Lame Ducks and Marching Sheep – November 2, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting
Most eyes are likely fixated on the national election and whatever Presidential stunts and Congressional reactions that may follow. That said, the revolutionaries are still revolving here in the Peoples Republic of Cambridge where truth and fiction are frequently interchangeable. The barricades have been removed from City Hall after the political theater of the last couple of weeks, and one can only wonder what spectacle is coming next.
By the way, the quick summary of last week’s Special Meeting on Things Unrelated to Cambridge is this:
(1) The City Council requested that the Cambridge Retirement Board divest from certain listed investments, but the Retirement Board is under no obligation to do so. The Board represents retired and current Cambridge employees who either receive or will one day receive pensions, and the Board’s principal fiduciary duty is to those people. The Cambridge City Council has ZERO authority over the Retirement Board. The amended Order also requests the City Manager to develop, publish, and maintain its own Divestment List for purposes of the Order.
(2) The more significant matter was the call for the City Administration to boycott Israel-connected companies in its purchasing and contracts, and that policy order was defeated without the proposed ordinance being referred to the Ordinance Committee.
Here are the items on this week’s agenda that drew my attention:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-66 regarding discussions with MWRA about improvements to water quality and advancement of CSO infrastructure without taking of public parkland or prolonged disruption to Magazine Beach. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Jim Wilcox (DPW), McGovern, Nolan, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Flaherty, City Manager Yi-An Huang; Siddiqui; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)
It’s a rare moment when just about everyone in Cambridge can agree on something.
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff to consider an integrated development review process in which demolition and tree removal permits are reviewed with and issued concurrently with the building permits Issuing Demolition and Tree Removal Permits in Conjunction with Building Permits Approval. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui
Charter Right - Zusy
In a rational world you might believe that all of these things and more would be reviewed as soon as a development plan for a site is proposed. You may as well throw in the curb cut applications and how they plan to manage the rubbish and recycling as well.
Order #4. City Council support of the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) and urge the conference committee on the economic development bill to adopt the House’s local-option version. Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)
I am an example of a tenant who was given the opportunity to purchase my triple-decker by my then-landlord, so you won’t find me railing against the idea of existing tenants getting the opportunity to buy either the apartment in which they currently live or even the entire building. That said, I absolutely don’t agree that this is a right that should be enshrined into law. However, the reason I could never support this TOPA proposal is that it’s not really about tenants purchasing their apartments. That right would be transferable to any “qualified nonprofit housing organization”.
In other words, this legislation would provide a mechanism through which the City’s Affordable Housing Trust or other City-supported nonprofit housing organization would be able to snap up any residential property covered under this proposed law. While the “social housing” supporters may see this as ideal and would happily support dedicating an increasingly large fraction of the City’s Budget to purchase these buildings, the reality is that all such buildings would then have deed restrictions, and the amount of tax revenue they would pay would be de minimis – even though the residents of those buildings would continue to enjoy all City services. In other words, the owners of the remaining residential properties (and commercial properties) would have to pick up the tab in perpetuity.
If you are a socialist, you will likely fully support this legislation. I personally believe that privately-owned residential property is the ideal and that the alternative is ultimately unsustainable.
On The Table #1. That the City Manager is requested to review and reconsider the Harvard Square Kiosk Operating and Stewardship Model. [Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler (Oct 20, 2026); Tabled Oct 28, 2026]
comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Elliot Veloso (Law Dept.), Zusy, Nolan, Al-Zubi, Flaherty, Yi-An Huang, Siddiqui, Melissa Peters (CDD); Sobrinho-Wheeler amendments amended and adopted 6-2-1 (McGovern, Simmons - No; Azeem Absent); Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)
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.
Whatever is decided, I hope that the rules imposed on whatever entity manages the Kiosk (and the adjacent plaza) will allow for a far greater degree of energetic activity and spontaneity - devoid of political preachiness. It’s not a library and it shouldn’t feel like one. - RW
BDS Invades Cambridge – Special October 28, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting
The two City Council Orders that precipitated this Special Meeting are nothing more than the latest attempt by anti-Israel extremists to have the Cambridge City Council sign on to the BDS movement (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) that has been going on since 2005 - long before the Oct 7, 2023 invasion of Israel and the military response that followed against Hamas, Iran, and other Iranian proxies. Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) is a Palestinian-led global movement that advocates for economic, academic, and cultural boycotts against Israel.
An alternative version of PO26#195 that does not specifically name Israel was circulated at last week’s City Council meeting in an attempt to allow a couple of City Council swing votes to perhaps vote for something, but the better course of action is not to play to these extremists and to simply vote NO on both Orders. If you agree, you may want to sign this petition. - RW
CHARTER RIGHT
Order #7 (Oct 19). City Council Divestment from companies complicit in the Genocide, Apartheid, and Occupation of Palestinians. Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (PO26#195)
Substitute Order (Azeem) Passes 5-4 (AAZ,BA,MM,JSW,SS-Yes; TF,PN,DS,CZ-No)
Order #8 (Oct 19). 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 (PO26#196)
Order Fails 4-5 (AAZ,MM,JSW,SS-Yes; BA,TF,PN,DS,CZ-No); angry crowd erupts after vote.
Both of these orders are based on falsehoods fueled by social contagion. My hope is that most city councillors will vote No on both of these Orders – or perhaps Present if they must engage in “bothsidesism” in an attempt to keep the extremists at bay. My sense is that there are at most 3 sincere votes in support (Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler, and Siddiqui). Offering substitute versions is really just a way to “have it both ways” rather than to definitively call out an ill-conceived proposal.
Note 1: After the Charter Right was exercised on Order #7 and Order #8 on Tues, Oct 20, 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.”
Note 2: The last time proposals like this were paraded before the City Council was in May 2021 (May 17, 2021 and May 24-25, 2021 meetings) when the specific call for a boycott was directed at Hewlett-Packard. Leading the parade then were Councillors Zondervan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, and Carlone. A substitute Order introduced by Councillors Nolan, McGovern, and Simmons passed on a 5-2-0-2 vote with Councillors Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Simmons, and Toomey voting YES; Sobrinho-Wheeler and Zondervan voting NO; and Carlone and Siddiqui voting PRESENT.
Order #2 (Oct 19). 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 (PO26#189)
Tabled 9-0
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.
I have no idea how this Order made it to the agenda for this Special Meeting. The October 20 Order calling for the Special Meeting only referenced the two BDS-related orders. - RW
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.
Hexus Nexus – October 5, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting
I’ll definitely have more to say about this week’s agenda - especially about the arrival of the long-delayed Nexus Study on Inclusionary Zoning - but here are the main attractions for this week’s one ring circus:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Seth Minkoff to the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship (CIRC). [text of report]
Appointment Confirmed 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, conveying a response to AR26-32 regarding food vending in parks. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by JSW, Zusy, Siddiqui, Nolan; referred to Gov’t Operations 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an Inclusionary Zoning Report. [Manager’s Letter][CDD/Housing Recommendations][Nexus Report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi, McGovern, Azeem, Simmons, Nolan, Flaherty, Zusy, Siddiqui; Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0
Order #1. That the proposed language for “Tenant Notification of Property Sale” be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for hearing and report. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by JSW, McGovern, Nolan (add as sponsor), Flaherty, Siddiqui; Order Referred to Ordinance Committee as Amended 9-0
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City staff to advocate for a stronger level of CSO Control and virtual CSO elimination by 2050 in the CSO Control Plan and to advocate for broader funding across the state and entire MWRA region, and for additional federal funding. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Nolan, Al-Zubi (w/amendment), Zusy (references to Magazine Beach CSO project), Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Flaherty (cost concerns), McGovern, Siddiqui; Al-Zubi amendment Adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Charter Right #1. Postponing the roll out of the Outer Huron Bike Lanes from the Bicycle Safety Ordinance until we solve the parking problem. [Charter Right – Zusy, Sept 28, 2026]
comments by Zusy w/amendment (calling for one-year delay so that City can install Permit Parking only signs on one side of the street), McGovern (double talk), Simmons, Flaherty (emphasizing the myriad destinations in this area that need parking), Nolan (not supportive of original, OK w/McGovern/Siddiqui substitute), Siddiqui, Al-Zubi (quotes a study suggesting these spaces not filled), Brooke McKenna (occupancy of parking spaces varies by time of year, time of day; suggesting change in regulation of parking - unrestricted in day, resident-only overnight, only golfers in their lot w/placards, changes along Glacken Field - no success in locating any off-street parking), Zusy (on when changes in parking regulations could be implemented), Nolan, McGovern (suggests use of golf course lot for evening events at Russell Center/VFW), Simmons (asks if Parkside Place were agreeable to allowing use of their parking, would it be free? - No), Kathy Watkins (not optimistic about any alternate parking), Siddiqui (asserts that majority oppose any delay); Zusy amendment Fails 4-5 (BA,TF,DS,CZ-Yes; AAZ,MM,PN,JSW,SS-No); Zusy will not support McGovern/Siddiqui amendment because it doesn’t do anything and sends the wrong message; Flaherty agrees that the substitute is disingenuous and proposal unfairly impacts this neighborhood; McGovern/Siddiqui substitute Adopted 6-3 (AAZ,BA,MM,PN,JSW,SS-Yes; TF,DS,CZ-No)
Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant staff and departments to implement the recommendations following the May 2025 Human Services & Veterans Committee meeting, such as strengthening anti-poverty measures, establishing a dedicated CARE Team call and referral line, prioritizing commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking prevention efforts for LGBTQIA+ youth, and report back to the City Council on progress. [Charter Right – Nolan, Sept 28, 2026]
Nolan comments on protection of sex workers not arresting or prosecuting those who sell work (“this line of work”), supports full decriminalization of sex workers, but not for those who buy it, proposed amendments to the Order; Sobrinho-Wheeler (“whatever line of work you are in”, draws parallel with cannabis legalization); McGovern (“It’s the right thing to so, we have heard a lot from people in the industry.”), Zusy (has questions for police or other City staff - “Is Cambridge Police involved in enforcement against sex workers?”), Shameka Gregory (Executive Director, Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiative (DGBVPI)) responds - many opinions on this, but unanimous support for protections of sex workers, lack of trust in law enforcement; Simmons comments (noting that CPS does not prioritize arrest people for sex work); Azeem calls question (9-0); amendments Adopted 8-0-0-1 (Flaherty-Present); Al-Zubi added as sponsor w/comments; Siddiqui, Simmons comments; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-0-1 (Flaherty-Present)
192 Communications (including one supposedly from Art Vandelay - for those who get the joke)
Late Resolution #4. Resolution honoring Stephen Henry Kaiser, Ph.D. Councillor Zusy
Councillor Zusy notes that Steve is currently in Mt. Auburn Hospital with pneumonia.
The Taxman Cometh – September 28, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting
There’s a lotta money on the table this week – setting the rates for the Fall tax bills, and a scheduled rally by the Teachers Union (a.k.a. Cambridge Education Association) to substantially jack up the School Department budget. There’s also a common-sense proposal to delay or stop the removal of parking on the section of Huron Ave. west of the golf course that challenges the dogma of the Cambridge Bicycle Safety crowd. There are also a couple of City Board appointments, an announcement that my pal Jason Weeks will be moving on after many years at the Cambridge Arts Council, a proposal for some minor adjustments to the Multi-Family Housing Ordinance, and more!
Here are the items that drew my attention:
Tax Rate Hearing (6:30pm): A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the FY27 tax rate. [City Manager’s Letter][Tax Rate Orders]
comments by Nolan, Zusy, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Claire Spinner (Finance), Gayle Willett (Assessing), Flaherty, Yi-An Huang (low tax rates, high property values, highest budgets for broader and deeper services), Al-Zubi, Azeem, Nolan, Siddiqui; Order 1a Adopted 8-0-1 (DS-Absent); Nolan explains equity issues re: flat Residential Exemption; Order 1b Adopted 9-0; Placed on File 9-0; Reconsideration Fails 0-9
The bottom line is: The FY27 Adopted Operating Budget is $1.033 billion which is an increase of 4.1% (or $41 million) over the FY26 Adopted Budget. The actual FY27 tax levy required to support the FY27 Budget is $725,384,189 which is an increase of $46,531,718 or 6.85% from FY26, consistent with the estimate presented when the budget was adopted in June 2026.
The property tax levy increase of 6.85% is lower than the FY26 increase of 8.0%. The five-year (FY23-FY27) annual average increase is 7.96%, and the ten-year (FY18-FY27) annual average increase is 6.9%. The FY27 residential tax rate will be $6.95 per thousand dollars of value, subject to Department of Revenue approval. This is an increase of $0.28, or approximately 4% from FY26. The commercial tax rate will be $16.99, which is an increase of $2.92, or 21% from FY26 (which follows a 22% rate increase the previous year).
“A major concern going forward is that if residential values increase and commercial values continue to decrease, the City could hit the ceiling for the property tax classification shift. Once the classification ceiling is reached, the residential class will bear all tax levy increases while this condition continues.”
FY27 citywide assessed values reflect 2025 market activity. Total taxable property value is $70,359,954,087, a 3.8% decrease from the prior year. FY27 total residential property values increased by 2.3%. Most residential classes posted small gains. Single-, two-, and three-family values appreciated modestly; apartments were slightly up. Condominium values were flat and represent the largest share of residential tax bills. Total FY27 commercial property values decreased by 12.4%. These negative results reflect the continued softening of the office and lab markets.
By property class, an average a single-family home will see a 6.47% tax increase, a two-family will see a 8.24% increase, a three-family will see a 8.38% increase, and a condo will see a 0.71% decrease. Due to the flat residential exemption, condo owners will often see a decrease or only a very small increase in years when other property owners are hit with a significant increase. Here are the median figures including the CPA Surcharge:
FY2027 Taxes - including CPA Surcharge and Residential Exemption
| Residential Property Type |
FY24 Median Tax |
FY25 Median Tax |
FY26 Median Tax |
FY27 Median Tax |
Median $ increase |
% increase |
| Condominium | $1,555 | $1,734 | $1,964 | $1,950 | - $ 14 | -0.71% |
| Single-Family | $7,674 | $8,277 | $9,122 | $9,712 | $ 590 | 6.47% |
| Two-Family | $6,713 | $7,146 | $7,802 | $8,445 | $ 643 | 8.24% |
| Three-Family | $8,246 | $8,865 | $9,657 | $10,466 | $ 809 | 8.38% |
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 |
| FY2027 | $ 24 | $ 836 | $ 841 | $ 766 |
| 5 year average | $61.80 | $681.20 | $532.60 | $623.00 |
| 10 year average | $48.50 | $490.60 | $378.60 | $456.70 |
| 15 year average | $34.67 | $371.53 | $309.87 | $377.27 |
| 20 year average | $36.60 | $309.50 | $247.75 | $300.60 |
| number of properties | 15472 | 3925 | 2172 | 1138 |
Board Appointments:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments to the Climate Committee. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments to the LGBTQ+ Commission. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an Arts Council Leadership Announcement. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,250,000 from the Water Fund Balance to fund the purchase of supplemental drinking water from the MWRA. [text of report]
Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-26 regarding harmonization of institutional bus protocols. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Order #1. City Council opposition to H.R. 8870 and Increases in Federal Truck Size and Weight Limits. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Al-Zubi
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #4. That the City Council hold a Roundtable/Working Meeting on Mon, Nov 30, 2026, from 4:00-6:00pm, to discuss the future uses of City-owned properties. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council within thirty days on the status of the negotiations between the Cambridge School Committee and the Cambridge Education Association, in Executive Session if the Law Department advises that a report in open session would disclose collective bargaining strategy Support for Cambridge Public Schools paraprofessionals, substitutes, and clerks. Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Zusy; Siddiqui recuses herself; comments by Al-Zubi (wants to fund everything), Zusy (notes actual salary ranges, this is School Committee’s business and that proposals would add 18% to School Dept. budget, will vote No), Nolan (this is School Committee business and would step into middle of contract negotiations, district has proposed a 60% increase over 2 years of lowest paid paraprofessionals, wants School Committee to work within current budget, notes continuing mediocre MCAS results), Sobrinho-Wheeler (support any union no matter what), Flaherty (this is not just about supporting unions, but passing this would set a bad precedent), McGovern (calls this “a tough one”, but City Council has no line item authority with the School Department and its budget), Azeem (it would be fine if we spent extra, but this belongs with School Committee, Al-Zubi (claims there is no conflict of interest, wants confidential information on negotiations to be provided), Simmons (notes former School Committee members on Council and how the School Committee would resent City Council intervention in this matter - stay in our own lane), Zusy (clarifies pay ranges for paraprofessionals - average salary is more like $52,000, in line with neighboring communities); Motion Fails 2-4-1-2 (AAZ,JSW-Yes; BA,TF,PN,CZ-No; SS-Absent; MM,DS-Present)
Order #8. Postponing the roll out of the Outer Huron Bike Lanes from the Bicycle Safety Ordinance until we solve the parking problem. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Flaherty, Simmons, Nolan, Azeem, Kathy Watkins, Al-Zubi, McGovern (w/substitute Order with Siddiqui), Siddiqui; Charter Right - Zusy
Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Police Department and other relevant departments to develop a coordinated July 4th response plan for the Cherry Street, Harvard Street, and Fletcher Maynard Academy area to ensure that this spot not be utilized for the illegal use of fireworks. [Charter Right – Simmons, Sept 14, 2026]
comments by Simmons (opposes proposed amendments), Al-Zubi (withdraw previous amendment, introduce new amendment); previous amendment withdrawn 9-0; comments by Flaherty, Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern (fine w/original Order), Zusy (will vote for original Order, this is about enforcement and not social services), Siddiqui (would delete reference to Community Safety taking the lead), McGovern, Azeem; Amendment by Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler Fail 4-3-0-2 (AAZ,PN,JSW,SS-Yes; MM,DS,CZ-No; BA,TF-Present); Original Order Adopted 7-2 (AAZ,JSW-Present); Reconsideration Fails 0-9
Resolution #3. Happy 102nd Birthday to Marvin Gilmore. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Flaherty with story and to be added as sponsor; comments by Simmons
Committee Report #1. The Housing Committee and the Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee held a public hearing on June 25, 2026 to continue discussion of the 2025 Multifamily Zoning Amendments and consider potential modifications. The Committees also reviewed PO26#123, relative to proposed amendments to the Multifamily Zoning Ordinance. The June 25, 2026 Committee meeting recessed and reconvened on Sept 16, 2026. At the Sept 16, 2026 meeting both Committees voted favorably to recommend to the full City Council adoption of the proposed Policy Order, as amended, requesting that the City Manager work with CDD and relevant City Departments to prepare zoning language based on the recommendations discussed at the Sept 16, 2026 joint Committee hearing. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; comments on proposed Order by McGovern, Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Melissa Peters (CDD), Zusy, Azeem (notes that 20% Inclusionary and other zoning changes are not producing the housing that was projected, especially with high interest rates and tariffs - OK with proposed amendments but make other future changes), Flaherty (suggests having a sunset provision), McGovern, Melissa Peters (will respond within 6-8 weeks); Order Adopted 9-0
Order #11. (proposed in Comm. Report #1) That the City Manager is requested to work with CDD and relevant City departments to prepare zoning language based on the recommendations discussed in the Sept 16, 2026 Joint Housing and Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning Committees for consideration by the full City Council. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0 (see Committee Report #1)
The Return – September 14, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting
There are no Big Controversial Issues to pitch to a Resident Assembly this week, so I suppose The Nine will have to face the challenges of representation (or misrepresentation) on their own after their summer vacation. Here are a few items that piqued my interest:
To Drink the Impossible Drink
Reconsideration #1. Councillor Patricia Nolan has filed Reconsideration for PO26#140: “That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the City Solicitor and the License Commission to draft and submit a Home Rule Petition to authorize one additional Section 15 all-alcoholic beverages license not to be drunk on the premises.”
Reconsideration Fails 4-5 (AAZ,PN,CZ,SS-Yes; BA,TF,MM,DS,JSW-No)
Communications & Reports #4. A communication from Councillor Nolan Regarding Reconsideration of the Alcohol License Home Rule Policy Order. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0 (early w/Reconsideration #1)
Federal Policies Trickling Down
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. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an appropriation, in the amount of $500,000, from the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account, to support a citywide response to federal changes affecting SNAP and MassHealth benefits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3). [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi, Yi-An Huang, Siddiqui, Zusy, Flaherty, Simmons; Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #20. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, regarding Welcoming Community Ordinance Reporting from the Cambridge Police Department. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #21. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, conveying a response to AR26-15 regarding hiring of former Federal immigration enforcement agents by the Cambridge Police Department. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Order #10. City Council support of protecting and strengthening Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan to be added as sponsor; comments by Zusy, Nolan; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Order #12. That the City Council urge the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts General Court to prioritize the hiring of additional DTA case workers to ensure those eligible for SNAP are able to receive and maintain benefits and taking other steps needed to end the SNAP access crisis. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan to be added as sponsor, comments by Nolan, Siddiqui; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Hey Big Spender (with apologies to Peggy Lee)
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Community Preservation Act Appropriations. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, Taha Jennings (noting death of CPA Committee member Kevin Foster), Zusy, Kathy Watkins, Simmons, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler (who does not understand that when CPA was originally adopted it was with the understanding that it would be cost-neutral to taxpayers but would leverage state funds), Flaherty; All Orders Adopted 9-0
Committee Report #2. The Finance Committee and Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a joint public hearing on Apr 30, 2026 with Harvard University to discuss and receive and update on the Harvard University Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #5. A communication from Councillors Nolan and Al-Zubi Regarding a Proposed Schedule for Budget Related Finance Committee Hearings. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan for comments; Placed on File 9-0
Excuse me, but we have some Appointments to make
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments to the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of five members to the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship for terms of three years. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of David Canavan to the Police Review and Advisory Board for a term of five years. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments to the Fresh Pond Advisory Board. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #24. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, regarding the Cambridge Preschool Program and the establishment of a Task Force charged with identifying policy solutions to expand supports for families with young children. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, McGovern, Siddiqui, Yi-An Huang, Joseph Corazzini, Cheryl Ohlson; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #25. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments to the Joint Childcare Access Task Force. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0
We know where the bodies are buried
Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $250 in donations in support of the Old Burying Ground. [text of report]
Order Adopted 9-0
Buildings and Stuff
Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, requesting that the City Council amend the City of Cambridge’s Authorized Revolving Fund Ordinance to establish a new revolving fund for the Renewable Energy and Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) Reduction to serve the City’s municipal energy use. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Ellen Katz (DPW), Zusy; Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-27, requesting that the City Manager direct staff to examine whether the City can enact an ordinance requiring public buildings and places of public accommodation in Cambridge with one or more single-stall restrooms to have at least one single-stall restroom with gender-neutral signage. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern, Megan Bayer; Placed on File 9-0
Traffic & Transportation
Manager’s Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2025 Transportation Demand Management Program Report. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Ryan McKinnon, Zusy, Stephanie Groll, Flaherty; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-45, regarding a review of decline in traffic enforcement. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Brooke McKenna (automated traffic and parking enforcement, i.e. surveillance, is coming soon), Police Commissioner Pauline Wells, Azeem, Lt. Phil McDavitt, McGovern, Zusy, Flaherty, Yi-An Huang, Nolan; Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #1. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on Apr 28, 2026 to review and discuss the Residential Permit Parking Program, associated costs, and the relationship between the program, the services it provides, and the general use of the public ways in Cambridge. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #5. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on June 24, 2026 to discuss micromobility in Cambridge, including current safety trends, the recently filed State legislation “Ride Safe Act,” and next steps for education and enforcement considerations. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Charter Chatter and Appointment of the City Clerk
Manager’s Agenda #23. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-37, which requested that the City Manager work with the Mayor’s Office, Law Department, Election Commission, and other relevant City departments to engage the Collins Center in reviewing policy options for allowing Cambridge voters to directly elect the City’s Mayor. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Order #11. That the City Solicitor engage the services of a suitable law firm, in consultation with the City’s Chief People Officer and with approval of the City Solicitor, to negotiate an employment contract with Paula M. Crane on behalf of the City Council. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Al-Zubi, McGovern, Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Azeem; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
I emphatically support the move to elevate Acting City Clerk Paula Crane to City Clerk - joining a long line of wonderful people who have held that position going back to the establishment of Cambridge as a city in 1846 (and even earlier as a town).
As for the matter of direct election of the mayor, I think this is a very bad idea in a city with a city manager form of government. I will add that the current practice of having the City Council exclusively deciding all possible changes to the city’s Charter (subject only to a formal plebiscite) – where every iteration concentrates more power and privileges into the hands of city councillors – is a dreadful state of affairs.
Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Police Department and other relevant departments to develop a coordinated July 4th response plan for the Cherry Street, Harvard Street, and Fletcher Maynard Academy area to ensure that this spot not be utilized for the illegal use of fireworks. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Flaherty; proposed amendment by Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler to instead have Cambridge HEART and other City departments do the intervention rather than Cambridge Police; comments by Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy, McGovern, Siddiqui, Simmons, Nolan, Azeem; Charter Right - Simmons
Note: I personally hear these fireworks through the night every July 4 (on Broadway near Lee Street). It’s a REAL problem even at that distance. It must be an impossible situation near the source. The suggestion that “Cambridge HEART” should be doing the intervention is astonishingly naive.
Order #8. Recognize September 2026 as Meet Your Neighbor Month in the City of Cambridge, commending the Peace Commission for its leadership, and encouraging all Cambridge residents to take this opportunity to meet a neighbor, share stories, and build the connections that strengthen our community. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem
Order Adopted 9-0
Riding that Streamliner Train
Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to develop a coordinated initiative to improve and streamline the permitting and licensing process for small businesses. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Siddiqui along w/Communications & Reports #2; comments by Siddiqui, Nolan, Zusy; Order Adopted 9-0
Committee Report #3. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Tues, June 9, 2026 to convene a roundtable of representatives from the Cambridge and Greater Cambridge startup ecosystem to provide insight into current conditions, emerging needs, and specific ways the City can strengthen its support for startups and enhance the local innovation environment. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #2. A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding information from the City of Cambridge participation in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui along w/Order #9; Placed on File 9-0
Zoning Out
Unfinished Business #1. Cambridge Street Active Use Zoning petition. [Passed to 2nd Reading Aug 3, 2026; Eligible to be Ordained Aug 24, 2026]
pulled by McGovern; Ordained as Amended 9-0; Reconsideration Fails 0-9
Unfinished Business #2. Massachusetts Avenue Active Use Zoning petition. [Passed to 2nd Reading Aug 3, 2026; Eligible to be Ordained Aug 24, 2026]
pulled by McGovern; Ordained as Amended 9-0; Reconsideration Fails 0-9
Committee Report #4. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on June 22, 2026 to review and discuss the 5-year update to the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) including recommendations from the analysis and evaluation and feedback from community meetings. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #3. A communication from Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi and Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler transmitting a memorandum regarding information from the Social Housing Task Force. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Rules? We don’t have to follow no stinkin’ rules!
Updated Mar 8, 2026 - In the 2024-25 City Council Rules, there are two items that have been often ignored in recent City Council terms:
Rule 27. Every committee of the City Council to which any subject may be referred shall report on the subject within a reasonable time from the time of referral. Any committee report that has not been signed by the Chair of the committee within seven days after submission of the committee report by the City Clerk will be placed on the City Council agenda unsigned. In the case that the Chair of any committee shall fail for thirty (30) days from the time any subject has been referred to it to call a hearing of the committee, a quorum of the committee may call a hearing of said committee. Notice of all committee hearings must be given at least forty-eight (48) hours before the time of the hearing.
Rule 28. Minutes shall be kept of all committee proceedings. All minutes, reports, and papers shall be submitted to the City Council by the City Clerk or their designee. Recommendations of each committee shall be made to the City Council for consideration and adoption.
As if communication through the Tunnel of Zoom wasn’t bad enough, some committee Chairs apparently have not seen fit to keep either their colleagues or the public informed unless they were present at the meeting or chose to view a recording of the meeting. There are reasons why minutes of a meeting are taken. Not everyone wants to suffer through a recording of a long and possibly boring meeting, and a voluminous transcript is not a substitute for good (succinct) minutes.
Here is the current record of deliquency [Chair]:
Ordinance Committee (8 missing reports) Finance Committee (0 missing reports) Gov’t Operations, Rules & Claims (1 missing report) Health & Environment Committee (2 missing reports) Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, etc. (1 missing report) Public Safety (0 missing reports) |
Econ. Development & University Relations (4 missing reports) Human Services & Veterans (1 missing report) Housing Committee (0 missing reports) Transportation & Public Utilities (0 missing reports) Civic Unity (0 missing reports) Most Delinquent: Number of Missing Reports: |
City Council Committee Assignments: 2026-2027
Jan 8, 2025 – This is going to take some time to digest – especially the decision to appoint as Chair of the Public Safety Committee someone who has repeatedly called Cambridge Police murderers. Then again, this same Mayor Siddiqui appointed Mr. Zondervan to that position in both 2020 and 2022. - RW
| City Council subcommittees for 2026-2027 (McGovern and Simmons swapped Housing and Econ. Dev. Committees June 1, 2026) |
|
| Committee | Members |
| Ordinance | McGovern (Co-Chair), Sobrinho-Wheeler (Co-Chair), Al-Zubi, Azeem, Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy, Siddiqui (committee of the whole - mayor ex-officio) |
| Finance | Al-Zubi (Co-Chair), Nolan (Co-Chair), Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy, Siddiqui (committee of the whole - mayor ex-officio) |
| Government Operations, Rules, and Claims | Sobrinho-Wheeler (Chair), Azeem, Simmons, McGovern, Nolan |
| Housing | Azeem (Co-Chair), Sobrinho-Wheeler (Co-Chair), Al-Zubi, |
| Economic Development and University Relations | Flaherty (Co-Chair), Zusy (Co-Chair), Al-Zubi, |
| Human Services & Veterans | Al-Zubi (Co-Chair), McGovern (Co-Chair), Flaherty, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler |
| Health & Environment | Nolan (Chair), Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Zusy |
| Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Art, and Celebrations | Zusy (Chair), Al-Zubi, Azeem, Flaherty, Nolan |
| Transportation & Public Utilities | Azeem (Co-Chair), Flaherty (Co-Chair), Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy |
| Civic Unity | Simmons (Chair), Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Zusy |
| Public Safety | Al-Zubi (Chair), McGovern, Nolan, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler |
FYI - Current Rules and Goals: Cambridge City Council & Cambridge School CommitteeCity Council Rules 2026-2027 (provisionally adopted Jan 5, 2026; amended June 1, 2026) City Council Values Statement and Priority Areas (adopted Feb 9, 2026) City Council Committees (for the current term) Rules of the School Committee 2020-2021 - Adopted January 6, 2020 (document says 2019-2020) Rules of the School Committee 2018-2019 - Adopted January 1, 2018 School Committee Rules (adopted January 7, 2008) School Committee Goals (adopted October 7, 2008) |
Research Assistants? I don’t think so...
May 2, 2006 – The Cambridge City Council voted 8-1 on May 1 in favor of giving themselves personal “research assistants.” Only Councillor Craig Kelley had the fortitude to raise any questions about the proposal. So it appears the proposal will sail through the Budget Hearings with barely a raised eyebrow. While I have raised the issue of the genesis of this proposal, the question of its merits and its implementation have not been addressed here. So, here are some observations, questions, and suggestions for our elected officials, City administration, and residents to consider:
1. There was a time when our elected officials enlisted citizens to assist them in research matters relating to public policy. Cambridge is perhaps the best city in the United States in which to find experts in almost any matter that the City Council (or School Committee) may need to better understand. There is a wealth of evidence over the last 65 years showing how citizens have worked with elected officials in the development of public policy. If the City Council feels burdened by the research needs of its committees, there is an enormous pool of talent available at no cost. Currently, the City Council makes very little use of this very available resource.
2. There was a time when councillors collaborated much more than they currently do in committee work and in the development of policies. A well-functioning City Council committee should delegate responsibilities so that each member masters certain facets of the tasks at hand and shares this knowledge with the rest of the committee. In effect, councillors serve as staff to each other. I would argue that it is better that elected officials educate themselves.
3. Are these jobs going to be publicly posted with a job description? Who will be doing the actual hiring? If Councillor Smith wants to hire Mr. Jones as personal staff, will the mayor have veto power over the hire? Does the Personnel Department have a role to play here or are these to be political hires? None of these details have been discussed publicly and they are important.
4. If these “research assistants” are to be hired, there should be policies and safeguards to ensure that they are not working on behalf of any councillor’s political campaign. Otherwise, this proposal will have the effect of using taxpayer dollars to support the political campaigns of incumbent councillors. In fact, maybe it’s time to consider a similar disqualification for staff in the Mayor’s Office. A founding principle of Plan E government is the elimination of political patronage in favor of responsible, professional government. Some of us still believe in this ideal. At the very least, strong guidelines should be established for what is and is not permissible.
5. The existence of this proposal within the budget of the Mayor’s Office is very strange indeed since it involves personnel for councillors, not the mayor. Should we not infer from this that the consensus of the councillors is that the City Council staff is not up to the task? If the job of councillor has changed so much, should there not be some discussion of revamping the Office of the City Council to better match the needs of the councillors? Why are these tasks being outsourced?
6. Some councillors have recently stated that the filing of City Council orders requesting information through the City Manager is not enough and that councillors would be better served by having their own staff to get this information. This strikes me as contrary to the intent of the Plan E Charter which dictates that all matters involving City personnel be directed through the Manager. One can easily imagine a scenario where each councillor has his or her personal staff contact City department heads for information rather than filing an Order as a body to get a common response. If the consensus is that the City Manager is being obstructive or extraordinarily slow in responding, shouldn’t the City Council take more forceful action in holding the Manager accountable?
7. If the term “research assistant” is meant to be factual, then perhaps these RAs should be topic-specific so that we can have people who have some background or aptitude for the tasks at hand. If, for example, research in energy-related matters is what is needed, then someone with that knowledge would be ideal. Is any such protocol being discussed to ensure that the councillors and the taxpayers will get the best quality research for their tax dollars? I would hope that matters like scheduling and event planning will be handled by the City Council Office rather than by “research assistants.”
8. Several councillors have complained that e-mail has had a dramatic effect on the responsibilities of a city councillor due to the time consumption associated with responding to these messages. I don’t doubt this. However, there are efficiencies that can make such tasks much easier. For example, if each councillor receives 100 e-mail messages on a particular topic, then rather than making 100 shallow replies, I would advise responding to ALL of the issues of substance raised by residents in a single, comprehensive message sent (using blind-carbon-copy) to all of the people who sent messages. Those of us in academics have been doing this for years. It’s much more effective to craft comprehensive messages sent to the whole class rather than many nearly identical messages sent to individual students. There are MANY ways to be more effective in e-mail communication. Then again, if individual responses are seen as more valuable in securing potential votes in the next election, that’s a choice each councillor must make on his or her own - independent of taxpayer-supported staff.
In summary, I am not questioning whether or not some changes in staffing are warranted. I am, however, asking that any such changes be done in the best interest of taxpayers and that City funds are never used to either directly or indirectly support the reelection efforts of elected officials. - RW, May 3, 2006
Punching Out Your Cake and Having it Too – a chronology of the proposal for personal Council staff
(posted April 28, 2006)
Jan 1998 - The vote for who was to be mayor went on for several weeks as Ken Reeves held out until there were 4 other votes for Katherine Triantafillou, an outcome sincerely supported by at most two councillors (Reeves and Triantafillou). The would-be mayor rounded up her supporters for the coronation. A congratulatory cake was ordered. As the vote occurred and there were momentarily 5 votes on the table for Triantafillou (Born, Davis, Duehay, Reeves, Triantafillou), Councillors Galluccio and Russell changed their votes to Duehay. Councillors Born, Davis, and Duehay then changed their votes to Duehay and Mayor Duehay was elected. Councillor Galluccio was then elected vice-mayor. Meanwhile, in the room next to the Council chamber, Alice Wolf aide and Triantafillou supporter Marjorie Decker exploded in anger and punched out the cake, police were called, and a grudge began that remains to this day.
Feb 1998 - Mayor Duehay made good on the deal by hiring Galluccio campaign worker Terry Smith to work in the Mayor’s Office “to assist the mayor and vice mayor”. This marked the first time (to my knowledge) that any councillor other than the mayor received personal staff (except for a brief experiment with interns some years earlier). Resentment grew among other councillors about the special treatment one councillor received in exchange for delivering the mayor’s job.
1999 - Frank Duehay and Sheila Russell announced they would not seek reelection. Jim Braude, David Maher, and Marjorie Decker were subsequently elected to the City Council as incumbent Katherine Triantafillou was defeated, principally as a result of Marjorie Decker winning her seat.
2000 - After 1½ months without electing a mayor, Anthony Galluccio was able to secure 6 votes to become mayor (Braude, Davis, Galluccio, Maher, Sullivan, Toomey). David Maher was elected vice-mayor. Terry Smith became chief of staff of the Mayor’s Office. David Maher did not request any personal staff. Kathy Born suggested during the Budget hearings that the idea of personal staff for councillors be referred to the Government Operations Committee. Ken Reeves said at this time, “I don’t believe the vice-mayor needs the extra staffing and not us.” Note that this was a reference to the previous administration (Duehay-Galluccio).
Around this time, the Government Operations Committee met to discuss the proposal for personal staff. The estimates given for City Council staff were: (1) $390,250 for a low-level, bare bones proposal; (2) $157,450 for 8 part-time staff with no benefits; (3) $72,300 for one legislative research assistant. Deputy City Manager Rich Rossi said personal staff was tried briefly about 10 years earlier with interns. Michael Sullivan voiced concern about keeping in touch personally with his constituents and wondered how he would find enough things for this person to do. Most of the councillors spoke in support of giving themselves personal staff. Kathy Born said that if she found her job to be too much, she could hire her own staff person, only she would have to pay for it out of after-tax money, unlike an employee of a business. She suggested higher Council pay with the option of paying for a staff person out of this additional pay. The option would remain for a councillor to act as a “full-time councillor” without staff. Jim Braude said that a councillor could lend his or her campaign the money for the staff person.
One week later, the City Manager proposed a 23% pay raise for city councillors and a change in the ordinance to allow for automatic increases so that they would never again have to vote to raise their own pay. The pay raise was approved and the question of personal staff disappeared for the rest of the Council term.
2001 - Kathy Born and Jim Braude chose not to seek reelection. Brian Murphy and Denise Simmons were elected to the City Council.
2002 - Michael Sullivan was elected mayor on Inauguration Day. Henrietta Davis was elected vice-mayor. Unlike the previous term, Henrietta Davis did request and receive personal staff as vice-mayor when Garrett Simonsen, Davis’ election campaign manager, was hired to the Mayor’s Office staff as her assistant. Indications are that he served more than just the vice-mayor.
2004 - Michael Sullivan was again elected mayor, only this time Marjorie Decker was elected vice-mayor. Garrett Simonsen became chief of staff of the Mayor’s Office. Sullivan hired Kristin Franks (who had been Decker’s campaign manager) as “assistant to the mayor and vice-mayor” but the indications were that she was working almost exclusively for Decker. By summer, Franks was gone and Nicole Bukowski, another Decker campaign worker, was hired as exclusive staff to Decker. For the remainder of the Council term, Bukowski waited hand and foot on Decker - and resentment among other councillors grew for the remainder of the Council term.
Late 2005 - Craig Kelley was elected to the City Council and incumbent David Maher was defeated. Speculation immediately began about who would be the next mayor. Some councillors reported that a plan was being discussed to give certain councillors personal staff as part of the vote-trading for electing the mayor.
Early 2006 - Ken Reeves was elected mayor and Tim Toomey vice-mayor. In a surprising turn of events, Bukowski continued to serve out of the Mayor’s Office as personal staff to Councillor Decker - clearly a part of the deal to make Reeves mayor. Rumors circulated that there was a plan to assign some councillors additional committee chairs as justification for getting personal staff. When the committee chairs were announced, Councillor Decker (who, along with Councillor Galluccio, has maintained the worst record of committee attendance during her time on the Council) was surprisingly given four committees to chair. In contrast, Henrietta Davis (who has always been at or near the top in committee attendance) was given only one. This was seen by some as a way to justify Decker keeping her personal aide in exchange for her vote for mayor.
April 2006 - Ken Reeves submitted a budget for the Mayor’s Office that is 54.3% higher than the previous year. The cause for the increase is a proposal for personal staff for all the remaining councillors at a recurring annual cost of about a quarter-million dollars. There was no public indication of any kind that such an extravagant plan was in the works. An order is on the May 1 City Council agenda (after the budget was already submitted on April 24 including the increase) formally calling for the major staff increase. The order is co-sponsored by Reeves, Toomey, Decker, Galluccio, Sullivan, and Davis. It is expected that, like every person hired to date as staff for the vice-mayor (and most of those on the mayor’s staff), all of the new “research assistants” will be affiliated with the election campaigns of the officials they will serve. Curiously, these patronage hires will be occurring at a time when there are fewer major issues before the Council and when an unprecedented number of councillors are either serving in other elected positions or seeking election to other positions now or in the near future. - RW, April 28, 2006
Ref: April 27, 2006 Cambridge Chronicle story on the Council staff proposal
April 27, 2006 Cambridge Chronicle story on the submitted FY07 Budget
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Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky, One Ring to rule them all, |
The nine Nazgûl arose as Sauron’s most powerful servants in the Second Age of Middle-earth. It is said that three of the Nine were originally “Great Lords” of Númenor. They were all powerful mortal Men to whom Sauron each gave nine Rings of Power. These proved to be their undoing: “Those who used the Nine Rings became mighty in their day, kings, sorcerers, and warriors of old. They obtained glory and great wealth, yet it turned to their undoing. They had, as it seemed, unending life, yet life became unendurable to them. They could walk, if they would, unseen by all eyes in this world beneath the sun, and they could see things in worlds invisible to mortal men; but too often they beheld only the phantoms and delusions of Sauron. And one by one, sooner or later, according to their native strength and to the good or evil of their wills in the beginning, they fell under the thralldom of the ring that they bore and of the domination of the One which was Sauron’s. And they became forever invisible save to him that wore the Ruling Ring, and they entered into the realm of shadows. The Nazgûl were they, the Ringwraiths, the Enemy’s most terrible servants; darkness went with them, and they cried with the voices of death” (The Silmarillion: “Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age”, 289). |
The corrupting effect of the rings caused their bodily forms to fade over time until they had become wraiths entirely. Given visible form only through their attire, their original form was completely invisible to mortal eyes. The red reflection in their eyes could be plainly distinguished even in daylight, and in a rage they appeared in a hellish fire. They had many weapons, which included long swords of steel and flame, daggers with magical venomous properties and black maces of great strength. |
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