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

Original Order
O-5     Feb 9, 2026  Charter Right - Simmons
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The fee for participation in the Resident Parking Permit program was raised in 2011 from $8 to $20 with a built in raise to $25 in 2013, where the rate currently stands, despite requests by council to increase the fee; and
WHEREAS: In 2023 the City Council passed PO23#137 which led to a Joint Health and Environment and Transportation committee meeting, and PO24#39 which requesting recommendations for adjusting parking permit fees to better align with the costs of operating the program; and
WHEREAS: In CM24#106 from May 2024 Cambridge DOT staff indicated that the cost of administering the parking permit program, including printing the stickers and processing applications, is at least $75 per permit, per year, and so every dollar charged below that cost is subsidized by the general fund, which is paid by all Cambridge taxpayers; and
WHEREAS: Senior residents have previously been exempted from paying the minimal fee for the cost of a parking permit, regardless of income or financial situation at the expense of all Cambridge taxpayers, including non-drivers; and
WHEREAS: $75 per year, or just over $6 per month, for unlimited on-street parking access is a nominal fee for car-owners and amounts to less than 1% of the annual cost of owning a car, including car payments, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and taxes, which is estimated at $11,500 annually; and
WHEREAS: Previously, the City Council requested a tiered fee structure for residential parking permits for income-eligible residents; however, after two years, City staff have indicated that implementing a tiered structure would include making significant adjustments to the vendor program and would likely result in much higher administrative costs, at only a marginal savings for residents; and
WHEREAS: The Zero Emissions Transportation Plan, published in October 2025, outlines SMART Goal 7, which is to reduce the number of resident parking permits issued over time, and in 2023 the City created a limit of four cars on the number of vehicles that individual residents are allowed to get a residential parking permit for; and
WHEREAS: The cost of operating the parking permit program should be paid by users and not pushed onto all residents including those who do not own cars and the city should seek to ensure fees charged match costs; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to:

• Raise the fee to receive a residential parking permit program for all residents to $75, to more accurately reflect the cost of administering the program, and 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; and

• 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; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council before June to ensure that changes are communicated prior to the next cycle of permit issuance.

---

Simmons Amended Version
O-5     Feb 9, 2026  Charter Right - Simmons
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The fee for participation in the Resident Parking Permit program was raised in 2011 from $8 to $20 with a built in raise to $25 in 2013, where the rate currently stands, despite requests by council to increase the fee; and
WHEREAS: In 2023 the City Council passed PO23#137 which led to a Joint Health and Environment and Transportation committee meeting, and PO24#39 which requesting recommendations for adjusting parking permit fees to better align with the costs of operating the program; and
WHEREAS: In CM24#106 from May 2024 Cambridge DOT staff indicated that the cost of administering the parking permit program, including printing the stickers and processing applications, is at least $75 per permit, per year, and so every dollar charged below that cost is subsidized by the general fund, which is paid by all Cambridge taxpayers; and
WHEREAS: Senior residents have previously been exempted from paying the minimal fee for the cost of a parking permit, regardless of income or financial situation at the expense of all Cambridge taxpayers, including non-drivers; and
WHEREAS: $75 per year, or just over $6 per month, for unlimited on-street parking access is a nominal fee for car-owners and amounts to less than 1% of the annual cost of owning a car, including car payments, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and taxes, which is estimated at $11,500 annually; and
WHEREAS: Previously, the City Council requested a tiered fee structure for residential parking permits for income-eligible residents; however, after two years, City staff have indicated that implementing a tiered structure would include making significant adjustments to the vendor program and would likely result in much higher administrative costs, at only a marginal savings for residents; and
WHEREAS: The Zero Emissions Transportation Plan, published in October 2025, outlines SMART Goal 7, which is to reduce the number of resident parking permits issued over time, and in 2023 the City created a limit of four cars on the number of vehicles that individual residents are allowed to get a residential parking permit for; and
WHEREAS: The cost of operating the parking permit program should be paid by users and not pushed onto all residents including those who do not own cars and the city should seek to ensure fees charged match costs; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to:

• Raise the fee to receive a residential parking permit program for all residents to $75, to more accurately reflect the cost of administering the program, and 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; and

• 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; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to ensure that senior residents remain exempt from being charged for the permit parking fee by default, unless they voluntarily self-identify by checking a box on their permit application attesting that the $75 fee would not constitute a financial hardship, in which case they shall be charged the full fee; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council before June to ensure that changes are communicated prior to the next cycle of permit issuance.

---

Al-Zubi Amended Version (motion not yet made)
O-5     Feb 9, 2026  Charter Right - Simmons
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The fee for participation in the Resident Parking Permit program was raised in 2011 from $8 to $20 with a built in raise to $25 in 2013, where the rate currently stands, despite requests by council to increase the fee; and
WHEREAS: In 2023 the City Council passed PO23#137 which led to a Joint Health and Environment and Transportation committee meeting, and PO24#39 which requesting recommendations for adjusting parking permit fees to better align with the costs of operating the program; and
WHEREAS: In CM24#106 from May 2024 Cambridge DOT staff indicated that the cost of administering the parking permit program, including printing the stickers and processing applications, is at least $75 per permit, per year, and so every dollar charged below that cost is subsidized by the general fund, which is paid by all Cambridge taxpayers; and
WHEREAS: Senior residents have previously been exempted from paying the minimal fee for the cost of a parking permit, regardless of income or financial situation at the expense of all Cambridge taxpayers, including non-drivers; and
WHEREAS: $75 per year, or just over $6 per month, for unlimited on-street parking access is a nominal fee for car-owners and amounts to less than 1% of the annual cost of owning a car, including car payments, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and taxes, which is estimated at $11,500 annually; and
WHEREAS: Previously, the City Council requested a tiered fee structure for residential parking permits for income-eligible residents; however, after two years, City staff have indicated that implementing a tiered structure would include making significant adjustments to the vendor program and would likely result in much higher administrative costs, at only a marginal savings for residents; and
WHEREAS: The Zero Emissions Transportation Plan, published in October 2025, outlines SMART Goal 7, which is to reduce the number of resident parking permits issued over time, and in 2023 the City created a limit of four cars on the number of vehicles that individual residents are allowed to get a residential parking permit for; and
WHEREAS: The cost of operating the parking permit program should be paid by users and not pushed onto all residents including those who do not own cars and the city should seek to ensure fees charged match costs; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to:

• Raise the fee to receive a residential parking permit program for all residents to $75, to more accurately reflect the cost of administering the program, and consider how to include a self-identified check off option so as not to increase administrative costs for a subsidized fee of $25 $0 for residents who live in affordable housing, are enrolled in a program such as SNAP, are enrolled in a program such as Medicare or are low income; and

• 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; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council before June to ensure that changes are communicated prior to the next cycle of permit issuance.

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)

O-6     Feb 9, 2026  Charter Right - Simmons (as amended Mar 2 by Simmons)
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Expanding and building on universal preschool programming has long been a goal of the Cambridge City Council, and over the last twenty years, the City administration, City Council, School Committee, and Cambridge Public Schools administration have worked to make the goal a reality for all 4-year-olds in Cambridge and many 3-year-olds; and
WHEREAS: The current iteration of CPP was the product of a broad coalition of educators, administrators, parents, and stakeholders, and built upon decades of CPS and DHSP programming, and was a longtime initiative of the City Council, noting the November 28, 2016 Roundtable, the December 2, 2019 Roundtable, and dozens of policy orders including POR 2021 #44, along with an ad hoc joint School Committee and City Council working group; and
WHEREAS: The current iteration of CPP was also borne out of countless reports and commissions as well as delays and frustrations with planning, and future planning needs to grapple with the lessons learned from years of effort; and the City Council received updates on implementation, including at a roundtable on January 13, 2025; and
WHEREAS: On November 10, 2025 the City Council and School Committee met with the City administration and School Department to discuss macroeconomic trends in Cambridge and preview budget and tax levy projections, and the key takeaways of that discussion and the Finance Committee meeting this term confirm that the City is experiencing a multi-year economic slowdown and the City needs to moderate budget growth to protect the City’s financial stability and taxpayer impact; and
WHEREAS: Expanding CPP would be a substantial investment and would clearly impact long-term budget planning, and so in the years before implementation, the City should begin scoping programming and begin to place targets on future implementation, including evaluating different models for means-testing programming, which could allow for further expansion of offerings for Cambridge families within a further limited municipal budget; and
WHEREAS: The costs of childcare have an enormous impact on families in Cambridge, and high childcare costs also keep parents, especially women, out of the labor force and can result in economic disparities in women’s labor market; and
WHEREAS: Access to high quality, affordable childcare is a proven path towards enhancing economic mobility and reducing stress on families, and has great potential to do the same in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: In 2022 New Mexico significantly expanded child-care services offering free childcare to all families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level, and in the process has lifted at least 120,000 people out of poverty, making it one of the most significant investments in the social safety net in the country and an extremely successful poverty reduction investment, and New Mexico recently expanded the effort, guaranteeing no-cost universal child care starting November 1, 2025, showing a strategic expansion of services over time; and
WHEREAS: By taking a long-term approach to planning for expansion of existing CPP programming, including discussing how means-testing programming might help fund expansion sooner, the community can plan for future expansion and strategize financial commitments in the years to come, and by investing in affordable childcare services, one of the largest expenses for families, and surest means of supporting economic mobility; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby 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, towards the goal of universal, free, quality child care for every family; and be it further
ORDERED: That in implementing any means-tested component of expanded early childhood programming, the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ensure that families remain eligible for free early childcare by default, unless they voluntarily self-identify by checking a box on their application attesting that the cost of childcare would not constitute a financial hardship, in which case they shall be charged the applicable fee; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council with an initial report for Council discussion by April.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A Special Meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s City Clerk Preliminary Screening Committee was held on Sept 9, 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. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Councillors Present: McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Simmons

2. A Special Meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s City Clerk Preliminary Screening Committee was held on Sept 19, 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. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Councillors Present: McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Simmons

3. A Special Meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s City Clerk Preliminary Screening Committee was held on Sept 24, 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. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Councillors Present: McGovern, Simmons
Councillors Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler

4. A Special Meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s City Clerk Preliminary Screening Committee was held on 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. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Councillors Present: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Simmons
Councillors Absent: McGovern

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
Present: McGovern, Toner
Remote Present: Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson
Also Present: Zusy, Simmons

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
Present: Al-Zubi, Flaherty, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui
Remote Present: Azeem, Simmons, Zusy
Absent: McGovern, Nolan

Amend section 4.50 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of permitting the use of land for the following purposes as-of-right in all zoning districts: religious purposes; educational purposes on land owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any of its agencies, subdivisions or bodies politic or by a religious sect or denomination, or by a nonprofit educational corporation; and for a child care center, school-aged child care program, family child care home, or large family child care home as defined in section 1a of Chapter 15d of Massachusetts General Laws. (ORD26#01)
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Mar 2, 2026
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is committed to ensuring that residents can fully understand, engage with, and participate in public meetings and decision-making processes; and
WHEREAS: Timely access to meeting agendas and supporting documentation – such as presentations, background memos, and related materials – allows members of the public to prepare informed public comment, follow discussions more effectively, and remain meaningfully involved in civic matters; and
WHEREAS: While many City departments and boards regularly publish detailed agendas and accompanying materials in advance of public meetings, the level of detail and timing of publication can vary, and not all meetings consistently post supporting documents ahead of time; and
WHEREAS: Residents have noted that the City’s website, though robust, can present inconsistent navigation paths to meeting information, with some links leading only to an agenda and others leading to full packets of materials – making it difficult for users to reliably locate all relevant documentation; and
WHEREAS: Improving consistency, transparency, and ease of access would strengthen public trust, enhance civic participation, and support the City’s long-standing commitment to open government; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby 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; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to assess opportunities to improve the consistency of how meeting information is posted and accessed on the City’s website – including clearer navigation paths, standardized posting practices, and improved user-friendliness – and report back to the City Council on recommended steps in a timely manner.

O-2     Mar 2, 2026  amended
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is entering the FY27 capital budget cycle in a constrained fiscal environment characterized by growing tax-supported debt service relative to the operating budget and increasing pressure to prioritize capital commitments; and
WHEREAS: Funding for major capital initiatives is frequently dispersed across multiple fiscal years, program names, and budget categories, such that the total authorized cost of a given initiative is not readily visible in any single adopted budget document; and
WHEREAS: Without a clear picture of what has already been approved, borrowed, spent, and still owed on existing projects, the City Council cannot make fully informed decisions about whether to take on new spending commitments; and
WHEREAS: Good fiscal governance requires that the Council have access to a clear and consolidated understanding of existing capital authorizations, bond obligations, expenditures, and estimated costs to completion before layering new commitments on top of prior-year decisions; and
WHEREAS: Departments are currently being asked to identify savings and limit growth, making lifecycle transparency for capital projects an important prerequisite to informed fiscal stewardship; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to produce and deliver to the City Council, prior to the adoption of the FY27 Capital Budget, a consolidated capital lifecycle reconciliation report for all major capital initiatives at or above $15,000,000 for the period of FY21 to FY26, presenting at minimum:
  (1) Total capital appropriated to date, by fiscal year and project name;
  (2) Bond authorizations and stated purposes;
  (3) Bonds issued to date;
  (4) Expenditures to date;
  (5) Committed but unspent balances;
  (6) Current estimated cost to completion; and
  (7) Explicit reconciliation where scope descriptions or project naming conventions have changed across fiscal years; and be it further
ORDERED: That said reconciliation report be made available to the Finance Committee for review and discussion at the appropriate stage of the FY27 budget process, and prior to any vote on additional capital appropriations; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

O-3     Mar 2, 2026  amended (Sobrinho-Wheeler)
COUNCILLOR AL-ZUBI
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: A core function of City government is the dissemination of information, including through online social media platforms; and
WHEREAS: The City is obligated to provide its services in such manners and venues that do not unduly burden certain segments of the public, or expose them disproportionately to harm and abuse; and
WHEREAS: The City has, from time to time, severed relationships with businesses engaging in practices deemed antithetical to Cambridge values, such as dignity and inclusivity; and
WHEREAS: Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), is a white nationalist who has, including but not limited to, incited violent anti-immigrant riots in the UK, led a devastating assault on the United States federal government in the form of “DOGE”; and
WHEREAS: Upon Musk’s purchase of Twitter in 2022, he swiftly moved to fire 80% of its Trust & Safety staff and eliminated guardrails against hate speech, harassment, and disinformation; and
WHEREAS: Musk personally intervened to not just welcome back but monetize the accounts of extremists who had previously been banned from the platform, including far right influencer Dom Lucre, who had been banned for posting Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM); and
WHEREAS: The Grok AI chatbot built into X generated an estimated 3 million sexualized images, including 23,000 of children, in just one 11 day period – a fact that can only be attributed to willful and malicious negligence, given that all other major AI firms have instituted guardrails against such use; and
WHEREAS: The cumulative impact of Musk’s interventions has been to make the platform that profits off its hostility towards women, queer people, people of color, Jews, Muslims, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge currently maintains X accounts for at least 15 departments, boards, and commissions including the City of Cambridge account, Police Department, Fire Department, Cambridge Public Schools, Public Works, and numerous other departments and commissions. This municipal presence has functioned to legitimize and drive traffic to X despite its transformation under current ownership; and
WHEREAS: The City maintains robust emergency communication infrastructure independent of X, including the City website (cambridgema.gov), CodeRED emergency notification system, email alerts and newsletters, SMS messaging systems, partnerships with local media outlets, and presence on multiple social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Bluesky, and Threads); and X accounts can be effectively replaced by other means of communication, and
WHEREAS: Recent developments, including international government responses to Grok AI’s synthetic abuse material capabilities and the Brazil Supreme Court’s 2024 decision to block X nationwide due to platform non-compliance with content moderation orders, demonstrate growing institutional recognition that X’s transformation requires reassessment of government presence on the platform; therefore be it
ORDERED: 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, and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ensure that existing City accounts post a final notice to the public on any platforms whose use is discontinued by the City directing all further communication to alternative platforms, including the official City website (cambridgema.gov), email notification systems, alternative social media accounts, and SMS alerts; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the City’s social media platfom usage policies, and the criteria and metrics by which the City of Cambridge decides to use various social media platfoms, and provide an update to the City Council on the rationale for which it has decided to disseminate City information on certain platforms; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to discontinue the City’s use of any further social media platforms, in addition to X, if that platfom does not meet the criteria developed pursuant to the preceding paragraph, following report back to and consultation with the City Council; 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     Mar 2, 2026
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR AL-ZUBI
WHEREAS: Since the beginning of the year, Cambridge has experienced multiple snowstorms that have dropped several feet of snow on the city, including a blizzard on February 22-23 that deposited more than 30 inches of precipitation; and
WHEREAS: Clearing this snow has required a tremendous amount of work from the City’s Department of Public Works staff, contractors, and Cambridge residents; and
WHEREAS: Currently the City of Cambridge is responsible for clearing snow from City-owned streets and sidewalks next to parks, schools, and municipal buildings – as well as curb cuts at crosswalks – with other sidewalk snow clearance the responsibility of private property owners; and
WHEREAS: While many sidewalks, bus stops, and crosswalks are well cleared 12 hours after snow stops – which is the requirement in Cambridge – some are not, and this patchwork creates significant challenges for Cambridge residents, especially people who use wheelchairs, have other mobility challenges, or who have strollers; and
WHEREAS: Snow challenges for pedestrians can be dangerous, as evidenced by the death of a woman with mobility challenges on February 1 who was using a walker in Wareham, MA and was struck by a car while walking in the street because of an uncleared sidewalk; and
WHEREAS: The City currently has a Snow Exemption Program for low-income homeowners with disabilities or who are over age 60 where City staff will clear sidewalks, as well as a Student Shoveler Program that works to connect teens with other residents who hire them for snow shoveling assistance; and
WHEREAS: Some cities have recently been exploring an expansion of their sidewalk snow clearing programs, including the creation of a Snow Corps in Boston based on models in Baltimore and Chicago and the hiring of Emergency Snow Shovelers by the New York City Department of Sanitation; and
WHEREAS: After significant snow events, it is important to review what is working well with City operations, as well as what can be improved to meet the needs of all residents, including the existing Snow Exemption and Student Shoveler Programs, as well as other City snow operations; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back with information on the following as the first step in the exploration of a potential Cambridge Snow Corps program:

1. Data on the City’s Snow Exemption program for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, including how many residents are currently signed up for snow exemptions

2. Data on the Student Shoveler Program, including how many teens are currently included in the program, how many new sign-ups there are per year, and how many requests the Council on Aging has received for connections with student shovelers

3. SeeClickFix data on “Icy or Unshoveled Sidewalks”, and any other data on unshoveled crosswalk or bus stop requests, including how many requests have been made and responded to so far in 2026, the geographical distribution of the requests, and other relevant patterns in the data

4. The number of citations issued for icy or unshoveled sidewalks in the last three years and 2026 year-to-date; 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-5     Mar 2, 2026
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Cambridge is committed to identifying and eliminating preventable causes of traffic fatalities and serious injuries and on several occasions Cambridge City Council has expressed intent to pursue automated traffic enforcement, and the National Highway Safety Administration research shows traffic cameras could cut serious crashes by 25 percent; and
WHEREAS: As far back as 2009, the Council voted to support the option for local legislation on automated red-light enforcement, and over time the Council has reaffirmed its desire to implement automated traffic enforcement including:
  • PO19#37, in which the Council voted in support of a Massachusetts bill that would allow for camera enforcement to reduce red light and speeding violations; and
  • PO20#53, which called for Cambridge to become a pilot city for automated traffic enforcement, which was adopted unanimously by the Council; and
  • PO23#19, in which the Council voted to look into the feasibility of automated traffic enforcement in Cambridge; and
  • PO23#30, in which the Council unanimously expressed support for Massachusetts bills which would allow municipalities to implement automated ticketing systems; and
  • PO23#120, in which the Council unanimously voted to submit a Home Rule Petition which would allow Cambridge to employ automated enforcement; and
WHEREAS: Home Rule Petitions need to be resubmitted periodically due to expiration in the state legislature and additionally, the legal framework of the legislation has changed slightly since state law changes to camera enforcement for buses were enacted; and
WHEREAS: Road safety advocates, Democratic lawmakers, and Governor Maura Healey are pushing varying bills that would allow local and state officials to install and operate cameras to enforce red light, speeding, or other moving violations, including “An Act Relative To Traffic Regulation Using Road Safety Cameras,” Senate Bill S.2344 and House Bill H.3754; now therefore be it
ORDERED: 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 be it further
ORDERED That the Cambridge City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this resolution to each member of the Cambridge delegation to the state legislature; and be it further
ORDERED: 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; 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-6     Mar 2, 2026
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
WHEREAS: Each election year, the City of Cambridge, along with thousands of other local and state government entities, hires workers to conduct primary and general elections for national, state, and local elections; and
WHEREAS: Election workers may be compensated by a set fee per day or a stipend for the election period and are often paid for work on election days as well as training or preparatory meetings, and compensation paid to election workers is includible as wage income for income tax purposes; and
WHEREAS: IRS guidance on Election Workers indicates that election workers may request a voluntary income tax withholding by completing a W-4 form under IRC 3402(p), but they are not subject to income tax withholding requirements under IRS 3401(a); and
WHEREAS: Other municipalities in Massachusetts, including at least Amherst, Lawrence, Springfield, Watertown, and Westfield have a streamlined hiring process for election workers to minimize paperwork and pay election workers as vendors; and
WHEREAS: Current practice of hiring election poll workers in Cambridge requires poll workers to fill out all the paperwork required of full-time employees including income tax, social security, and Medicare withholdings (FICA) as well as mandatory retirement accounts which can be burdensome; and
WHEREAS: Most election workers do not work enough hours to earn more than $2200 in any year, and thus in Massachusetts are not required to have FICA withholdings and can report their earnings independently and be paid as vendors; and
WHEREAS: For those workers who will likely earn above the limit, the City can continue to hire them as employees using the current process; and
WHEREAS: Hiring election poll workers as vendors by stipend rather than automatically withholding wages and creating retirement plans for each worker can streamline services, recruit workers more easily, and help individual workers with ease of processing; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments as well as the Election Commissioners to review guidance from the IRS and consult with other municipalities in order to simplify our processes for paying election workers and pay workers by stipend without mandatory withholdings or municipal retirement contributions; 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-7     Mar 2, 2026
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
ORDERED: That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026, be a Roundtable/Working meeting to discuss the best future uses of City-owned properties and associated redevelopment processes, as requested in Policy Order 2026 #5.

O-8     Mar 2, 2026
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: International Long COVID Awareness Day, observed annually on March 15, seeks to raise awareness of Long COVID, a disabling illness resulting from a SARS-CoV-2 infection, which can produce a complex array of over 200 symptoms lasting for weeks, months, or longer; and
WHEREAS: Long COVID affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, many of whom experience severe impacts on daily life, and increasing public awareness is essential to support research, reduce stigma, and foster understanding of this chronic condition; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is committed to promoting public health, supporting those living with chronic illnesses, and encouraging community understanding and empathy for individuals impacted by Long COVID; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record recognizing March 15, 2026, as International Long COVID Awareness Day in the City of Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to illuminate City Hall in teal (#18929A) and gray (#939393) on March 15, 2026, in recognition of International Long COVID Awareness Day; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Long COVID Foundation & International Long COVID Awareness Teams for their records on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-9     Mar 2, 2026
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Mental Health Awareness Month, observed each May, seeks to elevate understanding of mental well-being and break down the stigma associated with mental health challenges; and
WHEREAS: During this month, mental health organizations across the country mobilize to expand access to care, raise public awareness, and challenge the stigma surrounding mental health conditions – a mission made all the more urgent in the wake of the global pandemic and amid ongoing societal challenges that have intensified the need for equitable, accessible mental health support for individuals, families, and communities; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a community culture that supports mental health awareness, encourages open dialogue, and empowers those experiencing mental health challenges to seek care without fear of judgment; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Public Health Department has reserved the billboard outside City Hall from May 4 - May 10, 2026, to highlight Mental Health Awareness Month; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record recognizing May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to illuminate City Hall in green for Mental Health Awareness Month from May 4 - May 10, 2026, in coordination with the Cambridge Public Health Department’s awareness efforts; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Cambridge Public Health Department on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-10     Mar 2, 2026
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: Libraries are invaluable public institutions that foster critical thinking and intellectual growth for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities; and
WHEREAS: Recent organized campaigns led by pressure groups have attempted to censor books and other library resources, including 2,452 unique titles challenged in 2024 according to the American Library Association; and
WHEREAS: Library book bans have targeted titles that feature people and characters from historically marginalized communities and according to PEN America, of the most banned books in the 2023-2024 school year, 44% featured people and characters of color and 39% featured LGBTQ+ people and characters; and
WHEREAS: A pending state bill, titled An Act regarding free expression (Bill S.2726, Bill H.3594) protects against attempts to ban, restrict, or remove access to books and other public library resources in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by requiring school committees and other school library authorities to establish a written policy for the selection and use of library materials, including responses to attempts to remove or restrict library materials, in accordance with standards adopted by the American Library Association; and
WHEREAS: The bills further protects librarians from retaliation for the selection of library materials made in good faith and in accordance with approved school policy; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council recognizes the importance of protecting our public libraries and librarians from censorship campaigns and ensuring that library curation standards are set by the professional expertise of the American Library Association rather than political whims; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record in support of S.2726 and H.3594 and urges the Massachusetts Legislature to pass and for the governor to sign the bill without delay; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Cambridge state legislative delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-11     Mar 2, 2026
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: The US MEF2C Foundation works to increase awareness of the MEF2C gene and the developmental disabilities associated with mutations and deletions of this gene, which is located on the 5th chromosome in region 14.3; and
WHEREAS: MEF2C Awareness Day, observed annually on May 14, seeks to educate the public about this rare genetic condition, support affected individuals and families, and foster global awareness of the challenges and needs of the MEF2C community; and
WHEREAS: Although MEF2C-related diagnoses are extremely rare, families affected by this condition exist worldwide, including in Massachusetts, and raising public awareness helps build understanding, support networks, and resources for families navigating diagnosis and life planning; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record recognizing May 14, 2026, as MEF2C Awareness Day in the City of Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to illuminate City Hall in MEF2C awareness blue (#239CD6) on May 14, 2026, in recognition of MEF2C Awareness Day and in solidarity with families affected by this genetic condition; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the US MEF2C Foundation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-12     Mar 2, 2026  amended
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR AL-ZUBI
COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY
WHEREAS: Information literacy is a vital skill for all K-12 students in the 21st century and schools have a responsibility to equip students with the tools to successfully navigate an increasingly complex digital information landscape and critically evaluate the reliability of different information sources; and
WHEREAS: School libraries play an important role in educating young people about how to find, evaluate, and use information responsibly and information literacy is necessary for students to become effective researchers, critical thinkers, discerning media consumers, and good citizens; and
WHEREAS: Representative Angelo Puppolo and Senator Jacob Oliveira have sponsored a bill, An Act relative to school library standards (Bill S.428, Bill H.4207), to require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to adopt the most recent edition of academic standards for school library media programs developed by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and endorsed by the Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA); and
WHEREAS: The bill defines an effective school library program as one that employs certified school librarians and maintains a grade-appropriate collection that supports independent reading and inquiry, teaches information literacy and research skills for students from kindergarten to grade 12, improves reading proficiency, and integrates learning technologies across the program of study; and
WHEREAS: The bill requires no funding but requires DESE to conduct a study every three years beginning the third year after enactment of the school library standards and the study will examine the employment of school librarians, types of school library programs offered, best practices, and recommended improvements to school library programs; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record in support of S.428 and H.4208 and urge the Massachusetts Legislature to pass and for the governor to sign it without delay; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Cambridge state legislative delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-13     Mar 2, 2026  Charter Right - Al-Zubi
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The City Council passed the Cambridge Street Zoning Ordinance January 26, 2026, just a few days before it was set to expire, with the understanding that Community Development (CDD) would draft zoning encouraging active ground floor space within the weeks following; and
WHEREAS: Many members of the East Cambridge community believe that the Ordinance should consider additional amendments as well, including:
  • setbacks as current sidewalks are very narrow and a goal of Our Cambridge Street was to add trees;
  • step backs at the 4th floor and where buildings abut side streets so that this East-West street is not cast into shade during the winter months;
  • the impact of wet labs being as of right;
  • other ways that the City can incentive local retail;
  • Incentivize the creation of pocket parks;
  • design review for buildings over 4 stories;
  • that CDD produce an annual report on the impacts of the new zoning detailing how many housing units (affordable IZ and market rate) have been built, how many residents and local businesses have been displaced; and impacts on ground floor retail; and
WHEREAS: The City Council will be discussing Active Ground Floor Use proposals at an upcoming Ordinance Committee meeting and this would be the appropriate time to discuss these issues as well, before zoning language is drafted; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Ordinance Committee include discussion of these additional items at their upcoming meeting about amendments to the recent Cambridge Street Zoning.