks – October 20, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting and Tax Rate Hearing
A Tax Attacks – October 20, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting and Tax Rate Hearing
It’s the Second Coming of the Tax Classification Hearing after the alarm bells rang two weeks ago due to some (apparently) alarming news about the proposed jump in the commercial tax rate. A crisis is often an opportunity for some education.
How many people really understand what this hearing and vote is all about? How many people understand the limited options available under state law? How many people have given any thought at all to how the state legislature might change things in order to have a more fair system, e.g. setting the Residential Exemption within different residential classes, distinguishing large commercial properties from “mom and pop stores”, etc.? How many elected officials are willing to speak honestly about the fact that taxes are rising quickly primarily because of their own actions in growing the budget at a rate well in excess of inflation?
Unless the City Council is ready to dump more of the tax burden on residential properties (will never happen), there is actually very little that the City Council can do other than to just cast the usual votes.
Here are some of the items that drew my attention this week:
The Property Tax Rate Classification Hearing
[Tax Rate Letter from City Manager][Tax Rate Orders][Tax Rate Executive Summary][Commercial Tax Rate Examples]
Comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Asst. City Manager Claire Spinner, Assessing Director Gail Willett, Budget Director Taha Jennings, Councillors Toner, McGovern, Azeem, Nolan, Zusy, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson; Tax Rates Adopted 9-0; Both Orders Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Councillor Nolan, Elliott Veloso (Law Dept.), Franz LaBianca (Law Dept.), Councillor Siddiqui; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Charles J. Marquardt as an Election Commissioner for a four-year term, effective through March 31, 2029.
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-53, regarding a request that the City Manager consult with relevant departments about the implications of deploying license plate readers and provide recommendations as to whether adjustments in plans for deployment should be made in light of changes since approval in February. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by CPD Commissioner Christine Elow (noting how license plate readers may have helped sole Charlene Holmes murder case) , Pauline Wells (CPD), Peter Vellucci (CPD), Councillor Toner proposes referral to Public Safety Committee; McGovern to propose Late Order to suspend use of license plate readers for now; Mayor Simmons comments; Councillors Nolan, Azeem, Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui, Wilson, Toner comments; Referred to Public Safety Committee 9-0; Placed on File 9-0; Toner asks if a policy is currently in place (CPD – Yes), comments by McGovern, Nolan, Toner, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy (how can we know that they’re really off?), Commissioner Elow; Late Order (McGovern et.al.) “That the City suspend or revoke using Flock cameras and all ALPR technology currently in use, until a meeting is held by the Public Safety Committee of the City Council and a vote is taken to allow it.” Adopted 9-0
Late Order #9. That the City suspend or revoke using Flock cameras and all ALPR technology currently in use, until a meeting is held by the Public Safety Committee of the City Council and a vote is taken to allow it. Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment and reappointment of members to the Committee on Public Planting for terms of three years. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-34 regarding curb cut disputes. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy re: 177 Hancock St. curb cut and possibility that application contained misrepresentations; comments by Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Toner, Nolan; opinion on process from Elliott Veloso (Law Dept.); comments by Yi-An Huang, including requirement that legal notice be given prior to revocation of a permit; Sobrinho-Wheeler opines that City Council should not be deciding on individual curb cuts; Azeem comments, Veloso responds; Toner notes that a two-thirds vote is required to revisit this; Zusy also doesn’t want Council to decide on curb cuts, suggests Council was hoodwinked; McGovern, Simmons, Kathy Watkins, Toner, Wilson, Nolan, Azeem comments; Placed on File 9-0 (with an understanding that a future Communication and Order to rescind may follow)
Order #1. City Council support for Massachusetts’ community colleges and state universities and urging the state Legislature to pass the DRIVE Act with an amendment to cover student supports and other cuts beyond research grants as a first step toward public higher education funding that adequately supports students, faculty and staff. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No)
Order #3. City Council support of H.811, An Act authorizing cities and towns to provide for citizen-funded election campaigns. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No)
Order #4. City Council support of the unionization efforts of Massachusetts State House legislative staff and H.2093/S.1343, and urge the recognition of the Massachusetts State House Employee Union. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No)
Order #6. That the City Council supports House Bill H.3564, An Act Relative to Infrastructure Replacement Projects, and House Bill H.3446 /Senate Bill S.2248, An Act Relative to Municipal Voices in Gas Utility Work that are currently before the Massachusetts Legislature. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No)
Order #7. City Council support of Bill Lifting Caps on Municipal Solar. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No)
Order #8. City Council opposition to Harvard University’s efforts to strip union protections from workers in the Harvard Graduate Students Union bargaining unit, and to all forms of union busting, and go on record urging the Harvard administration to engage in good faith with the demands of our residents organizing with HGSU, HAW, and the Harvard Undergraduate Workers Union (HUWU), including fair pay, healthcare, and workplace harassment and discrimination protections. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No)
Charter Right #1. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Sept 16, 2025 to review and discuss solar impact analysis and zoning options to encourage the use of solar energy systems and protect solar access for Registered Solar Energy Systems. [Charter Right – Azeem, Sept 29, 2025]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #1. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Sept 25, 2025 to discuss whether the City should reinstate something similar to the exemption of the Dover Amendment to regulate the density and impact of institutional development within residential districts. The 1979 & 1980 exemption was eliminated Feb 10, 2025 with the passage of the Multifamily Housing Ordinance. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Oct 7, 2025 on a Zoning Petition by Martin Bakal, et al., to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Sections 4.30 and 4.40 with the intent to restrict increasing pavement in Open Space districts by establishing “Paved way greater than 10’ wide” as a principal use within the Table of Use Regulations that would be prohibited in Open Space districts and permitted in all other zoning districts, with a footnote providing further clarifications and restrictions on the establishment of “paved ways.” [text of report]
Comments by Zusy, McGovern; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; Unfavorable Recommendation Adopted 9-0
October 3, 2025
A Taxing Situation – October 6, 2025 City Council meeting and Tax Rate Hearing
A Taxing Situation – October 6, 2025 City Council meeting and Tax Rate Hearing
Here are the featured items this week:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #25-55 relative to guidance during ICE encounters. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Commissioner Elow Cambridge Police Department, transmitting a memorandum regarding compliance with the Welcoming City Ordinance (Section 2.129.060), which mandates that a statistical breakdown of ICE interactions with the Cambridge Police. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Marnie Gale and C. Dale Gadsden and the reappointment of Louis Bacci III all for five-year terms to the Cambridge Housing Authority Board. [text of report]
Appointments Approved, Referred to Housing Committee for Discussion 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item #25-20 regarding Incentive Zoning Nexus Study. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Zero Emissions Transportation Plan Report. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
On The Table #6. A communication was received from Councillor Nolan transmitting a report on the Cambridge Zero Emission Transportation Plan. [Tabled – Sept 15, 2025] [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Tax Rate Hearing [6:30pm] Tax Rate Letter from City Manager
Charter Right – Toner
The bottom line is: The FY26 Adopted Operating Budget is $992.2 million which is an increase of 3.8% (or $36.6 million) over the FY25 Adopted Budget. The actual FY26 tax levy required to support the FY26 Budget is $678,852,471 which is an increase of $50,463,718 or 8.0% from FY25. This increase is consistent with the estimated increase of 8.0% projected in June 2025 as part of the Adopted Budget.
The property tax levy increase of 8.0% is lower than the FY25 increase of 9.2%. The five-year (FY22-FY26) annual average increase is 7.53%, and the ten-year (FY17-FY26) annual average increase is 6.72%. The FY26 residential tax rate will be $6.67 per thousand dollars of value, subject to Department of Revenue approval. This is an increase of $0.32, or approximately 5% from FY25. The commercial tax rate will be $14.07, which is an increase of $2.55, or 22% from FY25.
As a result of the market activity in calendar year 2024, which is the basis of the FY26 property assessments, total residential property values increased by 2.6%. Total commercial property values decreased by 11.5%. These mixed results; negative on commercial, and lightly positive for residential, indicate the continued softening of the commercial and lab markets and the slow growth of the residential market with little inventory and high interest rates.
By property class, an average a single-family home will see a 10.21% tax increase, a two-family will see a 9.18% increase, a three-family will see a 8.93% increase, and a condo will see an 13.26% increase. This last figure is interesting in that due to the flat residential exemption, condo owners were actually seeing decreases in recent years and only saw increases last yearand this year. Here are the median figures including the CPA Surcharge:
FY2026 Taxes – including CPA Surcharge and Residential Exemtion
| Residential Property Type |
FY24 Median Tax | FY25 Median Tax | FY26 Median Tax | Median $ increase |
% increase |
| Condominium | $1,555 | $1,734 | $1,964 | $ 230 | 13.26% |
| Single-Family | $7,674 | $8,277 | $9,122 | $ 845 | 10.21% |
| Two-Family | $6,713 | $7,146 | $7,802 | $ 656 | 9.18% |
| Three-Family | $8,246 | $8,865 | $9,657 | $ 792 | 8.93% |
History of changes in residential property taxes
| Median Annual Tax Increases – Cambridge (not incl. CPA surcharge) | ||||
| Tax Year | condo | single-family | two-family | three-family |
| FY2009 | $ 18 | $ 40 | $ 24 | $ 72 |
| FY2010 | $ 69 | $ 119 | $ 47 | $ 41 |
| FY2011 | $ 77 | $ 306 | $ 132 | $ 154 |
| FY2012 | $ 60 | $ 269 | $ 177 | $ 215 |
| FY2013 | $ 65 | $ 159 | $ 80 | $ 85 |
| FY2014 | – $ 38 | $ 109 | $ 110 | $ 201 |
| FY2015 | $ 15 | $ 11 | $ 334 | $ 253 |
| FY2016 | – $ 18 | $ 64 | $ 101 | $ 217 |
| FY2017 | $ 11 | $ 324 | $ 237 | $ 336 |
| FY2018 | $ 76 | $ 136 | $ 33 | $ 61 |
| FY2019 | $ 21 | $ 124 | $ 292 | $ 469 |
| FY2020 | $ 43 | $ 449 | $ 366 | $ 369 |
| FY2021 | $ 3 | $ 246 | $ 131 | $ 218 |
| FY2022 | $ 33 | $ 545 | $ 301 | $ 335 |
| FY2023 | – $ 107 | $ 419 | $ 269 | $ 379 |
| FY2024 | – $ 7 | $ 743 | $ 494 | $ 598 |
| FY2025 | $ 175 | $ 587 | $ 421 | $ 602 |
| FY2026 | $ 224 | $ 821 | $ 638 | $ 770 |
| 5 year average | $63.60 | $623.00 | $424.60 | $536.80 |
| 10 year average | $47.20 | $439.40 | $318.20 | $413.70 |
| 15 year average | $37.07 | $333.73 | $265.60 | $340.53 |
| number of properties (FY2023) | 14841 | 3910 | 2292 | 1168 |
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Works, the Department of Public Health, and any relevant environmental consultants to provide a comprehensive report on Gold Star Mothers Memorial Park. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted as Amended by Substitution 9-0
Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant staff to ensure that the zoning code relating to Institutional Use Regulation is in compliance with State law. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to consider a plan to better utilize the Russell Youth and Community Center. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Charter Right #1. Condolences to the family of Red T. Mitchell.
Adopted 9-0
Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department to draft zoning language based on the proposed recommendations, review the feasibility of the proposed recommendations with developers, and consider the possibility of having AHO construction be exempt from the proposed zoning. [Charter Right – Azeem, Sept 29, 2025]
Referred to Housing Committee and Health & Environment Committee 8-1 (Toner-No)
September 26, 2025
Seal It with a Kiss – September 29, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
Seal It with a Kiss – September 29, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
Among other things, this week brings a City Council order calling for a process to commence to change the official seal of the City of Cambridge. We’re actually on our 2nd version of of Official Seal since we became a city in 1846 – not even close to that memorable 1957 film by Ingmar Bergman. I can only hope that any new proposals for our Official Seal won’t mirror the sad choices now under consideration for the Massachusetts State Seal – designs that replace historical references with all the richness of a Doritos ad. [There were some more interesting submissions.] I can only guess what the politically acceptable choices for Cambridge may eventually turn out to be. Perhaps we can have Brian Hyland provide some motivation for the selection committee.
As for the full agenda, here are the items that leapt off the page:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, City Manager Yi-An Huang; Placed on File 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Preservation Restriction at 44 J.F. Kennedy Street. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Charles Sullivan, Nolan, McGovern; Order Adopted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)
These Historical Commission reports are always top notch.
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-05, regarding a report on the use of M.G.L Ch. 40U to determine which local statutes can be enforced by the Local-Option Procedure in order to better collect fines in violation of Cambridge Ordinances. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, City Solicitor Megan Bayer and other City staff, Zusy; Referred to Finance Committee 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)
The legal memo indicates that this applies only to “three types of code violations that can be enforced through Chapter 40U: (1) short-term rental use; (2) housing and sanitary; and (3) snow and ice removal from sidewalks.” To be effective, the City Council need only vote to accept the statute. Also, if the City adopts Chapter 40U, it would need to adopt an ordinance that establishes a schedule of applicable fines. For more details and potential costs and consequences, read the memo.
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the City Council to establish a Seal Review Committee with the charge of recommending an updated city seal and motto in time for adoption prior to the 400th anniversary of the City of Cambridge in 2030. Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, McGovern; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)
As I mentioned above, the current City Seal may have some extinct references on it, but it packs a fair amount of historical reference – which seems appropriate for a historically rich city like Cambridge. My greatest concern is that a review committee will choose to recommend something more like an advertising logo drenched in wokeness. In fact, I would almost bet on it.
Order #2. That the Housing Committee will be convened to discuss the concrete details of social housing; that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department, Finance Department, Law Department, and other relevant departments to explore all steps towards advancing social housing in Cambridge. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, McGovern, Melissa Peters (CDD), Zusy, Nolan, Azeem; Nolan, Azeem added as sponsors; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)
So “social housing” is now the shiny new thing being bandied about by activists and municipal election candidates this year. In short, this is a scheme via which the local government would slowly but surely take over an increasing percentage of the housing stock in Cambridge – all under the theory (and sales pitch) that this would bring about a new era of affordability. It is, of course, just public housing by a different name and perhaps with different eligibility standards. I always like to raise the issue of what happens when the roof needs replacement or when the heating system or other part of the building needs a major overhaul. Inevitably, the residents will come running to the government to pay for it, and the bills will be ultimately be paid by the taxpayers. A somewhat more insidious aspect of all this is that deed-restricted properties have dramatically lower assessed values, so we should really say “paid by other taxpayers”. This socialist creep is a thing these days in other places such as New York City. Supporters will be quick to mention the “Vienna Housing Model” to prove the wonderfulness of their ideas, but I’ll simply say that neither New York City nor Cambridge are especially comparable to Vienna, Austria. I will also emphasize that I emphatically believe that private property ownership is a good thing. If tenants want to pool their resources to turn their housing into something like a limited equity coop, then more power to them – as long as they don’t one day come running to Mother Cambridge to cover their costs.
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to provide a recommendation on the site conditions of 25 Lowell Street and considerations and process for determining the future use of the property. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Zusy; Nolan, McGovern, Zusy; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)
This is the lot that keeps reappearing as a kind of token. I even remember it being on the list over 30 years ago of properties for a “Land Bank” for affordable housing – basically a symbolic gesture by some councillors looking to get some love by going after a property in the tonier part of town. Not much has really changed in three decades.
Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-32, regarding a request that the City engage in discussions with leadership from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) regarding a proposal to explore the feasibility of repurposing the long-abandoned MBTA tunnel in Harvard Square into a commercial or cultural space. [Charter Right – Azeem, Sept 15, 2025]
comments by Azeem, Yi-An-Huang, Nolan, Zusy, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, McGovern, Siddiqui, Wilson; After an excruciatingly long and repetitive discussion, Placed on File 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)
I still believe there’s a great idea here lurking in the cavernous darkness (“The Cavern Club”?), but pulling it off will take the kind of drive and investment that’s not so likely to emerge from the depths of Cambridge.
Resolution #1. Condolences to the family of Red T. Mitchell. Mayor Simmons
Charter Right – McGovern (to give Mayor Simmons and others an opportunity to speak to this resolution next week)
Red Mitchell has been one of my favorite Cambridge people ever since Denise Simmons introduced us. All three of us have a love of history, and Red knew a lot about history – especially about residents of African ancestry around the time of the Revolutionary War.
Resolution #2. Congratulation to Kevin Treanor and Joe McCabe on their 30 year anniversary of the Phoenix Landing. Councillor Zusy, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson
pulled by McGovern; Add McGovern, Toner, Wilson as sponsors
Time flies. Great guys and good beer. They’ll also feed you pretty good as well. I never went there for the soccer broadcasts – just the camaraderie and the beer.
Committee Report #1. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Sept 9, 2025 to review and discuss ongoing work to mitigate and reduce Combined Sewer Overflows within Cambridge and the surrounding area and other mitigation efforts to address extreme weather events that affect city residents and future infrastructure projects. [text of report]
pulled early Nolan; comments by Nolan, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Toner, McGovern; Report Accepted, Placed on File, Order Adopted 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)
Though I didn’t attend the meeting, I have had an interest in this subject (and really all things relating to infrastructure) for about four decades now. There has been a lot of progress on the CSOs during that time, but the progress never stops. Neither does the physics.
Committee Report #2. The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Sept 10, 2025 to discuss COF25#106, including questions that were submitted by City Council members regarding an incident at 243 Broadway on Aug 2, 2025 and the public safety response. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)
I attended this meeting and offered testimony in support of the actions of the Cambridge Police in this incident. I was outnumbered during Public Comment but I did my best to counter some of the BS from those who would abolish the police if they could.
Committee Report #3. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Sept 16, 2025 to review and discuss solar impact analysis and zoning options to encourage the use of solar energy systems and protect solar access for Registered Solar Energy Systems.[text of report]
pulled early by Nolan; comments by Zusy (with proposed Substitute Order), Azeem; Charter Right – Azeem