LATE CITY 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)

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)

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. (CM26#4) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Al-Zubi; Charter Right - Al-Zubi (who wants to hear more from “the organizers”)

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)

O-3     Jan 12, 2026  Charter Right - Simmons; amended
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: City Hall serves as the central civic space for governance, public participation, and the delivery of essential municipal services, and must remain accessible while ensuring the safety of all who work in or visit the building; and
WHEREAS: Municipal buildings across the United States have, at various times, been the sites of serious acts of violence directed at elected officials, municipal employees, and members of the public; and
WHEREAS: On November 27, 1978, San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk were assassinated inside San Francisco City Hall, demonstrating the grave risks that can arise within government facilities; and
WHEREAS: On July 23, 2003, New York City Council Member James Davis was fatally shot inside New York City Hall during a City Council session, highlighting vulnerabilities in legislative spaces designed for public access; and
WHEREAS: On February 7, 2008, a gunman opened fire during a public meeting inside the Kirkwood, Missouri City Hall council chamber, killing multiple municipal officials and a responding police officer; and
WHEREAS: On January 5, 2026, an individual forcibly entered Lawrence City Hall in Kansas, breached secured internal office space housing senior municipal leadership, and was fatally shot following an altercation with a trained and authorized city employee, resulting in the temporary closure of City Hall and disruption of municipal court operations; and
WHEREAS: These incidents illustrate that acts of violence and forced entry within municipal buildings are neither hypothetical nor unprecedented, and that unauthorized access to secured government spaces can rapidly escalate into life-threatening situations; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has a responsibility to safeguard City employees, elected officials, volunteers, and members of the public while maintaining transparency, openness, and meaningful civic engagement; and
WHEREAS: Many municipalities have responded to similar risks by implementing layered safety measures, including access controls, trained security personnel, emergency response protocols, and modernized security technology; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby 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; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with findings, recommended improvements, and a proposed implementation timeline subject to City Council approval for this enhanced safety plan no later than 90 days from now.

Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler Alternative: (Failed 4-5)
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with findings, recommended improvements, and a proposed implementation timeline for this enhanced safety plan no later than 90 30 days from now.

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)
Reference: Dec 22, 2025 Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a revised Cambridge Street zoning petition. (CM25#311) [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)]

RESOLUTIONS
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

Original Resolution #1     Jan 26, 2026
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Donald Williams, born in 1953, has spent his life closely connected to the City of Cambridge and he was educated in the Cambridge Public Schools, including Blessed Sacrament School and Cambridge High and Latin School; and
WHEREAS: Donald is the devoted father of eight children and has spent decades deeply rooted in the people, streets, and stories of this city, with a particular love for Central Square, a place he has long called home; and
WHEREAS: Over the course of his working life, Donald held many jobs in Cambridge, most recently at the Mass Avenue Diner, where he was known not only for serving good food, but for filling the space with warmth, humor, and kind conversation, making customers feel seen, welcome, and cared for; and
WHEREAS: Donald has long been a familiar and trusted presence in Central Square, a natural connector and listener, whose engagement with neighbors reflected a genuine commitment to community and civic life; and
WHEREAS: As a political activist in his own right, Donald consistently demonstrated an interest in the well-being of the city and its people, believing deeply that local voices matter and that community is built through everyday relationships; and
WHEREAS: In recognition of his lifelong contributions, his love for Central Square, and the joy and humanity he has brought to so many, the City of Cambridge wishes to honor Donald Williams in a way that reflects both his spirit and his enduring connection to this place; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record in wishing Donald Williams a swift and full recovery; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Donald Williams on behalf of the entire City Council.

Amended Resolution #1     Jan 26, 2026
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of longtime Cambridge resident Donald Williams; and
WHEREAS: Donald Williams, born in 1953, has spent his life closely connected to the City of Cambridge and he was educated in the Cambridge Public Schools, including Blessed Sacrament School and Cambridge High and Latin School; and
WHEREAS: Donald is the devoted father of eight children and has spent decades deeply rooted in the people, streets, and stories of this city, with a particular love for Central Square, a place he has long called home; and
WHEREAS: Over the course of his working life, Donald held many jobs in Cambridge, most recently at the Mass Avenue Diner, where he was known not only for serving good food, but for filling the space with warmth, humor, and kind conversation, making customers feel seen, welcome, and cared for; and
WHEREAS: Donald has long been a familiar and trusted presence in Central Square and was regarded as the Vice Mayor of Central Square, a natural connector and listener, whose engagement with neighbors reflected a genuine commitment to community and civic life; and
WHEREAS: As a political activist in his own right, Donald consistently demonstrated an interest in the well-being of the city and its people, believing deeply that local voices matter and that community is built through everyday relationships; and
WHEREAS: Donald Williams shall be fondly remembered for his lifelong contributions, his love for Central Square, and the joy and humanity he has brought to so many in the Cambridge community; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record in extending its deepest condolences to the family of Donald Williams for their tremendous loss; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the family of Donald Williams on behalf of the entire City Council.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
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. (CC26#1) [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: McGovern, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan, Toner, Zusy
Remote Present: Azeem, Wilson
Absent: Simmons

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. (CC26#2) [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson
Also Present: Zusy

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. (CC26#3) [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: McGovern, Siddiqui, Zusy
Remote Present: Toner, Wilson
Also Present: Nolan, Simmons

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. (CC26#4) [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: Azeem, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan
Also Present: Zusy
Absent: McGovern, Wilson

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Jan 26, 2026  Charter Right - Al-Zubi; w/ amendments adopted Feb 9
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR AL-ZUBI (added Feb 9)
WHEREAS: Access to the internet, a modern utility, is a vital part of everyday life and essential for the citizens of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: In 2014 the City formed a Broadband Task Force to work on issues of internet access and evaluate the city’s internet infrastructure with a final report delivered in 2016 with recommendations for future actions including a municipal broadband feasibility study and ways to ensure digital equity; and
WHEREAS: The city completed a citywide comprehensive digital equity study in 2021 which was a result of City Council actions and was meant to serve as a foundation for the city’s future digital equity and broadband initiatives; and
WHEREAS: In 2023 the City further published a report on Municipal Broadband Feasibility & Business Model Options; and
WHEREAS: In February 2025, the Council also passed Policy Order #13 requesting the City Manager to create a plan with a schedule and milestones to move forward the creation of a Municipal Broadband Network; and
WHEREAS: It is critical that we ensure that underserved audiences have internet access, which is very expensive; and
WHEREAS: To achieve this, over the past almost decade, the city has partnered with many to implement internet access programs; and
WHEREAS: In 2016, MIT, Google, Boston Properties, the City of Cambridge, and the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA), established a free Wi-Fi network at Newtowne Court and Washington Elms public housing – this continues to function; and
WHEREAS: In December 2024, with $1.1m of ARPA funds, Cambridge funded a three-year test program between Starry and the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) to provide internet access to the residents of the Frank J. Manning, Washington Elms and Newtowne Court apartments; and
WHEREAS: In 2022, the CHA launched a computer training program for senior residents at a few CHA properties, including Manning apartments, offering free Chromebooks, funded by Google; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge also provides public Wi-Fi in our schools, libraries and public buildings; and the Cambridge Public Library offers a Digital Equity Initiative, offering free tech classes, help and take out technology; and CCTV, with the City, offers a Digital Navigator Program offering free laptops, hotspots and essential tech training; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Public Library just received a grant of $100,000 to further fund their digital navigator program and equipment to provide greater internet access; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct 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; and be it further
ORDERED: That this evaluation include exploration of the federal USAC Lifeline and BEAD programs; and
ORDERED: Despite near-term financial challenges, the City Manager is hereby requested to retain Municipal Broadband in capital planningh for the coming years.

O-2     Jan 26, 2026  amended
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
WHEREAS: The global climate crisis is rapidly worsening, requiring bold and immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate its impacts, and in the face of quickly-worsening global climate impacts, the City of Cambridge has been increasing its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors, as outlined in the Sustainable Cambridge initiative; and
WHEREAS: A plant-based diet is recognized as one of the most effective individual actions to improve global sustainability with research showing that plant-based diets generally have 25% of the environmental impact of high-meat diets and can help in reducing pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and preservation of water resources, while improving soil health and more efficient land use; and a plant-based diet has positive nutritional and health benefits for people of all ages and lifestyles; and
WHEREAS: A global initiative is underway calling for a Plant Based Treaty that through its three R’s - Redirect, Relinquish, and Restore - aims to incentivize and promote a plant-based food system, halt the accelerating expansion of animal agriculture, rewild critical ecosystems in line with the global commitment to limit warming to l .5°C, and work to mitigate the climate crisis with fair, equitable transition plans, and the Plant Based Treaty is focused on reducing reliance on animal agriculture and promoting sustainable, plant-based food systems, serving as a companion to the Paris Climate Agreement; and
WHEREAS: The City of Los Angeles and 64 other cities around the world have already expressed support for the Plant Based Treaty, aligning with growing global recognition of the need for food system reform to combat climate change; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has long prioritized climate action and sustainability with policies and initiatives outlined in Sustainable Cambridge, such as the Net Zero Action Plan, Zero Emissions Transportation Plan, and Zero Waste Master Plan, among others, and has committed to an established goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions community-wide by 2050; and
WHEREAS: Sustainable Cambridge includes all that we do to address climate change, including the steps that residents can take to be sustainable at home and details about Urban Agriculture, and there is an opportunity to add consumption goals for plant-based food choices; and
WHEREAS: Action to improve accessibility and promote the consumption of plant-based foods in Cambridge will help to mitigate and adapt Cambridge to the impacts of climate change, improve social justice and economic wellbeing, and support Cambridge in reducing its consumption-based emissions; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That this City Council formally endorses support for the Plant Based Treaty and encourages the Cambridge state and federal delegation to support the Plant Based Treaty as well as promote state and federal policies to reduce food-based emissions and prioritize plant food purchasing as a centerpiece of greenhouse gas emissions policies; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to:

• incorporate plant-based solutions into the Sustainable Cambridge initiative including promotion of the personal and community benefits of plant-based food choices, and adding future calculations of consumption-based greenhouse gas emissions and;

• incorporate plant-based purchasing practices in City-operated events and work with the School Department to incorporate plant-based purchasing practices in School-related events; and

• use municipal communications channels to promote sustainable and affordable food and drink practices throughout the City, including details of the climate and health benefits of plant-based food and drinks and educating people on the best ways to achieve a balanced plant-based diet, while also appropriately highlighting the crisis of ever-increasing food poverty and the support available to respond to it; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back in a timely manner; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge state and federal delegation on behalf of the City Council.

O-3     Jan 26, 2026
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
WHEREAS: The City Council and the community have expressed support for more street closures in the Harvard Square area, including POR 2022 #129, POR 2020 #188, POR 2019 #321, and POR 2025 #103, and in September 2025, the City Manager announced plans to move forward with pedestrianization on Lower Bow Street in Spring 2026; and
WHEREAS: The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning Committee held a meeting in November of 2020 about increased pedestrianization of Harvard Square and a 2018 study on Expanding Multimodal Access in Harvard Square identified several opportunities for expanding pedestrianization via shared spaces and local/slow streets that would allow only for delivery and emergency vehicles; and
WHEREAS: The City Council, City administration, and local residents and property owners have had meetings including walk throughs of Harvard Square to explore options for a change in street use, and due to technology and newly accessible sources of data on transportation, a full comprehensive study may be accomplished in a more cost and time effective manner on possibilities for expanding pedestrianization options in Harvard Square; and
WHEREAS: The FY26 Budget (VI-27) appropriates $300,000 towards a possible Harvard Square Pedestrianization Study, showing a commitment by the City Manager to pursuing long term pedestrianization strategies; and that amount has not been committed and questions were raised at the time about the high cost of such a substantial study; and
WHEREAS: In a difficult FY27 budget cycle, all departments were instructed to identify savings targets in departmental spending as well as reduce consultant contract spending; and
WHEREAS: There are clear and accessible opportunities for pilot pedestrianization projects in 2026 on Dunster Street, Palmer Street, Winthrop Street, and others that would not take significant studies and could be implemented with additional coordination with the Harvard Square Business Association and local property owners to assess operational needs for vehicle access in the area; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby 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; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-4     Jan 26, 2026
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
ORDERED: That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026, be a Joint Roundtable/Working meeting with the School Committee to discuss the FY27 Cambridge Public Schools budget priorities.

O-5     Jan 26, 2026
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
ORDERED: That the City Council shall convene for its special summer meeting on Monday, August 3, 2026.

O-6     Jan 26, 2026
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
ORDERED: That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, November 30, 2026, be and hereby is canceled.

O-7     Jan 26, 2026
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
ORDERED: That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, December 28, 2026, be and hereby is canceled.

O-8     Jan 26, 2026
COUNCILLOR AL-ZUBI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: In June 2025, as a response to Policy Order 2025 #69 and significant community concern about the closure of the Transition Wellness Center, City Manager Huang increased the Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) FY26 operating budget by $1 million to establish a new Municipal Supportive Housing Voucher (MSHV) program for 25 unhoused individuals to transition into permanent housing with supportive services; and
WHEREAS: A concurrent June 2025 update anticipated that the soonest the MSHV could be up and running was late-August or September 2025; and
WHEREAS: On August 1, 2025, DHSP issued a Request for Proposals seeking to enter into a grant agreement with a not-for-profit organization to administer and operate the MSHV program, noting that “the objective of the service is to assist voucher holders to make a successful transition from homelessness to permanent housing, maintain tenancy, and achieve stability through connections to additional services and supports”; and
WHEREAS: On August 28, 2025, the City announced that the MSHV program would be administered by the Cambridge Housing Authority, reiterating that the program was expected to start up as early as late-August or September 2025, and noting that “the City and CHA will work together to design a prioritization process to select tenants this summer. The program will likely prioritize individuals who have experienced long durations of homelessness and need continuing supportive services”; and
WHEREAS: There has not since been a public update on the rollout of this program; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide an update to the council, including (but not limited to) the following:

1. Current implementation status, including the number of vouchers issued to date, the number of individuals successfully housed, and how many voucher recipients were former residents of the Transition Wellness Center

2. The final prioritization criteria and tenant selection process that was adopted

3. The staffing structure and support services available to voucher recipients, including case management and assistance with startup costs

4. Strategies being employed to address voucher discrimination and support successful lease-up

5. Program parameters, including payment standards, geographic restrictions, housing search timelines, and duration of voucher commitments

6. Any challenges encountered during implementation and the anticipated timeline for full program enrollment

7. Plans for ongoing program assessment and evaluation; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on this matter within 30 days.

O-9     Jan 26, 2026
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
ORDERED: That the Mayor hereby appoints a committee, to screen applicants for the position of City Clerk; and be it further
ORDERED: That this committee shall be charged with reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, and recommending finalists for consideration by the full City Council.

O-10     Jan 26, 2026
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR AL-ZUBI
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Over the last two weeks, ICE agents killed two people, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were engaged in peaceful resistance against DHS’ Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, though federal immigration agents have injured and killed several others in recent months, both in and out of ICE custody; and
WHEREAS: Agencies and divisions under the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), have been increasing their immigration enforcement across the country; and
WHEREAS: As part of these efforts and raids, DHS agents have been hostile and violent toward citizens, documented and undocumented immigrants, and peaceful protesters; and
WHEREAS: In response to the recent horrific actions taken by DHS, this City Council and City of Cambridge staff are considering additional policy responses to protect all Cambridge residents, regardless of immigration status; and
WHEREAS: The United States Supreme Court has recognized that a flag flying at half-mast “conveys a community message of sympathy or somber remembrance,” allowing local communities’ flags to be flown at half-staff outside of orders from the Governor of Massachusetts, Congress, and the President of the United States; now therefore be it
ORDERED: 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.