Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

July 23, 2026

July 23, 2026 Special City Council meeting in response to the murder of Xavier Bautista

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,Deaths — Tags: , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:43 pm

July 23, 2026 Special City Council meeting in response to the murder of Xavier Bautista

Call of the Meeting: The City Council shall hold a Special Meeting to receive updates on and discuss the City of Cambridge’s current, planned, and recommended public safety and violence prevention work on Thursday, July 23, at 5:30pm in the Sullivan Chamber, Second Floor, City Hall.

Note: The meeting agenda was revised prior to the meeting.

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City’s violence prevention efforts. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Community Safety Department update. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report on 2026 Summer Community Programs. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Violence Prevention Recommendations Report from the Community Safety Department. [text of report (Feb 5, 2026)]
Placed on File 9-0

Though this meeting has been scheduled as a result of demand by attendees at the July 8 community meeting on the murder of Xavier Bautista (a Cambridge City employee working for the Department of Public Works), the only posted agenda item is a generic report on violence prevention produced for the Community Safety Department and reported to the City Council nearly 6 months ago.

I can only hope that some of the current city councillors will refocus the discussion toward more timely matters, including a discussion (and action) on the Council’s recent questionable decision to remove the only gunshot detection system that had been in place in Cambridge. I am not optimistic. This could very easily become little more than a scripted teleplay focused on covering the asses of those councillors (and our current mayor) who were so insistent on the removal of the gunshot detection system based on specious arguments from activists.

We’ll see what transpires at the meeting, but my sense is that the DSA councillors (Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler) won’t budge from their anti-police ideology, and Councillor Nolan has likely already prompted her ACLU activist friends to provide for her political cover. I cannot so easily dismiss the fact that the necessary 5th vote to make Sumbul Siddiqui mayor came with the promise to appoint Ms. Al-Zubi as Chair of the Public Safety Committee, and in that role she dove headlong into her quest to remove our gunshot detection system by inviting a thoroughly one-sided panel of activists and commenters who were not even slightly representative of those residents of Cambridge who would be so negatively affected by the diminution of police protection in their neighborhoods. – Robert Winters

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to take all necessary steps to temporarily restore and reactivate ShotSpotter within the areas of Cambridge previously covered by the system.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
Charter Right – Al-Zubi

Order #2. That the City Manager is hereby requested to report on progress of the February 2026 report’s recommendations, and plans for ensuring appropriate levels of support and staffing for the Community Safety Department, including continued expansion of CSD’s violence prevention program, the number and types of calls handled by the CARE team, and the timeline for more comprehensive staffing for the CARE team emergency response program and is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
Charter Right – Simmons

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to provide a comprehensive evaluation of violence response and prevention strategies, along with survivor support services, across City departments including CPD, CSD, CHA, and DHSP and come with recommendations before the City Council’s Public Safety Committee and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Al-Zubi
Charter Right – Simmons

Late Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to investigate directing the appropriate City departments to install security cameras overlooking Cambridge public parks, with such cameras operational only between the hours of 8:00pm and 8:00am. (PO26#139)
Charter Right – Simmons

At some point I’ll have more to say about what transpired at this meeting, but the basic points were:

(a) Al-Zubi and Sobrinho-Wheeler managed to bring in a truckload of DSA characters to recite their idiotic talking points about ShotSpotter.

(b) Several actual long-term Cambridge residents and persons of color expressed their belief that they wanted the additional police protection provided by ShotSpotter.

(c) As Councillor McGovern pointed out, several residents of Newtowne Court who would have spoken in support of restoring ShotSpotter felt very disrespected by the statements by the DSA people and consequently chose not to speak.

(d) After dispensing with the various reports, the Council began discussion of the Simmons/Flaherty Order calling for provisional restoration of the ShotSpotter system. It appeared to be the case that the two councillors (Azeem and Zusy) who had previously voted “Present” were now inclined to vote in favor of the Order to restore ShotSpotter. Councillor McGovern’s remarks also gave some indication that he would support the provisional restoration – especially since the Order called for getting feedback from the broader community (as opposed to just misinformed DSA activists). It was unclear how Councillor Nolan was inclined to vote, but it all became moot when drama queen Councillor Al-Zubi went on a rant when it appeared that she was not going to have her way, and she exercised her Charter Right to delay the matter to the August 3 Midsummer City Council meeting.

(e) In response to Al-Zubi’s hissy fit and Charter Right, Councillor Simmons exercised her Charter Right on the rest of the agenda.

It’s fair to assume that the August 3 meeting will attract the same DSA misfits, so I will likely just skip Public Comment as it will again be little more than recitations of the same talking points over and over and over again. Hopefully it won’t again be just another badly scripted melodrama and maybe, just maybe, the actual residents of Cambridge will be heard. – Robert Winters

PS – The City Council really should insist that Councillor Al-Zubi be removed as Chair of the Public Safety Committee.

July 21, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 671-672: July 21, 2026

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,Cambridge InsideOut,Central Square,City Council,Deaths,elections — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 9:50 pm

Episode 671 – Cambridge InsideOut: July 21, 2026 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on July 21, 2026 at 6:00pm. Topics: 29 years and counting with CCJ; “Hire Better Actors”; murder of Xavier Bautista; anti-ShotSpotter activism; misplaced priorities of our elected officials; July 8 community meeting; misrepresentation by political actors; Community Safety Department – a department in search of a purpose; the bad consequences of mayoral selection and the appointment of City Council committees; overtly anti-police councillors repeated appointed as Chair of Public Safety; the vote to remove ShotSpotter; Special Meeting coming; Cambridge Day opinion piece masquerading as journalism. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 672 – Cambridge InsideOut: July 21, 2026 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on July 21, 2026 at 6:30pm. Topics: June 22 City Council meeting; ShotSpotter follow-up vote; revision of Boards & Commissions and the ordinances that created them, sunsetting; Resident Permit Parking fee; legally questionable proposal to deny a resident sticker to new residents; proposed changes to Short-Term Rental Ordinance; passing ordinances without thinking things through; long overdue Nexus studies and lack of political will; history of civic involvement and civic people; death of Vince Dixon; local contested elections; the World Cup lifts Central Square businesses; rents dropping in Greater Boston – and possible causes; Cambridge Jazz Festival. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

Current City of Cambridge Board and Commission Vacancies (July 21, 2026)

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government — Tags: , — Robert Winters @ 12:15 pm

Volunteer Opportunities – Cambridge Boards & Commissions

Cambridge Seeking Community Members for New Commission VacanciesCity Seal

July 21, 2026 – 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 Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship and Police Review & Advisory Board. The deadline to apply for each vacancy is August 21. Additionally, the deadline to apply for the LGBTQ+ Commission has been extended until August 1.

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 on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship (Application Deadline: August 21)
The Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights & Citizenship (CIRC) is dedicated to welcoming, informing, connecting, and supporting Cambridge’s immigrant community. Established under Chapter 2.123 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Commission collaborates with other City departments, community partners, and individuals that support immigrant rights and citizenship.

The Commission consists of 11 members – Cambridge residents who represent the diversity of Cambridge – that are appointed to 3-year terms. Preferred applicants are knowledgeable about immigrant rights and citizenship and/or have lived experience as an immigrant to the United States.

CIRC informs the City Manager and the City Council on issues affecting the equal status of immigrants in education, employment, healthcare, housing, political, social and legal spheres. It also designs and implements programs that promote the equality of all immigrants in the City, while developing recommendations and suggested policy to the City Manager and the City Council to promote and ensure immigrant rights and citizenship. Commissioners are expected to participate and volunteer for outreach and other community events.

Meetings are typically held on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6pm, though the meeting schedule may be reassessed to accommodate Commissioners’ needs.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Carolina Almonte at 617-349-4396 or calmonte@cambridgema.gov.

Police Review & Advisory Board (Application Deadline: August 21)
The Police Review & Advisory Board (PRAB) serves as a fair and impartial body that provides oversight of the Cambridge Police Department. Created by City ordinance in 1984, the Board is authorized to receive, investigate, and mediate complaints against members of the CPD and review complaint investigations completed by the CPD’s Professional Standards Unit. Following its review, the Board then issues recommendations on investigative findings, discipline, and departmental policies and procedures.

Made up of volunteer members, PRAB consists of five Cambridge residents who are broadly representative of the City’s racial, social and economic composition. Board Members serve five-year terms and must have demonstrated an active interest in public affairs and service and be a resident of the City of Cambridge.

The Board currently meets virtually on the last Wednesday of the month at 6pm.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Carolina Almonte at 617-349-4396 or calmonte@cambridgema.gov.

LGBTQ+ Commission (Application Deadline Extended: August 1)
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.

June 20, 2026

Last Call – June 22, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,water — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:46 pm

Last Call – June 22, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

The real action seems to be with the Cambridge License Commission as it considers some policy changes – especially in regard to alcohol consumption. This will also be the last regular meeting prior to the Summer Break. Here are the items that struck me as at least a bit interesting:On Vacation

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to reappointments to the Biosafety Committee [Cara Conway, Mary Corrigan, Dan Anderson, Eirini Iliaki reappointed]. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-34 regarding a report on citywide water use and water supply. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update regarding a Boards and Commissions Ordinance Review and Modernization Initiative. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-38 regarding changes to the resident parking permit price. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-7 regarding restrictions to eligibility for on-street resident parking. [text of report]
Referred to the Transportation & Public Utilities Committee 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-4 [AR25-51] regarding updates to the Short-Term Rental Ordinance. [text of report]
Referred to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for Hearing and Report 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #20. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-33 regarding a housing needs study. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #21. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Massachusetts Avenue Active Use Zoning Petition Planning Board report. [text of report]
Referred to Petition 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #22. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Cambridge Street Active Use Zoning Petition Planning Board report. [text of report]
Referred to Petition 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #23. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments and reappointments of members to the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee [Teresa Cardosi (AHT rep.) appointed, and Elaine DeRosa (CHA rep.) reappointed]. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to develop a plan for inclusive and robust engagement on any proposed licensing changes, and to ensure that the City’s licensing framework remains as efficient, accessible, and streamlined as the law allows, without imposing unnecessary barriers or burdens on licensees.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Simmons
Referred to the Economic Development & University Relations Committee as Amended 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant departments to explore the ability of the City to prohibit, restrict, or otherwise regulate the use of algorithmic price fixing in its rental housing market, including the potential drafting of ordinance language that would regulate algorithmic price fixing and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Cambridge Police Department to prepare a report for the City Council regarding the causes of the significant decline in traffic enforcement since 2015, current departmental priorities, and recommendations for enforcement.   Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to evaluate the impacts of the temporary extended last call and public outdoor drinking district measures during the authorization period, consult with the License Commission, Cambridge Police Department, and other relevant stakeholders on the feasibility and desirability of making these measures permanent, and identify any necessary changes or actions required for implementation beyond the current authorization.   Vice Mayor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern
Referred to the Economic Development & University Relations Committee 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Department, the Community Safety Department, the Emergency Communications Department, the Department of Human Service Programs, the Department of Public Works, the Law Department, and any other relevant City departments and community partners to develop a Neighborhood Safety Additions Plan for the areas of the city previously served by ShotSpotter technology. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 8, 2026]
Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to use the Federal Stabilization Fund to provide one-time stabilization payments to Cambridge-based and Cambridge-serving organizations impacted by FY27 MOVA cuts, report back to the City Council with a proposed funding plan, and work with the Mayor’s Office and other relevant City staff to engage with the broader Cambridge nonprofit community to assess the full scope of federal and state funding reductions and their impact on the City’s safety net services. [Charter Right – Al-Zubi, June 8, 2026]
Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

On The Table #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to proposed changes to the City’s Zero Waste Master Plan. [Tabled June 1, 2026]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent); Zero Waste Plan Ordinance Amendment Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Communications & Reports #2. Communication from Councillor Nolan providing a summary of public engagement and ordinance changes under discussion for the Zero Waste Master Plan Update. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Resolution #1. Retirement of Susanne Rasmussen from the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy
Resolution Adopted as Amended
8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Communications & Reports #5. A communication from Councillor Timothy Flaherty relative to City Council Order PO26#115 and Discontinuation of ShotSpotter Technology. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

And the judge ain’t gonna look at the twenty-seven 8×10 color glossy pictures with the circles and arrows and the paragraph on the back of each one.…

May 19, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 667-668: May 19, 2026

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Charter,City Council,history,water — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:44 pm

Episode 667 – Cambridge InsideOut: May 19, 2026 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on May 19, 2026 at 6:00pm. Topics: CCA – Ruth Romer remarks (Oct 1980) and citizenship; Memorial Drive Incident; May 18 Council meeting – watershed protection, social housing and public/subsidized housing, reappointment of Interim City Clerk Paula Crane; discontinuation of ShotSpotter and rampant misinformation, “performative allyism” and “saviorism of marginalized people”. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 668 – Cambridge InsideOut: May 19, 2026 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on May 19, 2026 at 6:30pm. Topics: Flawed Charter Review, studying mayoral election method, privileged councillors, history of CCA defending PR and the city manager form of government; senior exemption for parking permit, check box to get a free sticker; wrangling over Council Rules and councillor entitlement, some relevant history; closing of the S&S Restaurant; Cuba and foreign policy issues in the City Council, Azeem flip-flop; food vendors in City parks; commissioning a housing needs study vs. invoking a crisis; FY27 Operating Budget exceeds One Billion Dollars; abandoning plan to reconfigure Garden Street to two-way traffic. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

April 26, 2026

May Day meets the FY2027 Budget – April 27, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:32 pm

May Day meets the FY2027 Budget – April 27, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

It was only a matter of time before the socialist and anti-capitalist voices on the City Council grew louder. This week they are in full voice. In contrast, this week also marks the release of the FY27 Budget and some very significant loan authorizations which, needless to say, will be funded by those good old capitalist realities like private property ownership and real estate taxes. The contrast of conflicting realities is sheer delight. Here are some of this week’s highlights:Coins

FY2027 Operating Budget: $1,017,855,440 ($1,032,959,502 including the Water Fund)

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to submission of the FY2027 budget and appropriation orders for the General Fund, Water Fund, and Public Investment Fund. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan comments by Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Taha Jennings, Flaherty, Azeem, Simmons, Siddiqui; Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

FY2027 Loan Authorizations: $109,980,000
FY2027 Public Investment Budget: $45,173,083

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $10,000,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of improvements along Massachusetts Avenue and vicinity between Bigelow Street and Sidney Street. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan, comments on #2-13 by Nolan, Flaherty; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $13,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $12,000,000 to provide funds to replace and modernize the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $14,000,000 to provide funds for remediation and improvements at Gold Star Mothers Park. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $28,500,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $12,795,000 to provide funds for financing school building upgrades. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $8,375,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of surface enhancements and sewer and drainage infrastructure improvements in the Baldwin neighborhood. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $500,000 to provide funds for the City’s Climate Change Program to improve protection against flooding and extreme heat. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $7,500,000 to provide funds for the sewer Combined Sewer Overflow Control Program. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,000,000 to provide funds for design and construction of the Harvard Square sewer separation and stormwater management program. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $310,000 to provide funds for the replacement of Ozone generators at the Water Department. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,000,000 to provide funds for water works construction projects for repairs and replacement of water distribution infrastructure. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

FY2027 Budget Summaries

Manager’s Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-20 regarding a report on major capital initiatives at or above $15,000,000 for the period from FY21 to FY26. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Zusy, Huang, Kathy Watkins, McGovern; Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #15. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a response to AR26-23 regarding the Cambridge Preschool Program. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi, Nolan, Siddiqui; Referred to Human Services & Veterans Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointments for the Cambridge Library Board of Trustees. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0

James Roosevelt, Elisabeth Werby, Risa Mednick, Michael Baenen, Karen Kosko reappointed to 3-year terms.

Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Family Policy Council appointment and reappointment. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0

Tracy Rose Tynes appointed, Yoyo Yau reappointed.

Manager’s Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Fiqir Worku to the Human Rights Commission. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Peace Commission Appointments. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan on streamlining and consolidation of boards, Huang, Saffana Anwar (Peace Comm.), Zusy; Appointments Confirmed 9-0

New appointments: Paul Knott, Heather Rivera, Katherine E. Stevenson, Pamela Howard, Muna Kangsen, Karim L. Razzaz, Julie Ayaz
Reappointments: Larry Kim, Elka Kuhlman, Annie Brown, Bonnie Talbert, Sarah DeMott, Kazimiera Fraley

Manager’s Agenda #23. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Mass Ave Active Use zoning petition. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, McGovern, Azeem (noting comments from Cambridge Redevelopment Authority), Zusy (noting that there is a Special Permit option to opt out of 1st floor retail); Adopted as a City Council Zoning Petition and Referred to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for Hearing and Report 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #24. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Cambridge Street Active Use zoning petition. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; Adopted as a City Council Zoning Petition and Referred to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for Hearing and Report 9-0

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council within ninety (90) with a brief written update describing: (a) the updates made to succession-planning and employee-ownership materials; (b) the status of the worker-cooperative technical-assistance referral pipeline; (c) any guidance issued or planned regarding below-threshold quote-seeking from worker-owned cooperatives and related vendor-outreach steps; and (d) any additional low-cost, staff-feasible next steps the City Manager recommends for expanding support for worker-owned cooperatives in Cambridge.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Workers of the world unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains!
[Is this really something that local government should be doing?]

Order #2. That the City Council go on record endorsing the May Day Strong National Day of Action on May 1, 2026, as an expression of Cambridge’s support for workers’ rights, economic justice, and the tradition of peaceful civic engagement.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

A great day to go shopping.

Order #3. That the City Council encourage MassDOT to implement infrastructure improvements to the Museum Way and Charles River Dam Road intersection.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct appropriate departments to develop an accessible “Neighbors’ Guide to the MFH Ordinance.”   Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, McGovern, Melissa Peters (CDD), Azeem, Flaherty, Nolan, Huang; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant staff to explore options for commissioning a housing needs study through a qualified research institution, to establish a clear evidence-based understanding of existing housing conditions, resident needs, and measurable housing goals to guide future decision-making.   Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Azeem, Al-Zubi (w/proposed amendment), McGovern, Melissa Peters (CDD), Huang, Flaherty, Simmons; Charter Right – Simmons
[Note: As I have pointed out before, the mythical target of 12,500 new housing units did not grow out of the Envision Cambridge process. CDD staff simply inserted that number from the MAPC after the fact, and questioning this arbitrary goal is now long overdue. – RW]

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Cambridge Department of Transportation (CDOT) and any other relevant departments to halt any further design, engineering, procurement, or construction activities related to implementing a reconfiguration of Garden Street to restore two-way motor-vehicle traffic. [Charter Right – Flaherty, Apr 13, 2026]
Comments by Siddiqui, Flaherty, Al-Zubi, Nolan (long speech), Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Brooke McKenna (Dept. of Congestion, Obstruction, & Aggravation), Azeem, Zusy (noting that Transportation Dept. intentionally slow-walked the reconfiguration, and a proposed amendment); Simmons comments and motion to Table [Fails 4-5 (Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy – YES; Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui – NO)]; comments by Azeem, Huang, Siddiqui, Flaherty (notes that neighbors overwhelmingly prefer two-way operation), McGovern; Zusy proposed amendment to text of Order [Fails 4-5 (Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy – YES; Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui – NO)]; Nolan comments re: loss of trust; Simmons motion to Refer to Transportation Committee [Fails 3-6 (Flaherty, Simmons, Zusy – YES; Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui – NO)]; Order Adopted 5-4 (Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui – YES; Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy – NO); Reconsideration Fails 4-5 (Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy – YES; Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui – NO)
[Note: This was never about the relative safety of two options. It is now and has from the beginning been purely about catering to political advocacy groups. – RW]

379 Communications – almost all re: whether the current horrible one-way Garden Street configuration should be changed to an equally horrible two-way configuration.

Chances are this will again be the main topic during Public Comment. Garden Street was a perfectly safe and relatively quiet street for all the years prior to the City screwing it up.

Committee Report #1. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Mar 24, 2026 to discuss the 2026 City Manager’s Annual Goals and Review Process. [text of report]
Report Accepted and Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Mon, Mar 30, 2026 to review the Community Benefits Ordinance and discuss potential updates including allowing the allocation of funding to community organizations for capital projects. The Ordinance Committee voted favorably to forward the proposed amendments to the Community Benefits Ordinance to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; Two amendments Adopted and Passed to 2nd Reading 7-0-2 (Azeem, McGovern Absent); Report Accepted and Placed on File 7-0-2 (Azeem, McGovern Absent)

March 22, 2026

Coming Up at the March 23, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,City Council,transportation,water — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:26 pm

Coming Up at the March 23, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here you go:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to recommendations for the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning April 1, 2026 and ending March 31, 2027. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Nolan, Mark Gallagher (Water Dept.), Flaherty; Orders Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Water & Sewer Block Rates: FY17 – FY27
Water and Sewer Rates - FY26

Water & Sewer Rate Increases: FY17-FY27
Water & Sewer increases: FY16-FY26

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $900,000 from the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund and the rescission of funds from two grants in the amount of $2,000,000 and $400,000 respectively to support a new off-road bridge over the Fitchburg Rail Line. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Brooke McKenna (Transportation), Nolan; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

“Funds will be used to support the design costs toward a new off-road bridge over the Fitchburg Rail Line that will connect Danehy Park to the Rindge Avenue neighborhood…”

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a BUEDO Review Board Appointment. [text of report]
Appointment Confirmed 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to classification of the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) Review Board as special municipal employees. [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $5,234,379 from Free Cash to support snow operations. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, John Nardone (DPW), Sobrinho-Wheeler, TJ Shea (DPW), Flaherty, McGovern, Kathy Watkins, George Heinz (DHSP), Zusy, Siddiqui; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $700,000 from Free Cash to support road repairs related to snow operations. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan (taken up with Mgr #5); Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-21 regarding exploration of a potential Snow Corps program. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler (taken up with Mgr #5); Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2025 Town Gown Reports and Presentations discussed by the Planning Board in February. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Nolan, Melissa Peters (CDD), Al-Zubi, City Manager Yi-An Huang; Placed on File 9-0

Order #2. City Council support of H.91 and S.2556, An Act to modernize funding for community media programming.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by McGovern for comments; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department and the Transportation Department to meet with Harvard’s Office of Community Relations and the Longwood Collective (MASCO) to harmonize institutional bus protocols with public-facing commitments.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct relevant City departments and staff to examine and report back on whether the city can require single-stall public bathrooms to be gender-neutral.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem [attachment]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern (w/amendments), Flaherty, Zusy, Nolan, Siddiqui; Amendments Adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

On The Table #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to raise the fee of the parking permit program for all residents to $75, consider how to include a self-identified check off option so as not to increase administrative costs for a subsidized fee of $25 for residents who live in affordable housing, are enrolled in a program such as SNAP or are low income, remove the senior exemption for the residential parking permit program and lower the number of cars that individual residents are allowed to get a residential parking permit for from four to two. [Charter Right – Simmons, Feb 9, 2026; Tabled Mar 2, 2026] (PO26#32)
No Action Taken

There seemed to be some movement three weeks ago toward not eliminating the senior exemption – before Mayor Siddiqui intervened by tabling the matter so that any possible amendments could instead be discussed out of public view. We could also use a more honest accounting of the actual costs of administering the permit parking program. As someone comment at last week’s meeting, the Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) charges a registration fee of $50 every two years. How can the City’s Department of Congestion, Obstruction, and Aggravation (a.k.a. Transportation Department) justify triple that cost? Why can’t the fact that a motor vehicle is registered to a Cambridge address suffice? We do, after all, have access to the RMV database. Why must renewal be done every year rather than every two years?

Unfinished Business #2. Amend section 4.50 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of permitting the use of land for the following purposes as-of-right in all zoning districts: religious purposes; educational purposes on land owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any of its agencies, subdivisions or bodies politic or by a religious sect or denomination, or by a nonprofit educational corporation; and for a child care center, school-aged child care program, family child care home, or large family child care home as defined in section 1a of Chapter 15d of Massachusetts General Laws. [Passed to 2nd Reading Mar 2, 2026; may be ordained on or after Mar 23, 2026] (ORD26#1)
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan; Ordained 8-1 (Flaherty – No)

Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Feb 25, 2026 to receive a status update on Federal Grants (including ARPA) and the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund, as well as a discussion on establishing future Budget Priorities. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Late Order #5. Support A Federal Earmark to Take Plans for the Boston-Cambridge Riverwalk Construction at Science Park to 25% Design.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Nolan (PO26#63)
Comments by Zusy, Flaherty, Nolan; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

March 8, 2026

Springing Forward toward Somewhere – March 9, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,Central Square,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 4:49 pm

Springing Forward toward Somewhere – March 9, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here are the notable items this week (or at least what I think is notable) on this relatively short agenda:Daylight Savings Bill passes!

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2025 Annual Surveillance Report concerning City departments’ use of surveillance technology or surveillance data. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi, comments that there will be a Public Safety Committee in late-May on this plus add’l meeting on Shotspotter; Referred to Public Safety Committee 9-0

I’m just glad we no longer have Councillor Zondervan around to raise the issue of surveillance via laryngoscopes. Then again, maybe the new kids will have some of their own entertainment to offer.

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge retaining its Triple A (AAA) rating from the nation’s three major credit rating agencies. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Claire Spinner (Finance), Taha Jennings (Budget), Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Zusy, Flaherty, Azeem, Al-Zubi; Placed on File 9-0

Though this is clearly a good thing, I always expect some kind of claptrap about how this somehow means that we’re not focusing enough on “the community”. I also wouldn’t be at all surprised if at least one councillor saw this as a signal that the City should borrow a huge sum to fund the latest fashionable priority such as “social housing”. Don’t forget about those rainy days, kids!

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to 2026-2027 Housing and Zoning priorities. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi (focus on “social housing”), Melissa Peters (CDD), Yi-An Huang (thinking about 30-40% Inclusionary requirement – seriously?), Chris Cotter, Azeem, Siddiqui, Nolan, McGovern, Zusy, Flaherty; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Committee Report #1. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on Dec 16, 2025 to begin a discussion around social housing as referenced in PO25#131. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #6. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, regarding a free cash appropriation in the amount of $400,000 to the General Fund Law Dept Travel and Training (Judgement and Damages) account for the settlement payment relating to Ahern v. Sig Sauer, Inc. and City of Cambridge (United States District Court District of Massachusetts, Docket No. 1:21-cv11007-DJC). [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler (explaining why he will vote against this appropriation, other anti-police sentiments, viewpoint that police officers should not have guns); comments by Azeem (expressing view that settlement would save money – disagreeing with JSW), Flaherty (on fiduciary responsibilities and fact that the firearm in question has been subject of many lawsuits across the country), Simmons (on wisdom of settlement), Nolan, Siddiqui (agrees with JSW); Order Adopted 6-2-1 (JSW,SS-No; AAZ-Absent)

Suffice to say that I do not agree with Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler on this, and it is noteworthy that Mayor Siddiqui is in the same camp as him. I am also quite certain that Councillor Al-Zubi would also have been in this camp had she been present and voting. – RW

Charter Right #1. Include discussion of other changes to the Cambridge Street zoning at the upcoming Ordinance Committee meeting about active ground floor use.   [Charter Right – Al-Zubi, Mar 2, 2026]
procedural comments by Siddiqui; comments by Simmons, Zusy (wants this discussed at Ordinance Committee, but will schedule a meeting of NLTP committee, proposes to withdraw this Order); McGovern (will not permit discussion of this at Ordinance Committee), Azeem; Order Withdrawn by Unanimous Consent 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

On The Table #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to raise the fee of the parking permit program for all residents to $75, consider how to include a self-identified check off option so as not to increase administrative costs for a subsidized fee of $25 for residents who live in affordable housing, are enrolled in a program such as SNAP or are low income, remove the senior exemption for the residential parking permit program and lower the number of cars that individual residents are allowed to get a residential parking permit for from four to two. [Charter Right – Simmons, Feb 9, 2026; Tabled Mar 2, 2026]
No Action Taken

There seemed to be some movement last week toward not eliminating the senior exemption – before Mayor Siddiqui intervened by tabling the matter so that any possible amendments could instead be discussed out of public view.

On The Table #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a plan to align all housing and homeless services and programs into a unified Housing Department. [Tabled Feb 9, 2026] [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent) as part of Public Hearing

6:30pm Public Hearing   The City Council will hold a public hearing pursuant to Article 5, Section 5-1 of the Charter of the City of Cambridge, to consider the recommendation of the City Manager Yi-An Huang, on the reorganization of the Housing Department to consolidate City housing and homeless service programs currently provided across three City departments into one City department.
comments by Siddiqui on Charter provisions; presentation by Yi-An Huang w/Chris Cotter, Maura Pensak, Maria Melo, Cassie Arnaud, Anna Dolmatch, Alexis Buckley; comments by Cotter, Pensak; comments by Nolan, McGovern, Zusy, Flaherty, Al-Zubi (esp. re: whether Housing should be under CDD or be independent of CDD), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui; Reorganization Approved 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent); Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Committee Report #2. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Jan 29, 2026 to discuss City Council Rules for the 2026-2027 term. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Resolution #3. Condolences to the family of Joseph Sater.   Councillor Simmons

Joseph and his entire family have been good friends to everyone associated with Central Square for many decades and I will miss him greatly. – RW

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