Cambridge City Council meeting - March 9, 2026

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2025 Annual Surveillance Report concerning City departments’ use of surveillance technology or surveillance data. (CM26#44) [text of report]

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge retaining its Triple A (AAA) rating from the nation’s three major credit rating agencies. (CM26#50) [text of report]

3. Transmitting a communication from City Manager Yi-An Huang relative to the 2025/2026 Green Jobs Initiative Report. (CM26#46) [text of report]

4. Transmitting a communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Mass Save Community First Partnership Grant in the amount of $256,500, to the Grant Fund Office of Sustainability Other Ordinary Maintenance Account. These funds will be used to contract for outreach services to support energy efficiency programs for residents and small businesses. (CM26#47)

5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to 2026-2027 Housing and Zoning priorities. (CM26#49) [text of report]

6. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, regarding a free cash appropriation in the amount of $400,000 to the General Fund Law Dept Travel and Training (Judgement and Damages) account for the settlement payment relating to Ahern v. Sig Sauer, Inc. and City of Cambridge (United States District Court District of Massachusetts, Docket No. 1:21-cv11007-DJC). (CM26#51) [text of report]

ORDERS
1. City Council opposition to the Department of Education’s Proposed Reclassification of Professional Degrees. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui (PO26#52)

2. Recognize March 2026 as National Social Worker Month in the City of Cambridge. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui (PO26#53)

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Include discussion of other changes to the Cambridge Street zoning at the upcoming Ordinance Committee meeting about active ground floor use. [Charter Right – Al-Zubi, Mar 2, 2026] (PO26#50)

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.

ON THE TABLE
2. 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; Tabled Mar 2, 2026] (PO26#32)

3. 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] (CM26#24)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
4. 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. [Passed to 2nd reading Mar 2, 2026] (ORD26#1)

COMMUNICATIONS
1. Adam Manacher – 3/2 comment to be included in the public record

19. Valerie A. Bonds – Some Members of the Cambridge City Council Proposing Removing the Senior Parking Exemption Fee

RESOLUTIONS
1. Condolences to the family of Alfredo Roderick Brown. Councillor Simmons

3. Condolences to the family of Joseph Sater. Councillor Simmons

Res-3 Mar 9, 2026
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS

WHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Joseph Sater on March 3, 2026; and

WHEREAS: In 1974, Joseph Sater and his brother Nabil Sater co-founded the Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub in Central Square, establishing what would become one of Cambridge’s longest-standing live music and entertainment venues; and

WHEREAS: Located in the heart of Central Square, the Middle East has, for more than five decades, served as a gathering place for music, performance, and community life, and has contributed significantly to Cambridge’s reputation as a vibrant center of arts and culture; and

WHEREAS: Over the course of many years, the venue grew to include multiple performance spaces and the neighboring club Sonia on Brookline Street, hosting performances by emerging artists and internationally known musicians while welcoming generations of residents, students, and visitors; and

WHEREAS: Joseph Sater was closely associated with the Middle East for more than four decades, helping oversee its operations and contributing to the development of a venue that became widely recognized within the regional music community; and

WHEREAS: After retiring in 2018, Mr. Sater made his home in Florida, and he leaves a legacy connected to one of Cambridge’s most recognizable music venues and the many artists and audiences who passed through its doors; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record in extending its condolences to the family of Joseph Sater 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 Sater family on behalf of the entire City Council.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. Communicating information from the School Committee. (COF26#21) [text of report]

2. Communication from Councillor Nolan transmitting a calendar update on the Health and Environment Committee (COF26#22) [text of report]

3. A communication was received from Interim City Clerk, Paula M. Crane, regarding an update regarding legislative activity. (COF26#23)

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Mar 9
2:30pm The City Council will meet in open session and then move to go into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation known as, Columbia St LLC v. City Docket Number 25 MISC 0007469, which is a civil case in the Land Court. Discussing this matter in an open session may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the City.
5:30pm City Council Meeting
6:30pm The City Council will hold a public hearing pursuant to Article 5, Section 5-1 of the Charter of the City of Cambridge, to consider the recommendation of the City Manager Yi-An Huang, on the reorganization of the Housing Department to consolidate City housing and homeless service programs currently provided across three City departments into one City department.

Tues, Mar 10
10:00am The Finance Committee will hold a public meeting to review and discuss the Police Department budget for FY27 before it is submitted to the City Manager, as required under Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.74.040.

Wed, Mar 11
11:00am The Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss support services and planning considerations for disabled residents in Cambridge.

Tues, Mar 24
3:00pm The Housing Committee will hold a public hearing to receive an update on the Central Square Planning Process.

Wed, Mar 25
11:00am The Housing Committee and Neighborhood Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, and Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a joint meeting to discuss present findings on the state of housing production since the passage of the Multifamily Zoning in February 2025.

Mon, Mar 30
11:00am The Ordinance Committee will hold a public meeting to review the Community Benefits Ordinance and discuss potential updates including allowing the allocation of funding to community organizations for capital projects (CM25#299)
5:30pm City Council Meeting

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Mar 9, 2026
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The Department of Education has proposed a new definition of a “professional degree” that excludes master’s and doctoral programs in many vital professions, including nursing, social work, and allied health; and
WHEREAS: A professional degree is an advanced program that prepares students to work in specific fields and emphasizes hands-on training and practical skills; and
WHEREAS: Under the Department of Education’s new proposal, only eleven majors would count as professional degrees: medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, law, veterinary medicine, osteopathic medicine, podiatry, chiropractic, theology, and clinical psychology; and
WHEREAS: Graduate students who are not enrolled in professional degree programs can only borrow up to $20,500 annually and the Department of Education’s proposed changes would make nursing, social work, and allied health degrees unattainable through federal loans, forcing low- and moderate-income students to take out loans with predatory private companies or not complete the degrees at all; and
WHEREAS: The fields of nursing and social work are facing workforce shortages, including a projected shortage of 108,860 registered nurses by 2038 and a deficit of 74,000 social workers each year for the next decade; and
WHEREAS: Limiting the amount of student loans nursing, social work, and allied health students can take out would have severe impacts on the workforce, making the already critical workforce shortage even higher; and
WHEREAS: The Department of Education’s proposed reclassification would have a disparate impact on women, as nursing, social work, and allied health professionals are disproportionately female, including 85% of nurses and 82% of social workers; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record urging our State House delegation and the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation to actively oppose the changes made in Section 81001(2) of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which amends Section 455(a) of the Higher Education Act and changes the definition of a professional student, professional degree, and length of study; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies

O-2 Mar 9, 2026
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Social workers positively impact the lives of millions of Americans daily; in hospitals, schools, child welfare agencies, community, centers, and within all levels of government nationwide; and
WHEREAS: For more than a century, social workers have worked to improve human wellbeing, advocate for justice, and support everyone’s basic needs; and
WHEREAS: Social workers select their profession out of a deep commitment to help uplift, defend, and transform the lives of people, their families and communities; and
WHEREAS: The 2026 Social Work Month theme, “Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.” shines a light on the resolute spirit of social workers who transform lives while bringing hope, healing, and justice to the communities they serve - especially in times of profound change and challenges; and
WHEREAS: Social workers follow a code of ethics that calls on them to stand for equity in every community, uphold human dignity, and fight injustice; and
WHEREAS: Social workers are on the frontlines defending vulnerable populations, including immigrants, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, and those facing discrimination or poverty, while uplifting vital social safety net programs and ensuring the rights of everyone; and
WHEREAS: Social workers assist those navigating trauma, grief, and systemic biases, and help people recover from natural disasters, public health crises, and other issues while transforming their lives in encouraging ways; and
WHEREAS: Social workers confront oppression and racism, advocate for human rights, advance fair policies for all persons, and break through barriers that prevent individuals and families from thriving; and
WHEREAS: Social workers support the well-being of children and care for those who have mental health issues and are recovering from substance use disorders; and
WHEREAS: The profession continues to grow, with more than 810,000 social workers in the United States who transform lives and shape a more just and compassionate society through leadership, education, advocacy and direct practice; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record proclaiming the month of March 2026 as National Social Work Month in celebration and support of the vital work of social workers in Cambridge and across the country who uplift, defend, and positively transform our communities every day.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
25-29. That the City Manager is requested to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to ensure that all city owned parking lots, with a focus on school complexes, including the still under construction parking at Tobin/Darby Vassal school complex, could be made available for after-hours use by residents.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Wilson (O-2) from 5/12/2025. [forwarded by Councillor Nolan as AR26-2]

25-48. The City Manager is requested to consult with the appropriate City departments, including the City Solicitor’s Office, to establish a formal policy that clearly defines the City’s role and financial responsibilities in supporting large-scale public events hosted by Cambridge-based non-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson from 9/8/2025. [forwarded by Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern as AR26-3]

25-51. The City Manager is requested to work with all relevant departments to seek input from the community as well as direct outreach to condo owners and short-term rental operators and develop additional recommendations based on the discussion in the Ordinance Committee.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui from 9/8/2025. [forwarded by Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui as AR26-4]

25-69. Review 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.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-6) from 12/8/2025. [forwarded by Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern as AR26-6]

26-7. Restricting Eligibility for On-Street Resident Parking Permits in New Transit-Oriented Developments.
Councillor Zusy, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Nolan (O-2) from 12/22/2025, Charter Right #2 of 1/12/2026

26-8. Direct appropriate City departments, including the Department of Transportation, to evaluate and install a series of speed humps along Fayerweather Street, with particular attention to the stretch between Walnut Street and Field Street.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern (O-1) from 1/12/2026

26-9. Direct the City Solicitor and the Community Development Department to review and report back to the Council on (i) legal parameters related to City funding and Tourism Destination Marketing District restrictions, and (ii) oversight and accountability related to the operation of the visitor information kiosk, and related governance expectations, including alignment with City priorities.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty (O-2) from 1/12/2026

26-10. 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 (O-5) from 1/12/2026

26-11. That the City Manager work with relevant departments to incorporate plant-based solutions into the Sustainable Cambridge initiative and purchasing practices in City-operated and School-related events.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 1/26/2026

26-12. That the City Manager 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 (O-3) from 1/26/2026

26-13. That the City Manager provide an update to the council, including (but not limited to): current implementation status, including vouchers issued to former residents of the Transition Wellness Center; final prioritization criteria adopted; staffing structure and support services; strategies employed to address voucher discrimination and support successful lease-up; program parameters; challenges encountered during implementation; and plans for ongoing program assessment and evaluation. See Mgr #8
Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern (O-8) from 1/26/2026

26-14. That the City Manager conduct a comprehensive review of existing safety and security measures at Cambridge City Hall, including 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 Flaherty, Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 1/12/2026, Charter Right #2 from 1/26/2026

26-15. The City Manager 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 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, Councillor Al-Zubi (O-1) from 2/9/2026

26-16. 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 (O-3) from 2/9/2026

26-17. The City Manager is 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, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Al-Zubi (O-4) from 2/9/2026

26-18. The City Manager 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.
Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Azeem (O-1) from 1/26/2026, Charter Right #2 from 2/9/2026

26-19. That the City Manager is requested to assess opportunities to improve the consistency of how meeting information is posted and accessed on the City’s website.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-1) from 3/2/2026

26-20. 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 for all major capital initiatives.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Flaherty (O-2) from 3/2/2026

26-21. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back with information on the exploration of a potential Cambridge Snow Corps program.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi (O-4) from 3/2/2026

26-22. That the City Manager 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.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zusy (O-6) from 3/2/2026

26-23. 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 (O-6) from 2/9/2026, Charter Right #2 from 3/2/2026