Bluesky, Nothin’ but Bluesky from now on – March 2, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting
With apologies to Irving Berlin and Al Jolson. This week has some choice agenda items, but I’m especially amused by the Order calling for the City of Cambridge to never again post anything on X, a.k.a. Twitter. News silos smiling at me, nothing but news silos do I see.
Anyway, here’s my first pass at the interesting stuff:
Manager’s Agenda #1. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Azeem, Deputy City Solicitor Elliott Veloso; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, regarding appropriation of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Recycling Dividends Program (RDP) grant, in the amount of $84,500, to the Grant Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance Account. [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (McGovern Absent)
My interest in this item is primarily based on this: “Funds will help pay for supplies for the new location of the Recycle Center…” Do tell! This is the first I’m hearing about a possible relocation of the Recycle Center (now in the DPW Yard).
Manager’s Agenda #8. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, relative to AR26#13, regarding an update on the establishment of a municipal supportive housing voucher program. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Al-Zubi, Housing Liaison Maura Pensak (+1), Flaherty; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #9. Transmitting a communication from City Solicitor Megan Bayer regarding amendments to the transfer fee home rule petition. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; taken up with On The Table #3; comments by Zusy, Flaherty, Elliot Veloso, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Al-Zubi, Nolan, Chris Cotter, Siddiqui; Amended 8-0-0-1 (Al-Zubi Present); Home Rule Petition Adopted as Amended 9-0
On The Table #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR25-69, regarding a review of the previous home rule petition and prepare a new petition that would allow Cambridge to enact a Real Estate Transfer Fee to be sent to the state legislature. [Charter Right – Nolan, Jan 26, 2026; Tabled as Amended Feb 9, 2026]
taken up with Mgr #9; Amended 8-0-0-1 (Al-Zubi Present); Home Rule Petition Adopted as Amended 9-0
I’ll repeat my comments from January 26: It is worth noting that there already are taxes on the sale of real estate in Massachusetts. The Mass. real estate transfer tax (also known as stamp tax) is $4.56 per $1,000 of the property’s value, plus the newer “millionaire’s tax” on sales over $1 million - due at closing to the Registry of Deeds. The Affordable Care Act also has its 3.8% “Net Investment Income Tax” that applies to individuals, estates and trusts that have certain investment income above certain threshold amounts. A local Real Estate Transfer Fee would be on top of those other taxes.
This proposed additional transfer tax would be 2% of the portion of the purchase price exceeding $1,000,000. This was before the City Council on Feb 26, 2024, and the Council at that time adopted the Order on a 6-2-1 vote with Joan Pickett and Paul Toner voting No, and Burhan Azeem Absent. The most recent call to re-file the home rule petition was on Dec 8, 2025, and it passed 8-1 with Paul Toner voting No. I would be inclined to vote against this – or at least demand a full accounting of the total fees and taxes associated with a real estate sale. There is also the larger question that should be asked about what fraction of a city’s housing stock should be taken out of private ownership and moved into government or government-related ownership. The socialists certainly have made their preferences clear.
Order #1. Order in support of transparency and consistent publication of meeting agendas and materials. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Simmons for comments; Order Adopted 9-0
Order #2. Order re: capital budget lifecycle reconciliation prior to FY27 approval. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Zusy, Nolan, Siddiqui; Nolan amendments Adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct all City departments, boards, commissions, and offices to discontinue all official posting and engagement on X within 60 days; and to include an explanation of why the City will no longer use X. Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan; comments by Al-Zubi, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler (noting oligarchs, billionaires a la Sanders - also would prefer to discontinue use of Facebook in favor of Bluesky, Mastodon, Reddit), Zusy, Flaherty, Azeem, Siddiqui; Sobrinho-Wheeler amendments adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
[Note - The City of Cambridge currently has approximately 21,200 followers on Twitter/X and 20,000 on Facebook. In comparison, they have only 985 on Bluesky. The Cambridge Police Department currently has approximately 35,900 followers on Twitter/X and 20,000 on Facebook. The Cambridge Fire Department currently has approximately 17,600 followers on Twitter/X and 19,000 on Facebook. The Cambridge Office of Tourism currently has approximately 10,500 followers on Twitter/X and 16,000 on Facebook.]
The Cambridge City Council can be endlessly amusing when it’s not being aggravating. This Order is in the “amusement” category.
Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back with information as the first step in the exploration of a potential Cambridge Snow Corps Program. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan, McGovern, Azeem, Flaherty, Simmons, Siddiqui; Order Adopted 9-0
Order #5. That the Cambridge City Council supports House Bill H.3754, and Senate Bill S.2344, “An Act Relative To Traffic Regulation Using Road Safety Cameras”; and that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments to review the state bills referenced as well as the previously filed home rule petition and prepare a new home rule petition that would allow Cambridge to install and operate cameras to enforce red light, speeding, or other moving violations as outlined in H.3754 and S.2344 and the prior home rule. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Nolan, (who objects to police making traffic stops), Al-Zubi (who wants the Transportation Department to be the enforcing agency rather than the Police Department), Zusy (concerns about surveillance); Order Adopted 8-0-0-1 (Zusy - Present)
Perhaps one day the Cambridge City Council will see fit to have a consistent viewpoint on cameras and surveillance.
Order #7. That the Regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, Apr 6, 2026 be a roundtable/working meeting to discuss the best future uses of City-owned properties and associated redevelopment processes, as requested in PO26#5. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #10. City Council support of S.2726/H.3594: “An Act Regarding Free Expression”. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #12. City Council support of S.428/H.4207: “An Act Relative to School Libraries”. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi
pulled by Flaherty; comments by McGovern, Flaherty; add Flaherty as sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Does this include a prohibition on banning any particular books by Dr. Seuss or Mark Twain?
Order #13. Include discussion of other changes to the Cambridge Street zoning at the upcoming Ordinance Committee meeting about active ground floor use. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan; comments by Zusy, Nolan, McGovern, Melissa Peters (CDD), Al-Zubi; Charter Right - Al-Zubi
Charter Right #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]
comments by Nolan (wants everyone to pay $75, no exceptions), Simmons (w/amendments to exempt seniors), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Flaherty (proposes that this be sent to Transportation Committee for further discussion), McGovern, Siddiqui (improperly and arrogantly overrides debate w/motion to Table so that she can personally broker any modifications to the Order rather than refer to committee - Simmons objects to the ruling of the Chair); Tabled 8-0-0-1 (Al-Zubi - Present); A further proposed amendment by Al-Zubi was not introduced prior to tabling
I would love to see an honest audit of the actual costs of the Resident Permit Parking program - and not just a made-to-order job from the Department of Congestion, Obstruction, and Aggravation. It’s also worth noting that many of the public communications submitted this week came from known members of the anti-car, bike-only brigade. Is this really about revenue or is this more about politics? Methinks it’s the latter and not the former. A $75 junk fee won’t break me, but I wish they would restrict their changes to simply limiting the number of permits per household.
Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the City Council and relevant City departments on the process by which Cambridge can expand free early child care offerings, including models for means-tested programming, and exploration of non-City funding sources, from the state or foundations. [Charter Right – Simmons, Feb 9, 2026]
comments by Nolan, Simmons w/amendments), McGovern, Zusy, Siddiqui, Azeem; Simmons amendments Adopted 8-1 (Zusy - No); Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-0-1 (Zusy - Present)
On The Table #4. 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]
A Public Hearing on this is now scheduled as part of the March 9 City Council meeting.
Committee Report #1-#4. Special Meetings of the Cambridge City Council’s City Clerk Preliminary Screening Committee were held on Sept 9, Sept 19, Sept 24, and Oct 10, 2025. The committee moved to executive session to consider applicants for the position of City Clerk, because doing so in open session would have detrimental effect in obtaining qualified applicants. [Sept 9 report][Sept 19 report][Sept 24 report][Oct 10 report]
Reports Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
These reports are from last year’s process that did not yield a result. Announcement of the new committee appointments was on the Feb 9 meeting agenda.
Committee Report #5. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Dec 16, 2025 with the Office of Tourism to provide an update on the Tourism Office’s efforts as it relates to destination marketing, visitor services, as well as an update on the tourism destination marketing district program. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #6. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Feb 10, 2026 on a zoning petition by the Cambridge City Council. The petition proposes changes to section 4.50 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to allow as of right in all zoning districts, religious and educational uses, and childcare uses (CM25#288). The committee voted favorably to forward the petition to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation to pass to a Second Reading. [text of report]
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #2. Communicating information from the School Committee. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Notable in this report is this: Educator & Stakeholder Engagement (Motion #26-017): This motion recognizes that educators and key stakeholders need more structured opportunities to engage beyond standard public comment. It directs the Governance Subcommittee to research options such as designated educator presentations, non-voting membership, or other mechanisms, and to consider structured parent and caregiver input.
Several new members of the School Committee flew into their seats on the wings of endorsements by the Cambridge Education Association (formerly the Cambridge Teachers Union) and a well-funded campaign by the Massachusetts Teachers Association with several conditions associated with the endorsement. Prominent among these was that, if elected, their endorsed candidates would move to give the Teachers Union a non-voting seat on the School Committee with the right to engage in all of their deliberations. Personally, I think this a dreadful idea. The School Committee represents the voters and the parents of children in the Cambridge Public Schools - and not the union leadership.
Cold Comfort – February 9, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting
It didn’t take long for things to get weird. Featured this week are: (a) a proposal to practice job discrimination against anyone who chose to work for ICE or a similar federal agency; (b) a proposal to more than double the Resident Permit Parking fee and to eliminate the senior exemption; and (c) in spite of last week’s Finance Committee hearing detailing the need to curtail spending, fresh new proposals to expand the costly pre-K program and other child care programs. There’s also a pseudo-scholarly report on the erstwhile Rise Up Cambridge initiative that comes to the shocking conclusion that getting free money enables people to buy more stuff.
Here are a few notables on this week’s agenda:
Fighting the Feds
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Yi-An Huang, Nolan, Megan Bayer, Flaherty; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting communication from Police Commissioner, Christine Elow, regarding a Federal immigration enforcement tracker. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Nolan, Christine Elow; Referred to Public Safety 9-0
Order #1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the relevant City staff and departments to examine if and how the City may prevent the hiring by the Cambridge Police Department of any sworn officer who was hired on or after January 20, 2025 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, or Customs and Border Patrol, and report back to the City Council in a timely manner. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Al-Zubi
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; speech by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by McGovern, Al-Zubi (w/amendment), Flaherty, Nolan (who thinks that if you’re trained in one way, that cannot be changed), Azeem, Zusy; explanations by City Solicitor Megan Bayer and Asst. City Solicitor Kate Kleimola re: conflict w/state law and civil service system; Amended 9-0 to delete date of hire, add Al-Zubi as sponsor; Adopted 9-0 as Amended
Any other brilliant ideas of jobs, hobbies, beliefs, or other activities that should permanently disqualify people from employment opportunities? Have these councillors considered the possibility that someone just needed a job and this was an available opportunity?
Order #2. Protecting Academic Freedom and Condemning Attacks on Higher Education. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan; speech by Al-Zubi; Order Adopted 9-0
Order #4. That the City Manager is hereby requested to direct the Law Department to draft ordinance language restricting the use of City-owned or City-controlled property, facilities, resources, and personnel for the purposes of federal civil immigration enforcement, and that the Law Department evaluate whether these protections should be adopted as an amendment to the Welcoming Community Ordinance. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Siddiqui, McGovern, Nolan, Al-Zubi (w/amendments), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Megan Bayer, Azeem, Zusy; Al-Zubi amendments Adopted 9-0; add Al-Zubi, Azeem, Zusy as sponsors 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #5. Transmitting a Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to proposed changes to Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 8.28, Regulation on Youth Access and Sale of Tobacco Products and on Smoking (“Chapter 8.28”). [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan; Referred to Health & Environment 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Violence Prevention Recommendations Report from the Community Safety Department. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi, Marie Mathieu, Zusy, Siddiqui, Nico Emack, Flaherty, Yi-An Huang, McGovern, Nolan; Referred to Public Safety 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #7. 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. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, Simmons; Tabled 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication was received from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, transmitting Planning Board recommendations on the Institutional Use Zoning Petition. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Nolan, McGovern; Referred to Petition 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the final research report on Rise Up Cambridge, the City’s citywide cash assistance program. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern, Siddiqui; Referred to Human Services & Veterans 9-0
Free money enables people to buy more stuff. Some of us already knew that.
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department (CDD) to examine the feasibility, legal considerations, and administrative requirements of permitting qualified third-party guarantors or co-signers for applicants to Inclusionary Housing units and provide recommendations as to whether such a policy could responsibly expand access to these units. Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Simmons
pulled by Zusy; comments by Azeem, Zusy; Order Adopted 8-0-0-1 (Zusy - Present)
They really do hate car owners - no matter what their age
Order #5. 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. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Nolan (who wants the fee to be even higher), McGovern, Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Al-Zubi (who wants the fee to be $0 for low-income), Simmons; Charter Right - Simmons
Responding to decreased revenue by proposing expanded programs and more spending
Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to work with the City Council and relevant City departments on the process by which Cambridge can expand free early child care offerings, including models for means-tested programming, and exploration of non-City funding sources, from the state or foundations. Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Zusy; comments by Nolan, McGovern, Zusy, Al-Zubi, Azeem; Charter Right - Simmons
Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to begin discussions with MIT, CASPAR, the co-chairs of the Human Services and Veterans Committee, all relevant city departments and the shelter residents to develop a plan to renovate and expand 240 Albany Street in order to provide additional low threshold shelter, housing and day time services, while accommodating shelter residents impacted by the construction closure with housing and support, including low threshold options. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern, Al-Zubi, Zusy, Simmons, McGovern; Order Adopted 9-0
I remember when the CASPAR “wet shelter” consisted of trailers which were upgraded to a permanent structure by MIT in exchange for several streets in Kendall Square. The alternative proposal at that time was to move the facility to 380 Green St. in the heart of Central Square.
Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-69, regarding a review of the previous home rule petition and prepare a new petition that would allow Cambridge to enact a Real Estate Transfer Fee to be sent to the state legislature. [Charter Right – Nolan, Jan 26, 2026]
Comments by Nolan (w/amendment), Megan Bayer, Azeem, Al-Zubi, Flaherty (wants to change so that fee charged to buyer rather than to seller), Chris Cotter, Zusy, Siddiqui; Amended 8-0-0-1 (Al-Zubi - Present) to change “equal to 2%” to “up to 2%”; Tabled 6-3 (Al-Zubi, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler - No)
See my comments from the previous meeting.
Charter Right #2. That the City Manager ask the appropriate departments to review the city’s digital equity work to date, including the study’s recommendations and all steps taken since the study conclusion in order to update the evaluation of existing internet access programs, assessing whether residents’ digital needs are or could be better provided for and to propose how we can better meet their needs and to report back to the Council by June 2026 on internet access programs. [Charter Right – Al-Zubi, Jan 26, 2026]
Comments and amendments by Al-Zubi; Amendments Adopted 9-0; Add Al-Zubi as sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Resolution #2. Condolences on the passing of Robert K. Patterson, Sr. Councillor Flaherty
Comments by Flaherty
Resolution #3. Resolution on the Retirement of Kate Joyce. Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui
Comments by Simmons, Siddiqui, McGovern, Flaherty, Nolan, Naomie Stephen
Resolution #9. Resolution in Recognition of Michael J. Johnston, Esq., on his Retirement. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons
Add Simmons as sponsor
Communications & Reports #2. Announcement of appointments to the City Clerk Preliminary Screening Committee. (COF26#10) [text of report]
Appointed: Councillor Marc McGovern; Councillor E. Denise Simmons; Councillor Catherine Zusy; Megan Bayer, City Solicitor; Raecia Catchings, Chief People Officer; Matt Nelson, Director of Administration & Operations, Executive Office; Melissa Peters, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Naomie Stephen, Executive Assistant to the City Council
Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #3. City Council Value Statement and Priority Areas for the 2026-2027 term (COF26#11) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Winter Carnival - January 26, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting (remote only due to snow emergency)
After several mild winters, we’re getting a taste this week of what we’ve been missing. Having migrated to Cambridge 48 years ago as soon as the roads were reopened after the Blizzard of '78, this is for me a mixture of nostalgia and terror. That said, life goes on at City Hall and the Peoples Republic of Cambridge. There’s even a new system for public meeting notices (complete with the expected glitches). Here’s what’s on tap this week:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; statement by Yi-An Huang; comments by Siddiqui, Al-Zubi (wants to revise Welcoming City Ordinance), Flaherty, Nolan, City Solicitor Megan Bayer, McGovern; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR25#69, regarding a review of the previous home rule petition and prepare a new petition that would allow Cambridge to enact a Real Estate Transfer Fee to be sent to the state legislature. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan re: impact on rents, etc.; Charter Right - Nolan
It is worth noting that there already are taxes on the sale of real estate in Massachusetts. The Mass. real estate transfer tax (also known as stamp tax) is $4.56 per $1,000 of the property’s value, plus the newer “millionaire’s tax” on sales over $1 million - due at closing to the Registry of Deeds. The Affordable Care Act also has its 3.8% “Net Investment Income Tax” that applies to individuals, estates and trusts that have certain investment income above certain threshold amounts. A local Real Estate Transfer Fee would be on top of those other taxes.
This proposed additional transfer tax would be 2% of the portion of the purchase price exceeding $1,000,000. This was before the City Council on Feb 26, 2024, and the Council at that time adopted the Order on a 6-2-1 vote with Joan Pickett and Paul Toner voting No, and Burhan Azeem Absent. The most recent call to re-file the home rule petition was on Dec 8, 2025, and it passed 8-1 with Paul Toner voting No. I would be inclined to vote against this – or at least demand a full accounting of the total fees and taxes associated with a real estate sale. There is also the larger question that should be asked about what fraction of a city’s housing stock should be taken out of private ownership and moved into government or government-related ownership. The socialists certainly have made their preferences clear.
Order #1. That the City Manager ask the appropriate departments to review the city’s digital equity work to date, including the study’s recommendations and all steps taken since the study conclusion in order to update the evaluation of existing internet access programs, assessing whether residents’ digital needs are or could be better provided for and to propose how we can better meet their needs and to report back to the Council by June 2026 on internet access programs. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Zusy (w/cost concerns); Charter Right - Al-Zubi
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments regarding incorporating plant-based solutions into the Sustainable Cambridge initiative, incorporating plant-based purchasing practices in City-operated events, and using municipal communications channels to promote sustainable and affordable food and drink practices throughout the city. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy
pulled by Zusy; comments by Nolan, McGovern, Zusy (add as sponsor); Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Resolutions like this one give me an appetite for a double cheeseburger.
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prioritize pilot projects in 2026 without the use of a consultant for an extensive pedestrianization study, and in the medium-term consider how additional pedestrianization of a section of Brattle Street by restoring two-way traffic to JFK Street could enhance the Square. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Nolan, Simmons, Al-Zubi (thinks 2-way JFK St. would be dangerous - not aware that it was previously a 2-way street); Order Adopted 9-0
I’m sure the newly rebranded Department of Congestion, Obstruction, and Aggravation (a.k.a. Department of Transportation, formerly the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department before they chose to remove all references to motor vehicles) will have a few ideas to share about this proposal.
Order #8. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide an update regarding PO25#69 FY26 Operating Budget a continued commitment to Emergency Housing Vouchers for Permanent Supportive Housing and Mixed Status Families, and the Transition Wellness Center. Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0
An update on this initiative is overdue, but let’s be clear that the Transition Wellness Center was never meant to be a permanent program.
Order #9. That the Mayor hereby appoints a committee, to screen applicants for the position of City Clerk. Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Zusy; taken up with Comm. & Reports #4; comments by Siddiqui, Simmons (re: prior process), Zusy (thanks to Paula Crane), Flaherty (will find no one better than Paula Crane); Order Adopted 9-0
Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information about the search process for a permanent City Clerk. [text of report]
Taken up w/Order #9; Placed on File 9-0
I look forward to the process for this crucially important position, but at this point I have little confidence in Mayor Siddiqui’s committee appointments.
Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for the Nathaniel Stickney House at 45 Mt. Auburn Street. [Charter Right – Al-Zubi, Jan 12, 2026]
Comments by Al-Zubi (will vote for landmarking, wanted more “community members” in the conversation), Azeem (not in favor, calls report “vindictive”), Sobrinho-Wheeler (wants “community use” preserved - based on what exactly?, feels that City should be providing these spaces), Flaherty (was in the building before the Democracy Center was there, notes that entire area is an historical district, will not support landmarking), Zusy, Kathy Watkins, Charles Sullivan (Historical Commission), Nolan, McGovern, Simmons, Flaherty; Order Failed of Adoption 2-7 (Al-Zubi, Zusy - Yes)
But first we have to hear from the activists.....
Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to conduct a comprehensive review of existing safety and security measures at Cambridge City Hall, which shall include an assessment of physical access controls, visitor screening practices, on-site security staffing and training, emergency response and evacuation protocols, and the use of security technologies such as surveillance systems and alarm monitoring. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern (PO26#3) [Charter Right - Simmons, Jan 12, 2026]
Comments by Simmons; add McGovern as sponsor 9-0; comments by McGovern, Flaherty (notes that there are metal detectors in buildings across the Commonwealth), Azeem (notes that measures now in place in State House and Boston City Hall and they are still welcoming, says he has received threats), Nolan (can support this depending on what measures are suggested), Simmons, Al-Zubi (with alternate amendment w/JSW), Yi-An Huang (notes challenges due to layout of the building with two entrances, would be helpful to discuss this with a subset of councillors, real concern would be gun weapons - what problem are we trying to solve?, solutions could be costly, this will take some time to consider), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Simmons, Zusy (would support an assessment as proposed by Simmons, suggests this might be the subject of an Executive Session), Siddiqui, Al-Zubi; Al-Zubi amendment fails 4-5 (AAZ,PN,JSW,SS - Yes; BA,TF,MM,DS,CZ - No); Order Adopted as Amended 7-1-0-1 (Sobrinho-Wheeler - No; Al-Zubi - Present)
On the Table #3. An Ordinance has been received from Interim City Clerk Paula M. Crane, relative to amend the Zoning Map and Articles 3.000, 17.000, and 19.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of establishing four new zoning districts for the Cambridge Street corridor. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Dec 8, 2025; Eligible to be Ordained Dec 22, 2025; Expires Jan 28, 2026] (ORD25#17) [Revised][Published]
Removed from Table 9-0; Taken up with Mgr #12, Comm. & Reports #2; Ordained as Amended 6-3 (see Mgr #12)
Communications & Reports #2. Proposed Amendments to Cambridge Street Zoning Petition. [text of report]
Taken up with Mgr #12, On The Table #3; Placed on File 9-0
(Late) Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Cambridge Street Zoning Petition. (CM26#15) [text of report]
motion of McGovern to take up this item, Communications & Reports #2, On The Table #3; comments by Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Azeem (will support amendments, but not excited about it), Sobrinho-Wheeler (will oppose amendments), Zusy, Melissa Peters (CDD), Al-Zubi (will abstain on amendments, will vote No on overall petition, only wants “working class” people to benefit, notes that future Nexus study will likely reduce inclusionary requirements, says 20% inclusionary is minimum she would accept, talks about race and class, wants social housing, decommodification instead), McGovern (says this is NOT being rushed, objects to any requirements that slow down housing development, would prefer 8 stories on Cambridge St., concerns about middle-income residents, notes that we can’t get 6 votes w/o these amendments), Flaherty (would prefer that petition expire, will not support the amendments, notes that housing shortage is a regional issue, notes that last year entire city was upzoned with inevitable demolitions and no affordability requirement, prefers that Cambridge remain a sustainable city for families, does support upzoning on Webster St. area, would prefer Special Permit requirements), Siddiqui (re: amendments, not rushed, potential impacts, possibility of social housing), Azeem (contradicts Flaherty saying that this is effectively only changing Webster Ave. area, sees social housing as weakening AHO, leading to more market-rate housing and less affordable housing), Simmons (wants to vote); McGovern moves to amend Cambridge St. Petition by substitution; Amendments Pass 6-2-0-1 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy, Siddiqui - Yes; Flaherty, Sobrinho-Wheeler - No; Al-Zubi - Present); Petition Ordained as Amended 6-3 (BA,MM,PN,DS,JSW,SS - Yes; AAZ,TF,CZ - No); Communication Placed on File 9-0; after procedural questions of Al-Zubi, Simmons, Flaherty, Zusy, McGovern, Rules Suspended for the Purpose of Reconsideration 7-2 (Flaherty, Zusy - No); Reconsideration Fails 1-8 (Zusy - Yes)
The ABC (A Bigger Cambridge) insiders are apparently pulling out the stops to rush this one through – regardless whether it is reflective of the goals of the Our Cambridge Street community process (a planning study for Cambridge Street between Inman Square and Lechmere Station) that supposedly led to the current rezoning petition.
Resolution #1. That the City Council formally go on record in extending its deepest condolences to the family of Donald Williams for their tremendous loss. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons; Sadly, Don passed away on Saturday, Jan 24, 2026 - a true friend of Central Square; Amended Resolution Adopted 9-0
Resolution #5. Speedy Recovery wishes to Mr. Hatch Sterrett. Councillor Al-Zubi
Note: Hatch’s full name is Henry Hatch Dent Sterrett, III.
Committee Report #1. The Housing Committee and Finance Committee held a joint public hearing on Dec 3, 2025 to discuss the feasibility and potential impacts of implementing residential development incentives - such as tax incentives, public equity financing, and reduced fees and requirements - on housing production and city finances. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #2. The Human Services and Veterans Committee held a public hearing on Dec 4, 2025 to review and discuss the Executive Summary from the Community Benefits Advisory Committee which was presented to the full City Council on May 19, 2025, CM25#128. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #3. The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Dec 9, 2025 to further discuss the implications of deploying automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) and to discuss whether adjustments should be made related to the deployment of ALPRs since approval in February of this year, CM25#257, which was in City Council on Oct 20, 2025. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #4. The Health and Environment Committee and Housing Committee held a joint public hearing on Dec 11, 2025 to review and discuss PO25#137, which asks the Community Development Department to draft zoning language to reduce the impact on solar energy systems, based on the recommendations discussed in the Sept 16, 2025 Health and Environment Committee meeting. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Late Order #10. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the relevant City staff and departments to order that the flag at Cambridge City Hall, the main administrative municipal building, be flown at half-staff as soon as practicable in somber remembrance of and sympathy with Renee Good and Alex Pretti and their friends and families, the dozens of individuals who have lost their lives at the hands of federal immigration enforcers, and the people enduring the brutality of the Trump Administration’s illegal and violent efforts for at least seven days. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Al-Zubi, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem
Comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Nolan, Azeem; Order Adopted 9-0
Circle the Wagons - January 12, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting
It didn’t take long for the newly inaugurated City Council and its chosen Mayor to reveal themselves. We will now have a Finance Committee Co-Chaired by someone who advocates dramatic new spending on so-called “social housing” a la Mamdani - regardless of property tax implications. Government Operations will be Chaired by someone who has consistently voted against keeping a city manager form of government. Most notably, the Public Safety Committee will be Chaired by someone who has repeatedly referred to Cambridge Police as murderers. This is going to be two years of circling the wagons to prevent our local government from confiscating property, making travel as difficult as possible, and obstructing law enforcement whenever and however possible. I can just feel that warmth of collectivism creeping in.
Here are a few agenda items of interest:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Al-Zubi, City Solicitor Megan Bayer, Nolan, and Flaherty; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following members to the Police Review and Advisory Board. [text of report]
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, PRAB Exec. Director Carolina Almonte, Nolan, Huang; Appointments Approved 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following members to the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission. [text of report]
pulled by Azeem to note that though the City Council now has the power to review all appointments, he has a different point of view from all of these appointees - “That’s democracy.”; Appointments Approved 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for the Nathaniel Stickney House at 45 Mt. Auburn Street. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Al-Zubi; Charter Right - Al-Zubi (who wants to hear more from “the organizers”)
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to conduct a comprehensive review of existing safety and security measures at Cambridge City Hall, which shall include an assessment of physical access controls, visitor screening practices, on-site security staffing and training, emergency response and evacuation protocols, and the use of security technologies such as surveillance systems and alarm monitoring. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Simmons for comments; Charter Right - Simmons
I have very mixed feelings about this Order. There are serious trade-offs between security vs. accessibility and having a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in a building like City Hall.
Order #4. That the City Council go on record acknowledging 2026 as the Centennial Celebration of Negro History Week, and recognizing its enduring contribution to the nation’s understanding of itself. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Flaherty (noting the contributions of Marvin Gilmore), Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0
I am 100% in agreement with this Order. [Ref: The Cambridge African American History Trail]
Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to prepare for a Council discussion on best future uses for City-owned properties and the processes for redevelopment. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Al-Zubi
pulled by Zusy; comments by Nolan, Zusy, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Al-Zubi; Al-Zubi added as sponsor 8-0-1 (MM Absent); Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Charter Right #2. Restricting Eligibility for On-Street Resident Parking Permits in New Transit-Oriented Developments. [Charter Right – Simmons, Dec 22, 2025]
comments by Simmons, Zusy, Azeem, Flaherty; Order Adopted 9-0
This is not a new proposal. The response from the City Solicitor has always (correctly) been that this is not a legal restriction that can be imposed by the City, though a property owner may be able to make this a requirement in a lease. That said, I am told that Somerville has imposed such a restriction, but I suppose that will last right up until the point that someone takes it to court.
On The Table #3. An Ordinance has been received from Interim City Clerk Paula M. Crane, relative to amend the Zoning Map and Articles 3.000, 17.000, and 19.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of establishing four new zoning districts for the Cambridge Street corridor. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Dec 8, 2025; Eligible to be Ordained Dec 22, 2025; Expires Jan 28, 2026] (ORD25#17) [Revised][Published]
No Action Taken
We’ll have to see where this one lands. The parallel zoning change for Mass. Ave. was ordained 6-3 at the last regular meeting, but it’s anyone’s guess how the replacement of two councillors for this term will affect this one.
Committee Report #1. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Thurs, Dec 4, 2025 to discuss the organizational changes to the Equity & Inclusion Department. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
This was a most interesting committee meeting - and I even testified at the meeting about my long-held view that all non-regulatory City boards should have sunset clauses and that they should only be reauthorized if they can demonstrate a clear need for continuation. That said, the most notable aspect of this meeting was that the City Manager deferred to his chosen “Chief of Equity and Inclusion” and “Chief People Officer” to answer all of the hard questions. The irony that the entire staff of the Women’s Commission was jettisoned by the Chief of Equity and Inclusion was more than a little interesting.
Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting an announcement of Cambridge City Council Committee Appointments for the 2026-2027 term. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
I just hope we can survive the next two years with this lineup.
Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Though I appreciate these reports from the School Committee front, I’m really most interested to see how the MTA and CEA inflict their agendas via their newly elected members of the School Committee.
Late Resolution #2. Resolution on the death of Robert S. Hurlbut Jr. Councillor McGovern, (Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui)
comments by McGovern, Zusy, Nolan, Siddiqui, Flaherty
Rules? We don’t have to follow no stinkin’ rules!
Updated Jan 16, 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 (1 missing report) Gov’t Operations, Rules & Claims (1 missing report) Health & Environment Committee (3 missing reports) Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, etc. (1 missing report) Public Safety (1 missing report) |
Econ. Development & University Relations (5 missing reports) Human Services & Veterans (2 missing reports) Housing Committee (3 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 | |
| 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, Simmons, Zusy |
| Economic Development and University Relations | Flaherty (Co-Chair), Zusy (Co-Chair), Al-Zubi, McGovern, Nolan |
| 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 |
It’s Mayor Siddiqui again
Jan 5, 2026 – At its Inaugural Meeting this morning, the Cambridge City Council unanimously elected Sumbul Siddiqui as Mayor and Burhan Azeem as Vice Mayor.
| Councillor | Vote for Mayor (1st Ballot) | Vote for Vice Mayor (1st Ballot) | Vote for Vice Mayor (2nd Ballot) |
| Ayah Al-Zubi | Siddiqui | Azeem | Azeem |
| Burhan Azeem | McGovern → Siddiqui (2) | Azeem | Azeem |
| Tim Flaherty | Zusy → Siddiqui (4) | Zusy | Zusy → Azeem (1) |
| Marc McGovern | McGovern → Siddiqui (5) | Azeem | Azeem |
| Patricia Nolan | Nolan → Siddiqui (1) | Nolan | Nolan → Azeem (3) |
| Sumbul Siddiqui | Siddiqui | Nolan | Nolan → Azeem (5) |
| Denise Simmons | McGovern → Siddiqui (6) | Azeem | Azeem |
| Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler | Siddiqui | Sobrinho-Wheeler | Sobrinho-Wheeler → Azeem (2) |
| Zusy | Nolan → Siddiqui (3) | Nolan | Nolan → Azeem (4) |
| Result: | Siddiqui - unanimous | Azeem 4, Nolan 3, Sobrinho-Wheeler 1, Zusy 1 | Azeem - unanimous |
There had been rumors on social media and elsewhere that a protest was planned to disrupt the Inaugural Meeting, but this never materialized - even though there appeared to be several audience members dressed for the part.
Later in the day, the new Cambridge School Committee was inaugurated and, as its first official order of business, voted who would be the Chair of the School Committee - as specified in the newly adopted Cambridge City Charter in which the Mayor now sits as just an ordinary member of the School Committee. The vote went as follows:
| Member | Vote for Chair (1st Ballot) | Vote for Vice Chair (1st Ballot) |
| Luisa De Paula Santos | Weinstein | Dube |
| Caitlin Dube | Weinstein | Dube |
| Richard Harding | Hudson | present |
| Elizabeth Hudson | Hudson | present |
| Arjun Jaikumar | Weinstein | Dube |
| Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui | Weinstein | Dube |
| David Weinstein | Weinstein | Dube |
| Result: | Weinstein 5, Hudson 2 | Dube 5, Present 2 |
There’s some kind of story behind the non-unanimous vote to elect David Weinstein as School Committee Chair, what kinds of deals were struck in exchange for the votes, and the two “Present” votes for the largely symbolic choice of Caitlin Dube as Vice Chair. Perhaps most interesting in this unfolding story is what role the teachers union (Cambridge Education Association - CEA) played in the vote and in what may unfold in the weeks and months to come. Apparently, there is a plan to install the current head of the CEA as a non-voting ex-officio member of the School Committee who may chime in at any point in their meetings - just like an elected member. It is my understanding that this was a condition for candidates receiving the endorsement of the CEA and its funding/campaign partner, the Mass. Teachers Association (MTA) - an organization that has been advocating that the right to strike be made legal in Massachusetts. - RW
Wheeling and Dealing – December 22, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
While backroom deals are being cut to see whether Councillors McGovern or Siddiqui (or someone else) can garner the necessary majorities for who will be the next Mayor (and Vice Mayor), the curtain closes tonight on the 2024-2025 City Council. Even though the controversial super-upzonings of Cambridge Street and Mass. Ave. don’t expire until January 28, the rush is on to ram them through now to prevent any uncertainty that might arise with the election of two new city councillors. They’re even trading token amounts of permissible building heights in exchange for possible mayoral and vice mayoral votes. For what it’s worth, the jockeying for who might be the Chair of the School Committee under the rules of the new Charter is even more bizarre – with the teacher’s union wielding an obscene degree of influence.
I’m pretty sure the next two years are going to suck. Good thing I’m now streaming Turner Classic Movies because I will be needing a lot of Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, Leslie Caron, Katherine Hepburn, and Barbara Stanwyck to get through the next two years.
Here are the items on this week’s agenda prior to the curtain coming 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]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Siddiqui, Nolan, City Solicitor Megan Bayer; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following members to the Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA) effective Dec 22, 2025. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Simmons - Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to combined sewer overflows. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, John Nardone, Jim Wilcox (City Engineer, DPW), Toner, Zusy; Placed on File 9-0
I can never get enough information about infrastructure.
Supersize It – Regardless of the Consequences
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a revised Massachusetts Avenue zoning petition. [CDD memo (this is for Cambridge St.)]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern; Unfinished Business #3 and Charter Right #1 brought forward 9-0; McGovern - amend petition by substitution 9-0; comments by Toner, Siddiqui, Nolan (favors reduction to 11 stories, has concerns about what might happen in Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) thrown out); Megan Bayer notes if IZ thrown out then Zoning Ordinance could be amended to grant extra height/density in exchange for affordable units; comments by Zusy (favors reduction to 11 stories, quotes Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita - inaction is often the best action, also notes other recent upzonings done in rapid succession), Sobrinho-Wheeler (opposed to all reductions, continues to believe that this will yield affordable housing), Azeem (says a Special Permit will still be needed for larger developments), Wilson (need to be making extremely bold decisions), Melissa Peters (CDD), Jeff Roberts (CDD); McGovern asks about 11 vs. 12 stories; Melissa Peters, Yi-An Huang strongly favor 12 stories; McGovern justifies more height even for relatively few “affordable” units, continues to quote the Envision housing goals (made up by CDD after the fact), opposed to any height reduction; comments by Nolan re: new construction methods that less tall buildings more economically viable; comments by Zusy in favor of 11 stories, suggests that proposed zoning will make housing less affordable for those supporting the upzoning, suggests Central Square a better place for the additional height, petition needs more refinement; Wilson notes that we cannot build ourselves out of this housing crisis and that this upzoning will not yield any actual affordability; Charter Right #1 initially Passes 5-4 (PN,SS,AW,CZ,DS - Yes; BA,MM,JSW,PT - No); discussion re: substitute language; Simmons changes vote to No, so Charter Right #1 Fails 4-5 (PN,SS,AW,CZ - Yes; BA,MM,JSW,PT,DS - No); Ordained as Amended 6-3 (PN,AW,CZ - No); Reconsideration Fails 0-9; Placed on File 9-0
Due to error in posted agenda (as noted - Cambridge St. language was posted instead of Mass Ave language), Rules Suspended (hoping the same does prevail) 9-0; Reconsideration Prevails 9-0; Jeff Roberts (CDD) notes typos needed to be corrected in 17.805 (not 17.705); Petition Amended by Substitution 9-0; Petition Re-Ordained as Amended 6-3 (PN,AW,CZ - No); Reconsideration Fails 0-9
Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to reduce the recommendations for the Massachusetts Avenue subdistrict (MAS-12) from a maximum of 12 stories to 11 stories with ground floor active use/retail as consistent with the recommendation of the Mass Ave Planning Study. [Charter Right – Siddiqui, Dec 15, 2025]
Brought forward along with Manager’s Agenda #6; initially Passes 5-4 (PN,SS,AW,CZ,DS - Yes; BA,MM,JSW,PT - No); discussion re: substitute language; Simmons changes vote to No, so Charter Right #1 Fails 4-5 (PN,SS,AW,CZ - Yes; BA,MM,JSW,PT,DS - No)
Unfinished Business #3. An Ordinance has been received from Interim City Clerk Paula M. Crane, relative to amend the Zoning Map and Articles 2.000, 3.000, 4.000, 5.000, 6.000, 11.000 17.000, and 20.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of establishing four new zoning districts for the Massachusetts Avenue corridor. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Dec 8, 2025; Eligible to be Ordained Dec 22, 2025; Expires Jan 28, 2026] [Revised][Published]
Brought forward along with Manager’s Agenda #6; Ordained as Amended 6-3 (PN,AW,CZ - No)
Due to error in posted agenda (as noted - Cambridge St. language was posted instead of Mass Ave language), Rules Suspended (hoping the same does prevail) 9-0; Reconsideration Prevails 9-0; Jeff Roberts (CDD) notes typos needed to be corrected in 17.805 (not 17.705); Petition Amended by Substitution 9-0; Petition Re-Ordained as Amended 6-3 (PN,AW,CZ - No); Reconsideration Fails 0-9
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a revised Cambridge Street zoning petition. [CDD memo] [Revised Cambridge St Petition (Markup)][Revised Cambridge St Petition (Clean)][Revised Cambridge St Map][Revised Cambridge St Map Descriptions][Combined Mass Ave/Cambridge St. amendments (Markup)][Combined Mass Ave/Cambridge St. amendments (Clean)]
pulled by McGovern; Unfinished Business #4 brought forward 9-0; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan in favor of delaying this; comments by Toner, Simmons in favor of voting now; Unf. Business #4 Tabled 7-2 (PT,DS - No); Placed on File 9-0
Unfinished Business #4. An Ordinance has been received from Interim City Clerk Paula M. Crane, relative to amend the Zoning Map and Articles 3.000, 17.000, and 19.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of establishing four new zoning districts for the Cambridge Street corridor. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Dec 8, 2025; Eligible to be Ordained Dec 22, 2025; Expires Jan 28, 2026] [Revised][Published]
Brought forward along with Manager’s Agenda #7; Tabled 7-2 (PT,DS - No)
Communications #45. Nonie Valentine, re: Pause on extreme upzoning on Mass. Ave. and Cambridge St.
I’m with Nonie on this one. We can do so much better, but that would require much better local representation than we currently have or will have in the near future.
Order #1. That the City Manager works with the Government Operations and Civic Unity Committee to hold hearings to discuss new ideas to honor and remember individuals (i.e. communal memorial garden, wall or path), criteria for eligibility, a committee structure with diverse representation of the city residents, and a means for recording and maintaining our current and future memorials. Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zusy
Comments by Nolan, Simmons; Charter Right - Simmons
Order #2. Restricting Eligibility for On-Street Resident Parking Permits in New Transit-Oriented Developments. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan
Charter Right - Simmons
This is not a new proposal. The response from the City Solicitor has always (correctly) been that this is not a legal restriction that can be imposed by the City, though a property owner may be able to make this a requirement in a lease. That said, I am told that Somerville has imposed such a restriction, but I suppose that will last right up until the point that someone takes it to court.
Resolution #4. Congratulations to Kathleen Rawlins on her retirement from the Historical Commission. Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons
Kit Rawlins has been a welcome presence with the Historical Commission for many years, and I wish her the happiest possible retirement.
Resolution #9. Congratulations to Patrol Officer Devon Brooks on his retirement from the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons
I have for years regularly bicycled alongside Devon on the semi-annual bike rides organized by the Cambridge Bicycle Committee, and I often encountered him while on duty. Like so many others in the Cambridge Police Department, Devon has consistently demonstrated how fortunate we are to have such a caring, effective, and good-natured local police force.
Note: The meeting ended with a personal statement by exiting Councillor Toner thanking family, friends, colleagues, and City staff. Mayor Simmons closed with an acknowledgment of Councillor Toner’s exemplary service. This was the last regular meeting for departing Councillors Paul Toner and Ayesha Wilson.
Ball of Confusion - December 15, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
Since it is proposed to cancel the Dec 29 meeting, this should be the next-to-last meeting of this City Council term, and next week’s meeting will likely see the rushed ordination of two massive upzonings of Cambridge Street (Inman Square to Lechmere) and N. Mass Ave. (Cambridge Common to the Arlington Line, including Porter Square). Some people (including me) are opposed simply because of the severe scale of the upzoning, and others are opposed because of the potential disruption to the rigged economics of the current iteration of the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO 2.0). Be careful what you wish for. In all likelihood, the latter concern will only result in an even more massive upzoning meant to re-rig the economics of the AHO.
In my view, this current City Council has absolutely no idea what they are doing - other than delivering potential development projects to their political friends. Rigging the economics based on low information has only created a poker game with ever-increasing wagers. Increasing hunger for lost tax revenue is countered by more calls for encumbered development which then creates even more need for revenue. And so on.
Here are some of the featured items on this week’s agenda:
Boarding & Baiting
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of five members to the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD). [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following people as members of the BEUDO Review Board. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Sue Walsh as a member of the Community Benefits Advisory Committee. [text of report]
Appointment Confirmed 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)
Rushing to get those reports in before the end of the term and Wednesday’s Special Meeting to review the City Manager’s evaluation
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR#25-66, regarding a dedicated position or function focused on triaging and directing senior residents to appropriate services and supports. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR#25-64, regarding poison ivy control at Fresh Pond. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR#25-57, regarding body-worn cameras. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR#25-54, regarding review of current crisis prevention protocols and deployment of mental health professionals. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR#25-49, regarding development of a policy for future private development. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR#25-40, regarding updates to the Community Benefits Ordinance. [text of report]
Referred to Ordinance Committee 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR#25-65, regarding Connectivity North of Rindge Ave. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)
Road Rage
Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, regarding proposed parking fine increases. text of report]
Placed on File 7-1-1 (Wilson NO; Azeem Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the Roadway Safety Audit Program. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, transmitting an update on federal grant funding. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)
I’ll see your 6 stories and raise you 12 stories
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to reduce the recommendations for the Massachusetts Avenue subdistrict (MAS-12) from a maximum of 12 stories to 11 stories with ground floor active use/retail as consistent with the recommendation of the Mass Ave. Planning Study. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Wilson
Charter Right - Siddiqui
Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to reduce the recommendations for the Inman Square zoning sub-district (CAM-10) from a maximum of 10 stories to 8 stories with ground floor active use/retail as consistent with the majority of the Cambridge Street corridor. [Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler, Dec 8, 2025]
Order Adopted 7-1-1 (Sobrinho-Wheeler NO; Azeem Absent)
Unfinished Business #5. An Ordinance has been received from Interim City Clerk Paula M. Crane, relative to amend the Zoning Map and Articles 3.000, 17.000, and 19.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of establishing four new zoning districts for the Cambridge Street corridor. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Dec 8, 2025; Eligible to be Ordained Dec 22, 2025; Expires Jan 28, 2026] [Revised][Published]
Unfinished Business #6. An Ordinance has been received from Interim City Clerk Paula M. Crane, relative to amend the Zoning Map and Articles 2.000, 3.000, 4.000, 5.000, 6.000, 11.000 17.000, and 20.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of establishing four new zoning districts for the Massachusetts Avenue corridor. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Dec 8, 2025; Eligible to be Ordained Dec 22, 2025; Expires Jan 28, 2026] [Revised][Published]
151 Communications - mainly from the usual ABC and CCC partisans worked up over the upzonings. Frankly, I don’t understand why anyone even bothers to write letters or speak at Public Comment, because nobody is listening. I also firmly believe we would all be better off if A Better (Bigger) Cambridge (ABC), the Cambridge Citizens Coalition (CCC), the Cambridge Residents Alliance (CResA), Cambridge Bike Safety (CBS) and most of the other self-serving partisan organizations in Cambridge would close up shop. They’re not helping. - RW
Late Resolution #13. Condolences on the death of Roger O’Sullivan. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner
As the Clock Winds Down - December 8, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
Thus begins the last month of the current City Council term, and the open question is whether the new City Council will outdo the current City Council in sheer arrogance and unwillingness to actually listen to the residents of Cambridge. There’s also that whole Mayoral Election thing going on behind the scenes. In the meantime, here are a few notable items on this week’s agenda:
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 a request for approval to seek authorization from the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General (the “IG”) for the City to use the Construction Manager at Risk (“CMaR”) procurement and construction method (the “CMaR Method”) in connection with the DPW Salt Shed Replacement Project. [text of report] [DPW Salt Shed] [CMaR details]
Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-59, regarding 25 Lowell Street. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to updates to institutional use regulations. [text of report] [markup version] [final version]
Order Adopted, Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to revised language for the Mass Ave Zoning Petition. [CDD memo] [markup version] [final version] [map] [description]
Amended by Substitution, Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to revised language for the Cambridge Street Zoning Petition. [CDD memo] [markup version] [final version]
Amended by Substitution, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #1. The Ordinance Committee held three public hearings to review and discuss two Zoning Petitions by the Cambridge City Council, the Massachusetts Avenue Zoning Petition (CM25#235) , and the Cambridge Street Zoning Petition (CM25#234). The first hearing was held on Oct 30, 2025 at 5:30pm and recessed. The Committee reconvened and recessed again on Nov 13, 2025 at 5:30pm. The Committee reconvened and adjourned on Dec 2, 2025 at 5:30pm. [text of report] [attached communications] [revised Mass Ave petition] [revised Cambridge St petition]
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department (CDD) and Law Department to prepare a draft of a separate zoning petition to strengthen Active Use requirements on Cambridge Street and the Porter Square PUD subdistricts for sites that redevelop as single parcels. Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to reduce the recommendations for the Inman Square zoning sub-district (CAM-10) from a maximum of 10 stories to 8 stories with ground floor active use/retail as consistent with the majority of the Cambridge Street corridor. Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson
Charter Right - Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with all relevant departments, boards, and commissions to strive to publish, whenever practicable, meeting agendas and all supporting documents, presentations, and related materials sufficiently in advance of public meetings to allow residents time to review and prepare. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zusy
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department and the Inspectional Services Department staff to streamline the permitting process, including but not limited to creating a central role dedicated to the permitting process, the creation of a unified online permitting portal, and standardized timelines. Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Order #6. Home Rule Petition for a Real Estate Transfer Fee. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted as Amended 8-1 (Toner - No)
Order #5. Policy Order regarding Interim City Clerk position extension. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0
Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Mayor Simmons regarding extending the Appointment of the Interim City Clerk. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Resolution #8. Condolences to the family of Moses Moore. Mayor Simmons
Resolution #9. Thanking Ellen Semonoff for her years of service to the City of Cambridge. Mayor Simmons
Resolution #12. Resolution thanking Ayesha Wilson for her service. Mayor Simmons
Resolution #13. Resolution on the death of Charles Coe. Councillor Nolan [Boston Globe obituary]
Resolution #14. Congratulations to Neal Alpert and Jen Tourtellot on their recent engagement. Mayor Simmons
Late Resolution #16. Congratulations to Elizabeth Hudson and Will on the birth of their daughter. Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons
Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Interim City Clerk Paula M. Crane, transmitting a memorandum regarding pending Awaiting Reports that it wished to be carried forward to the newly elected City Council for their consideration in the next legislative terms. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Short and Curious - November 24, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
Though the agenda is short and uneventful, I suspect the personnel shakeup reported in the Harvard Crimson is liable to generate some conversation as it relates to On The Table #2. Here goes:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-60, which requested a comprehensive report on Gold Star Mothers Memorial Park. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler, DPW Commissioner John Nardone, Nolan; [Kevin Beutel, Health Commissioner Sam Lipson also in attendance]; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,000,000, from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Department Extraordinary Expenditures account. These funds will support the removal of stockpiled contaminated soil and initiate the design phase for the remediation and reconstruction of Gold Star Mothers Park. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, John Nardone, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, City Manager Yi-An Huang; Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-56, regarding an update on rodent control citywide. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, John Nardone, Rat Czar Dave Powers (Inspectional Services), Sam Lipson, Wilson, Yi-An Huang, Simmons; Anthony Tuccinardi (Inspectional Services), Toner (on coyotes); Placed on File 9-0
On The Table #2. That the City Manager is requested to explore with the Government Operations Committee whether the functions of the Peace Commission may be improved and enhanced by bringing them within another City Commission or Department, such as the Human Rights Commission, and report back in a timely manner. [Charter Right – Simmons, May 19, 2025; Tabled June 2, 2025] (PO25#76)
Late Order #2. Update on Organizational Changes to the Equity & Inclusion Department. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern
taken up early; comments by Wilson, Nolan, Azeem, Raecia Catchings (“Chief People Officer”), Sobrinho-Wheeler (who expresses desire that City Council should have control over City personnel matters), Siddiqui, Toner, Simmons, City Solicitor Megan Bayer (raises issue of whether any of this qualifies for possible Executive Session), McGovern; remarks by City Manager Yi-An Huang on how this action came about, accountability, investments in “equity and inclusion” - defers responses to subordinates; Deidre Travis Brown (Chief of Equity and Inclusion) on duplication of effort among commissions, efficiency and effectiveness; Rae Catchings (on the “runway needed” for future actions); Zusy, Siddiqui, McGovern (wants to be added as sponsor), Nolan, Wilson, Yi-An Huang (on future restructuring and staffing changes); amendment to add McGovern and one line adopted 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent); comments by Simmons, Zusy; Order Adopted as Amended 5-3-1 (Toner, Zusy, Simmons - No; Azeem - Absent)
Committee Report #1. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Oct 29, 2025 to review and discuss energy planning in Cambridge including expanding electricity capacity, expanding renewable energy productions, BEUDO energy requirements, and thermal energy network planning and any other topics relevant to the city’s overall planning for ensuring city goals of electrification may be met. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-2-0 (Azeem, Siddiqui - Absent)
Not The American Revolution – November 17, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
I am far more interested in watching Ken Burns new series The American Revolution than listening to the Local Nine prattle on about very small things. That said, here are the slightly larger items on this week’s very small agenda:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments on court cases and SNAP benefits by Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Siddiqui (wants to continue giving out gift cards even though SNAP benefits have been restored), Azeem (wants to fund everything), Wilson (wants to “tap into stabilization dollars”), Zusy, Ellen Semonoff, McGovern (“we cannot unhouse people”, City Solicitor Megan Bayer. Most notable was statement by Manager that City stands to lose ~8.4 million due to changes in federal housing policies. Placed on File 7-0-2 (JSW,Toner-Absent)
Order #1. That the Cambridge City Council go on record in opposition of H.3469 as reported out of committee this week, sponsored by Mark Cusack, which would drastically undermine the Commonwealth’s climate goals and would undermine its own efforts to address energy affordability facing households and businesses in Cambridge and statewide. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons
pulled by Nolan for amendment; comments by Nolan, McGovern; add all but Toner as co-sponsors; Order Adopted as Amended 7-0-2 (JSW,Toner-Absent)
RW Note: You may want to read the text of the proposed legislation. The intention of the bill appears to be to address energy affordability for ratepayers resulting from recent federal cutbacks by allowing greater flexibility in meeting climate goals.
Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Executive Director of the Council on Aging and other relevant City departments to explore the feasibility of creating a dedicated position or function focused on triaging and directing senior residents to appropriate services and supports. [Charter Right – Nolan, Nov 3, 2025]
Comments by Nolan, McGovern, Simmons, Ellen Semonoff, Zusy; add Zusy as sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 7-0-2 (JSW,Toner-Absent)
Committee Report #1. The Human Services and Veterans Committee held a public hearing on Oct 21, 2025 to further discuss the Out of School (OST) Expansion Study Report which was presented to the City Council on May 19, 2025, CM25#127. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (JSW,Toner-Absent)
Committee Report #2. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Oct 27, 2025 to review and discuss the launch of the update to the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) and hear a status report on the current plan including any adjustments that have been or might be made before any update. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (JSW,Toner-Absent)
Here’s to The Pursuit of Liberty!!
Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be Will Be) – November 3, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
Will we have rainbows day after day? Or will this be The Eve of Destruction?
The meeting on the eve of the municipal election every two years is usually short and sweet as the kids dream of grabbing those last few Number Ones.
[Note: The meeting adjourned at 6:58pm and 4 councillors (Azeem, Siddiqui, Toner, Wilson) only attended remotely.]
Here’s the stuff I found interesting this week:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, City Manager Yi-An Huang; Placed on File 8-0-1 (McGovern-Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $250,000, from the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account, to help address potential short term food insecurity within the Cambridge Community.
Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-52, regarding the Special Commission on Micromobility. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Brooke McKenna, Wilson, Zusy; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-47 regarding Kendall Square Parking Considerations. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order Item Number 2025 #143 directing the City Manager to work with relevant departments to consider a plan to better utilize the Russell Youth and Community Center. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Nolan, Wilson, Ellen Semonoff; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #6 (Late): Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $138,372 funded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services and administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($33,176), and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($105,196). Funds will be used to help with the heating bills during November 1st – April 30th. (CM25#272) [text of report]
Comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Nolan, Wilson; Order Adopted 9-0
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Executive Director of the Council on Aging and other relevant City departments to explore the feasibility of creating a dedicated position or function focused on triaging and directing senior residents to appropriate services and supports. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Zusy (who wished to be added as sponsor), Nolan; Charter Right - Nolan
Order #2. That this City Council go on record urging the Harvard administration to engage in good faith with the demands of workers represented by 32BJ SEIU, including fair pay, healthcare, retirement benefits, and improved protections for immigrant members. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0
Committee Report #1. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on October 8, 2025 with the Community Development Department (CDD), Economic Opportunity and Development Division, to provide an update on the city’s efforts to support small businesses and commercial districts in Cambridge. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Time Out of Time – October 27, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
Election Day approaches. Here are the items that I found interesting in this week’s relatively short agenda:
Late Order #4 (taken up at start of meeting) That the City Manager provide an update at the Oct 27, 2025 City Council meeting regarding the pause in SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
Comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang (~6,700 Cambridge households and ~10,000 individuals affected - up from ~6,000 pre-Covid), Toner, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Azeem, McGovern; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)
 Vail Court - Aug 2017 |
Manager’s Agenda #3. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $4,300,000, from Free Cash to the General Fund Employee Benefits Department Salary and Wages account, which will replenish funds that were transferred out of the Employee Benefits Department and subsequently used to fund the settlement payment relating to Said S. Abuzahra, Trustee of Equity Realty Trust, et al. v. City of Cambridge (Mdsx. Super. Ct. Docket No. 2017- cv-2459/J). [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)
This is the follow-up from the appropriation made in July relating to the City’s eminent domain taking of the Vail Court property on Bishop Allen Drive in September 2016.
Manager’s Agenda #1 (July 21, 2025).Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of Four-Million-Three-Hundred-Thousand dollars and no cents ($4,300,000), from the General Fund Employee Benefits Department Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Law Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account for the settlement payment relating to Said S. Abuzahra, Trustee of Equity Realty Trust, et al. v. City of Cambridge (Mdsx. Super. Ct. Docket No. 2017- cv2459/J). (CM25#188)
The original cost in 2016 was $3,700,000, so (not including the cost of demolition and litigation), this would bring the total to $8 million for the now-vacant Vail Court property. What the City will ultimately choose to do with this property is not entirely clear, but my guess is that it becomes some version of public housing. An enlightened City would work with the abutting property owner at Bishop Allen and Prospect to create a mixed-income project with amenities on the Bishop Allen and Prospect Street frontages. I won’t hold my breath waiting for that.
Manager’s Agenda #4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $20,000,000, from Free Cash to the General Fund Employee Benefits Department Salary and Wages account, which will replenish funds that were transferred out of the Employee Benefits Department and subsequently used to fund expenses related to the demolition of 221 Mount Auburn Street. [text of report]
pulled by Toner, Manager’s Agenda #4-6 taken together; comments by Toner, Claire Spinner, Zusy, Taha Jennings, Kathy Watkins, Wilson, Nolan, McGovern, Yi-An Huang; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)
Demolition of the Riverview Condominiums is now scheduled to take place during December 2025 through March 2026.
Manager’s Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,905,500 from Free Cash to the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund. During FY25, the City received mitigation revenues from various developers as a result of commitments related to zoning ordinance amendments and special permit conditions. By law, all mitigation revenues must be deposited into the General Fund and can only be appropriated after the Free Cash Certification is complete. [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update re: the Massachusetts Department of Revenue certification of the City’s Free Cash balance as of June 30, 2025, in the amount of $184,251,490. [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)
After the above appropriations are adopted, the City’s Free Cash balance is estimated to be $157,045,990.
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO25#107, re: a request to support an exploratory process – potentially including stakeholder engagement, legal and technical assessments, and community outreach – to evaluate the creation of a Business Improvement District in Porter Square. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Pardis Saffari, Nolan, Zusy; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Department of Transportation and other relevant departments to examine how to improve connectivity north of Rindge Avenue during the Linear Park Reconstruction Project so that vulnerable road users can bypass Rindge Avenue and Cedar Street where possible. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by JSW, Toner, Zusy, Wilson; Toner added as sponsor 9-0; Order Adopted 9-0 as Amended
Order #3. City Council support for the workers of Cambridge Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in their efforts to secure fair wages, respect, and improved working conditions through collective bargaining. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)
Campaign donations this election cycle (so far) from SEIU: Siddiqui ($500), Sobrinho-Wheeler ($1000), Wilson ($500), Azeem ($500), McGovern ($500), Simmons ($1000)
Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Councillor Nolan transmitting a letter re: revocation of a curb cut application previously granted. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; prepared comments by Nolan; comments by Toner, Azeem; Motion to Suspend Rules for the Purpose of Reconsideration Fails 2-7 (Nolan, Zusy-YES); Placed on File 9-0
Councillors Zusy and Nolan expressed strong interest at the Oct 20 meeting in revoking this Hancock St. curb cut in order to restore 2 on-street parking spaces. Earlier this year they were the swing votes that approved the elimination of most of the on-street parking along the entire length of Broadway. - RW
A Tax Attacks – October 20, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting and Tax Rate Hearing
It’s the Second Coming of the Tax Classification Hearing after the alarm bells rang two weeks ago due to some (apparently) alarming news about the proposed jump in the commercial tax rate. A crisis is often an opportunity for some education.
How many people really understand what this hearing and vote is all about? How many people understand the limited options available under state law? How many people have given any thought at all to how the state legislature might change things in order to have a more fair system, e.g. setting the Residential Exemption within different residential classes, distinguishing large commercial properties from “mom and pop stores”, etc.? How many elected officials are willing to speak honestly about the fact that taxes are rising quickly primarily because of their own actions in growing the budget at a rate well in excess of inflation?
Unless the City Council is ready to dump more of the tax burden on residential properties (will never happen), there is actually very little that the City Council can do other than to just cast the usual votes.
Here are some of the items that drew my attention this week:
The Property Tax Rate Classification Hearing
[Tax Rate Letter from City Manager][Tax Rate Orders][Tax Rate Executive Summary][Commercial Tax Rate Examples]
Comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Asst. City Manager Claire Spinner, Assessing Director Gail Willett, Budget Director Taha Jennings, Councillors Toner, McGovern, Azeem, Nolan, Zusy, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson; Tax Rates Adopted 9-0; Both Orders Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Councillor Nolan, Elliott Veloso (Law Dept.), Franz LaBianca (Law Dept.), Councillor Siddiqui; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Charles J. Marquardt as an Election Commissioner for a four-year term, effective through March 31, 2029.
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-53, regarding a request that the City Manager consult with relevant departments about the implications of deploying license plate readers and provide recommendations as to whether adjustments in plans for deployment should be made in light of changes since approval in February. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by CPD Commissioner Christine Elow (noting how license plate readers may have helped sole Charlene Holmes murder case) , Pauline Wells (CPD), Peter Vellucci (CPD), Councillor Toner proposes referral to Public Safety Committee; McGovern to propose Late Order to suspend use of license plate readers for now; Mayor Simmons comments; Councillors Nolan, Azeem, Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui, Wilson, Toner comments; Referred to Public Safety Committee 9-0; Placed on File 9-0; Toner asks if a policy is currently in place (CPD - Yes), comments by McGovern, Nolan, Toner, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy (how can we know that they’re really off?), Commissioner Elow; Late Order (McGovern et.al.) “That the City suspend or revoke using Flock cameras and all ALPR technology currently in use, until a meeting is held by the Public Safety Committee of the City Council and a vote is taken to allow it.” Adopted 9-0
Late Order #9. That the City suspend or revoke using Flock cameras and all ALPR technology currently in use, until a meeting is held by the Public Safety Committee of the City Council and a vote is taken to allow it. Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment and reappointment of members to the Committee on Public Planting for terms of three years. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-34 regarding curb cut disputes. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy re: 177 Hancock St. curb cut and possibility that application contained misrepresentations; comments by Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Toner, Nolan; opinion on process from Elliott Veloso (Law Dept.); comments by Yi-An Huang, including requirement that legal notice be given prior to revocation of a permit; Sobrinho-Wheeler opines that City Council should not be deciding on individual curb cuts; Azeem comments, Veloso responds; Toner notes that a two-thirds vote is required to revisit this; Zusy also doesn’t want Council to decide on curb cuts, suggests Council was hoodwinked; McGovern, Simmons, Kathy Watkins, Toner, Wilson, Nolan, Azeem comments; Placed on File 9-0 (with an understanding that a future Communication and Order to rescind may follow)
Order #1. City Council support for Massachusetts’ community colleges and state universities and urging the state Legislature to pass the DRIVE Act with an amendment to cover student supports and other cuts beyond research grants as a first step toward public higher education funding that adequately supports students, faculty and staff. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No, but only due to a rushed procedural maneuver)
Order #3. City Council support of H.811, An Act authorizing cities and towns to provide for citizen-funded election campaigns. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No, but only due to a rushed procedural maneuver)
Order #4. City Council support of the unionization efforts of Massachusetts State House legislative staff and H.2093/S.1343, and urge the recognition of the Massachusetts State House Employee Union. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No, but only due to a rushed procedural maneuver)
Order #6. That the City Council supports House Bill H.3564, An Act Relative to Infrastructure Replacement Projects, and House Bill H.3446 /Senate Bill S.2248, An Act Relative to Municipal Voices in Gas Utility Work that are currently before the Massachusetts Legislature. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No, but only due to a rushed procedural maneuver)
Order #7. City Council support of Bill Lifting Caps on Municipal Solar. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No, but only due to a rushed procedural maneuver)
Order #8. City Council opposition to Harvard University’s efforts to strip union protections from workers in the Harvard Graduate Students Union bargaining unit, and to all forms of union busting, and go on record urging the Harvard administration to engage in good faith with the demands of our residents organizing with HGSU, HAW, and the Harvard Undergraduate Workers Union (HUWU), including fair pay, healthcare, and workplace harassment and discrimination protections. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No, but only due to a rushed procedural maneuver)
Charter Right #1. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Sept 16, 2025 to review and discuss solar impact analysis and zoning options to encourage the use of solar energy systems and protect solar access for Registered Solar Energy Systems. [Charter Right – Azeem, Sept 29, 2025]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #1. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Sept 25, 2025 to discuss whether the City should reinstate something similar to the exemption of the Dover Amendment to regulate the density and impact of institutional development within residential districts. The 1979 & 1980 exemption was eliminated Feb 10, 2025 with the passage of the Multifamily Housing Ordinance. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Oct 7, 2025 on a Zoning Petition by Martin Bakal, et al., to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Sections 4.30 and 4.40 with the intent to restrict increasing pavement in Open Space districts by establishing “Paved way greater than 10’ wide” as a principal use within the Table of Use Regulations that would be prohibited in Open Space districts and permitted in all other zoning districts, with a footnote providing further clarifications and restrictions on the establishment of “paved ways.” [text of report]
Comments by Zusy, McGovern; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; Unfavorable Recommendation Adopted 9-0
A Taxing Situation - October 6, 2025 City Council meeting and Tax Rate Hearing
Here are the featured items this week:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #25-55 relative to guidance during ICE encounters. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Commissioner Elow Cambridge Police Department, transmitting a memorandum regarding compliance with the Welcoming City Ordinance (Section 2.129.060), which mandates that a statistical breakdown of ICE interactions with the Cambridge Police. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Marnie Gale and C. Dale Gadsden and the reappointment of Louis Bacci III all for five-year terms to the Cambridge Housing Authority Board. [text of report]
Appointments Approved, Referred to Housing Committee for Discussion 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item #25-20 regarding Incentive Zoning Nexus Study. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Zero Emissions Transportation Plan Report. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
On The Table #6. A communication was received from Councillor Nolan transmitting a report on the Cambridge Zero Emission Transportation Plan. [Tabled – Sept 15, 2025] [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Tax Rate Hearing [6:30pm] Tax Rate Letter from City Manager
Charter Right - Toner
The bottom line is: The FY26 Adopted Operating Budget is $992.2 million which is an increase of 3.8% (or $36.6 million) over the FY25 Adopted Budget. The actual FY26 tax levy required to support the FY26 Budget is $678,852,471 which is an increase of $50,463,718 or 8.0% from FY25. This increase is consistent with the estimated increase of 8.0% projected in June 2025 as part of the Adopted Budget.
The property tax levy increase of 8.0% is lower than the FY25 increase of 9.2%. The five-year (FY22-FY26) annual average increase is 7.53%, and the ten-year (FY17-FY26) annual average increase is 6.72%. The FY26 residential tax rate will be $6.67 per thousand dollars of value, subject to Department of Revenue approval. This is an increase of $0.32, or approximately 5% from FY25. The commercial tax rate will be $14.07, which is an increase of $2.55, or 22% from FY25.
As a result of the market activity in calendar year 2024, which is the basis of the FY26 property assessments, total residential property values increased by 2.6%. Total commercial property values decreased by 11.5%. These mixed results; negative on commercial, and lightly positive for residential, indicate the continued softening of the commercial and lab markets and the slow growth of the residential market with little inventory and high interest rates.
By property class, an average a single-family home will see a 10.21% tax increase, a two-family will see a 9.18% increase, a three-family will see a 8.93% increase, and a condo will see an 13.26% increase. This last figure is interesting in that due to the flat residential exemption, condo owners were actually seeing decreases in recent years and only saw increases last yearand this year. Here are the median figures including the CPA Surcharge:
FY2026 Taxes - including CPA Surcharge and Residential Exemtion
| Residential Property Type |
FY24 Median Tax | FY25 Median Tax | FY26 Median Tax | Median $ increase |
% increase |
| Condominium | $1,555 | $1,734 | $1,964 | $ 230 | 13.26% |
| Single-Family | $7,674 | $8,277 | $9,122 | $ 845 | 10.21% |
| Two-Family | $6,713 | $7,146 | $7,802 | $ 656 | 9.18% |
| Three-Family | $8,246 | $8,865 | $9,657 | $ 792 | 8.93% |
History of changes in residential property taxes
| Median Annual Tax Increases - Cambridge (not incl. CPA surcharge) | ||||
| Tax Year | condo | single-family | two-family | three-family |
| FY2009 | $ 18 | $ 40 | $ 24 | $ 72 |
| FY2010 | $ 69 | $ 119 | $ 47 | $ 41 |
| FY2011 | $ 77 | $ 306 | $ 132 | $ 154 |
| FY2012 | $ 60 | $ 269 | $ 177 | $ 215 |
| FY2013 | $ 65 | $ 159 | $ 80 | $ 85 |
| FY2014 | - $ 38 | $ 109 | $ 110 | $ 201 |
| FY2015 | $ 15 | $ 11 | $ 334 | $ 253 |
| FY2016 | - $ 18 | $ 64 | $ 101 | $ 217 |
| FY2017 | $ 11 | $ 324 | $ 237 | $ 336 |
| FY2018 | $ 76 | $ 136 | $ 33 | $ 61 |
| FY2019 | $ 21 | $ 124 | $ 292 | $ 469 |
| FY2020 | $ 43 | $ 449 | $ 366 | $ 369 |
| FY2021 | $ 3 | $ 246 | $ 131 | $ 218 |
| FY2022 | $ 33 | $ 545 | $ 301 | $ 335 |
| FY2023 | - $ 107 | $ 419 | $ 269 | $ 379 |
| FY2024 | - $ 7 | $ 743 | $ 494 | $ 598 |
| FY2025 | $ 175 | $ 587 | $ 421 | $ 602 |
| FY2026 | $ 224 | $ 821 | $ 638 | $ 770 |
| 5 year average | $63.60 | $623.00 | $424.60 | $536.80 |
| 10 year average | $47.20 | $439.40 | $318.20 | $413.70 |
| 15 year average | $37.07 | $333.73 | $265.60 | $340.53 |
| number of properties (FY2023) | 14841 | 3910 | 2292 | 1168 |
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Works, the Department of Public Health, and any relevant environmental consultants to provide a comprehensive report on Gold Star Mothers Memorial Park. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted as Amended by Substitution 9-0
Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant staff to ensure that the zoning code relating to Institutional Use Regulation is in compliance with State law. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to consider a plan to better utilize the Russell Youth and Community Center. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Charter Right #1. Condolences to the family of Red T. Mitchell.
Adopted 9-0
Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department to draft zoning language based on the proposed recommendations, review the feasibility of the proposed recommendations with developers, and consider the possibility of having AHO construction be exempt from the proposed zoning. [Charter Right – Azeem, Sept 29, 2025]
Referred to Housing Committee and Health & Environment Committee 8-1 (Toner-No)
| City Council subcommittees for 2024-2025 [revised Sept 30, 2024 due to death of Councillor Joan Pickett*] |
|
| Committee | Members |
| Ordinance | McGovern (Co-Chair), Toner (Co-Chair),
Azeem, Nolan, Pickett*, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, Simmons, Zusy* (committee of the whole - mayor ex-officio) |
| Finance | Nolan (Co-Chair), Pickett* (Co-Chair), Toner (Co-Chair), Azeem, McGovern, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, Simmons, Zusy* (committee of the whole - mayor ex-officio) |
| Government Operations, Rules, and Claims | Toner (Chair), Pickett*, Azeem, McGovern, Zusy*, Sobrinho-Wheeler |
| Housing | Azeem (Co-Chair), Siddiqui (Co-Chair), McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson |
| Economic Development and University Relations | Toner (Chair), Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Wilson |
| Human Services & Veterans | McGovern (Co-Chair), Wilson (Co-Chair), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui, Nolan |
| Health & Environment | Nolan (Chair), Azeem, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson |
| Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Art, and Celebrations | Zusy* (Co-Chair), Sobrinho-Wheeler (Co-Chair), Pickett* (Co-Chair), Azeem, Nolan, Siddiqui |
| Transportation & Public Utilities | Pickett* (Chair), Zusy* (Chair), Azeem, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson |
| Civic Unity | Simmons (Co-Chair), Pickett* (Co-Chair), Zusy* (Co-Chair), McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson |
| Public Safety | Toner (Co-Chair), Wilson (Co-Chair), McGovern, Pickett*, Zusy*, Siddiqui |
| Family Policy Council | Siddiqui (Co-Chair), Wilson (Co-Chair) |
| Special Committee on Rules | Toner (Chair) |
FYI - Current Rules and Goals: Cambridge City Council & Cambridge School CommitteeCity Council Rules 2020-2021 (as amended Oct 26, 2020) City Council Rules 2018-2019 (provisionally adopted for 2020-2021 term on Jan 6, 2020) City Council Rules 2016-2017 (adopted Feb 29, 2016) City Council Rules 2014-2015 (adopted January 7, 2014, amended Feb 10, 2014 to reflect current Council committees) City Council Goals - FY2012-2013 (adopted Dec 13, 2011) 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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