Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

International Night Out – October 19-20, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

There are a number of interesting and relevant items on this week’s agenda, but that’s not what will be bring out the radical fringe. For that we have two fallacy-filled Orders from the DSA councillors (Al-Zubi and Sobrinho-Wheeler) relating to Israel and Palestine. It will be interesting to see if any other councillors join the party.

Note: The Oct 19, 2026 meeting of the City Council was recessed at 11:45pm after over 6 hours of Public Comment – almost all by people taking either side of the BDS proposals (Orders #7 and #8). There was no action on any agenda items. The meeting resumed Oct 20 at 9:00am.

Here are the items that drew my attention:

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]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a recommendation that in accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), the Cambridge City Council amend and clarify the FY27 Public Investment Bond Authorization of $12,795,000 and the FY26 Public Investment Bond Authorization of $19,986,000 for building repairs across Cambridge Public Schools. [text of report]
Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a response to AR26-14 regarding a comprehensive review of existing safety and security measures at Cambridge City Hall. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO26#81 and AR26-55 (PO26#148) regarding Multifamily Housing communications. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by McGovern, Yi-An Huang, Nolan, Zusy, Jennifer Caira (Deputy Chief of Planning, CDD); Placed on File 8-0-1 (Flaherty Absent)

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to review and reconsider the Harvard Square Kiosk Operating and Stewardship Model.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern, Simmons, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler; Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler

Back when suggestions were being solicited for the Kiosk, I made the suggestion that the Kiosk should operate as an affordable hot dog stand (not just hot dogs, of course, but like Sullivan’s at Castle Island) with a projection screen at one end where people could watch things like Red Sox games – like we used to do through the window at Cardullo’s. Some City staff really liked the idea (albeit privately – because, you know, Cambridge), so the idea went absolutely nowhere. The current operation coordinated by CultureHouse, though perhaps well-intentioned, is thoroughly sterile. Perhaps that might improve when the whole plaza is reopened (hopefully before hell freezes over), but I agree with the intent of the City Council order that the whole operation needs to be reevaluated.

Order #3. That the City Council go on record opposing Massachusetts’ 2026 ballot question 5 on limiting state revenue due to the consequences this would have for the City of Cambridge and other municipalities across the Commonwealth.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Al-Zubi, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Election Commission, Communications staff, and other relevant departments to encourage residents to utilize the early voting sites or vote by mail and to prioritize communication of the need for voters to plan for enough time to vote, given the complexity of the ballots.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Zusy; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #6. Fare-free MBTA Route 1, developed jointly with the City of Boston.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan; comments by Al-Zubi, Nolan, McGovern, Zusy, Siddiqui; Nolan added as sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

While there is merit in this suggestion, I continue to wonder how the cost of free transit and so many other “here’s some free stuff” initiatives will be funded – especially during times of limited revenue. Politicians often score points by giving away goodies without considering how to fund all the free stuff.

Order #7. City Council Divestment from companies complicit in the Genocide, Apartheid, and Occupation of Palestinians.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi, Azeem; Charter Right – Azeem (prior to introduction of Substitute Order from Simmons, Nolan, Flaherty)

Order #8. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to provide the Ordinance Committee, before its hearing, with an opinion on the proposed ordinance under M.G.L. c. 30B and applicable federal law to boycott companies complicit in Israel’s Apartheid, Genocide, and Illegal Occupation of Palestine.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan; Charter Right – Nolan

There were 875 Communications – Placed on File 9-0

Late Order #13. That the Mayor work with the City Council Office, the City Clerk’s Office, and other City staff to call and notice a special meeting to take place the week of October 26, 2026, to continue discussion on PO26#195 (Order #7) and PO26#196 (Order #8).   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0

Let’s not beat around the bush here. Both of these orders are based on falsehoods fueled by social contagion. My guess (or perhaps my hope) is that most city councillors will vote Present on both of these Orders and that there will be at most 3 sincere votes in support (you can likely throw in Siddiqui in addition to the sponsors of the Order). Then again, any councillors who still dream of “moving up” may fear the wrath of the DSA if they don’t at least go along with some less inflammatory substitute. It should be noted, of course, that offering substitute versions is really just a way to “have it both ways” rather than to definitively call out an ill-conceived proposal.

I see that a “Continuation of the City Council meeting (if necessary)” has already been scheduled for the following morning at 9:00am, so I guess we can expect to be treated to many hours of Public Comment on Monday night. I was able to witness a preview on Sept 29 in front of City Hall where protesters staged a “die in” after the usual chants and speeches and waving of Palestinian flags. Political players included Councillors Al-Zubi and Sobrinho-Wheeler (no others), soon-to-be State Senator Erika Uyterhoeven (DSA), and the perpetually ineffective State Rep. Mike Connolly – all of whom chanted along with the accusations of genocide and the now time-worn calls of the BDS movement (Boycott, Divest, Sanction).

I really hope there will be some public comment opposing these Orders, but the intimidation of those who disagree is very real.

Note: After the Charter Right was exercised on Order #7 and Order #8, the proponents of those two Orders, mainly wrapped in their keffiyehs and many wearing face masks, exited loudly with the stamping of feet and chanting “Free, Free Palestine!” At the end of the meeting, Councillor Al-Zubi exited the Sullivan Chamber saying to those still assembled in the gallery (many of whom were Jewish): “I guess you people are pro-genocide.”

Order #9. City Council support of the Artificial Intelligence Civil Rights Act of 2025 (S.3308 / H.R.6356) and urge Congress to enact strong, enforceable civil rights protections for automated systems used in consequential decisions.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #11. That the MWRA reconsider plans to construct a 10-million-gallon CSO storage tank beneath Magazine Beach.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, McGovern, Simmons, Flaherty, Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Kathy Watkins; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

The proposal recently presented by the MWRA for their CSO storage tank that would require permanently fencing off 2.3 acres of newly restored green space at Magazine Beach is a non-starter that should be unanimously opposed.

Order #12. Reaffirming the City Council’s commitment to high-quality health care for all residents and its strong support of H.1405/S.860, An Act establishing Medicare for All in Massachusetts.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Zusy; comments by Al-Zubi, Zusy; Order Adopted 9-0

Committee Reports #1. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on Oct 1, 2026 to have a roundtable discussion with several arts and cultural institutions in Central Square on planning and cultural preservation in Central Square. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

I am still perplexed about this topic being addressed by the City Council’s Housing Committee when it so obviously should have been before the Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Art, and Celebrations (NLTP) Committee.