2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a proposed increase in the FY26 budget of $1 million that would create new municipal vouchers and supportive services for people who are unhoused and a $5 million free cash appropriation for a Federal Grant Stabilization Fund. (CM25#133) [text of report]
pulled by MM; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang (YAH), Asst. City Manager for Human Services Ellen Semonoff, AW, Housing Liaison Maura Pensak, DS, SS; YAH emphasized three matters that may have local repercussions - (1) Federal Reconciliation Bill, (2) State Budget (wait and see), and (3) Federal Continuing Resolution coming this fall that may greatly affect such things as Section 8 voucher funding; Placed on File 9-0

CM25#133     June 2, 2025

To the Honorable, the City Council:

As part of the FY26 budget process, we have had several discussions regarding the impact of ARPA funding transitions as well as both impending and potential federal funding cuts. These changes are poised to affect housing and housing stabilization programs and other services that have been lifelines for some of our most vulnerable community members and provide key support for many City priorities.

We are committed to preserving current programming to the extent possible, while also prioritizing our resources to respond to the most pressing needs. We will continue monitoring federal funding changes, which will likely include both significant cuts and difficult grant conditions that could threaten our underlying values. The reality is that these cuts could easily extend beyond our resources and challenging trade-off’s are ahead of us.

In discussion with the City Council, we have at this point prioritized housing and homeless interventions. To this end, we are proposing an increase in the FY26 budget of $1 million that would create new municipal vouchers and supportive services for people who are unhoused. We are also proposing a $5 million free cash appropriation for a Federal Grant Stabilization Fund.

Municipal Supportive Housing Voucher (MSHV)
In response to AR 25-031 and POR 2025 #73, the new MSHV program would provide a housing opportunity for 25 unhoused individuals to transition into permanent housing with supportive services. The MSHV program would be administered by the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA). We anticipate that the soonest the new voucher program could be up and running is in late-August or September. This will allow time in June and July for city staff to meet with key partners and stakeholders to clarify the prioritization process and procedures, to determine the plan for ensuring appropriate and adequate navigation and stabilization services are in place for program participants, and to work with CHA to determine contract terms, roles and workflows.

We anticipate replicating or utilizing a similar tenant selection process in place for existing Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) projects – prioritizing individuals with long durations of homelessness and in need of ongoing supportive services. This new set of vouchers will be implemented similar to the federal Emergency Housing Vouchers – as a resource to expand PSH inventory available to the 250+ people on the Cambridge Coordinated Access Network (CCAN) queue awaiting referrals for PSH. The specific prioritization process and procedures will be defined with input from the Coordinated Entry Working Group, which includes people with lived experience, homeless services providers and city staff.

Federal Grant Stabilization Fund
We are also proposing the creation of a $5 million Federal Grant Stabilization Fund through a free cash allocation which would be available as we identify programmatic needs and respond to anticipated funding cuts. We would expect to draw on this fund to help maintain continuity of services for vulnerable residents in the short-term while also working to identify longer-term funding options for affected programs.

The City expects to receive more than $12 million in federal funds in FY26, including across Continuum of Care (CoC), Community Development Block Grant, HOME, Emergency Solutions Grants, and HOPWA funds. Federal funding for these grants has been allocated, but we are engaged in litigation concerning CoC grant conditions and we may see similar challenges with other grants. Federal funds are also received directly by the Cambridge Housing Authority and non-profit partners delivering key housing services and support, may be at risk due to either Executive Orders or federal budget changes.

Federal Funding
We recognize that the overall exposure in direct federal funding the City receives and in federal funding to our community is significantly greater than what the City can reasonably expect to budget, and could extend beyond the $5 million in the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund.

HUD grant funding would support a range of City programs in FY26, including:

• CDBG: $2,638,641 which will support work on affordable housing, economic development and human service programs and provides direct funding support to many non-profit organizations providing essential services to residents, income eligible residents and business owners

• HOME: $648,119 which will support affordable housing development and homebuyer activities

• ESG: $226,880 that supports Emergency Services programs including street outreach, overnight shelters, daytime drop-in centers plus funding for Rapid Rehousing and Prevention

• HOPWA: $2,395,799 to support permanent supportive housing in Cambridge, and rental assistance and services offered throughout the region by community-based providers; these programs are dedicated to persons living with HIV/AIDS; note that the City administers the regional HOPWA grant for Middlesex County which includes programs in other communities;

• CoC: $6,379,162 that primarily funds Permanent Supportive Housing programs for people exiting chronic homelessness

Last week Cambridge joined more than 30 other counties, cities, towns and regional agencies around the country in a lawsuit against the federal administration’s addition of new conditions on the Continuum of Care grant program funds. Our lawsuit argues the adoption of harmful policies in exchange for Continuum of Care funds is an abuse of executive power and violates the Constitution and federal laws. We are proud to be part of a network of cities, counties, and their agencies across the country pushing back against executive overreach and standing up for vital services. We also recognize that by refusing to accept these conditions, we may not be able to access the associated program funding.

Given uncertainty in the grant conditions for these programs, the City is communicating with community partners and will enter into short-term month-to-month agreements to ensure that funding continues. We will need to continue to assess the financial risk that this funding may not be reimbursed, which could be as high as $4-5 million for the first six months of FY26. We anticipate the possibility of needing a more formal determination of risk in the fall, and will keep the Council updated as we determine the appropriate response which could include allocating additional City funding and/or pausing programs.

Funds received by the Cambridge Housing Authority
We are also working closely with the Cambridge Housing Authority where most of its funding for affordable housing comes from federal sources. CHA has already identified areas where changes in policy and/or potential funding reductions will have an impact on residents. As we monitor this, we may see areas of need in CHA programs where funding from the Federal Grant Stabilization Reserve may be prudent to help ensure the continuity of housing subsidies for individuals and families who participate in Federally-assisted programs administered by the CHA.

Currently, the greatest concern is funding for “mixed status” households with CHA rental vouchers, and we are also aware of funding challenges ahead for CHA’s Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) program which is scheduled to lose funding in the fall of 2026.

Mixed Status Households
There are approximately 42 families who have rental housing assistance provided to them through CHA’s federally funded Housing Choice Voucher program and whose household includes at least one member who does not have legal status (i.e. mixed status families). HUD is requiring CHA to make changes to its policy for mixed status families which will increase household payments for these families thereby putting their housing at risk. We also understand that there could be further threats to mixed status families continuing to be eligible for federally funded housing vouchers. City staff have been working with CHA to develop a plan to transition the funding of these vouchers from federal to City funds so that CHA can continue to offer housing assistance to these families on the terms that CHA has historically utilized and protect housing for these families. We expect this new City-funded voucher program will cost approximately $1 million annually. We expect this program will be the first use of funds from the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund and will be operational in early FY26.

Federal Emergency Housing Vouchers
HUD has communicated to CHA that roughly $4 million of funding for these emergency vouchers, which was meant to be provided past 2030, will expire as of October 2026. However, there has been no formal, final confirmation. We expect funding to last into FY27 and that we will discuss this funding termination as we prepare for the FY27 budget. If the current status changes and there is an impact in FY26, we might consider use of the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund. Staff will continue to monitor the status of this funding with CHA and look at options for how assistance can be best continued for residents housed with these vouchers in FY27 and beyond.

Conclusion
The Federal Grant Stabilization Fund will be a tool to help mitigate significant changes in Federal funding and policy, but will not be able to replace Federal funding we expect to receive in FY26 and beyond. Looking ahead, we will have to consider how best to approach the use of these emergency funds balancing the priority of the programs where funding may be at risk, the impact on vulnerable residents, and the immediacy of the need.

We are facing an unprecedented time when rather than being the supportive backstop to critical programs for vulnerable communities, the federal government is seeking to cut funding and willing to disrupt existing efforts. Active litigation and federal budget discussions will mean that this uncertainty will likely persist through at least the end of 2025, and we will seek to plan carefully, stand up for our values, and keep the Council and community updated as we recommend how to respond.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to following amendments to the FY26 Submitted General Fund Budget. These amendments to the Budget reflect changes requested by the City Council based on feedback and discussions during public hearings on the FY26 Operating and Capital Budgets that took place beginning on May 8, 2025, through May 15, 2025. (CM25#134) [text of report]
pulled by PN along with M4, M5, UB8 (FY2026 Budget), UB9-17 (Loan Orders), Committee Reports #1-4; comments by most councillors; note that this will result in a revised 8% tax increase; Referred to UB8 9-0

CM25#134     June 2, 2025

To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby recommending the following amendments to the FY26 Submitted General Fund Budget. These amendments to the Budget reflect changes requested by the City Council based on feedback and discussions during public hearings on the FY26 Operating and Capital Budgets that took place beginning on May 8, 2025, through May 15, 2025.

The City will increase funding for new Municipal Supportive Housing Vouchers by $1,000,000, which will be reflected through an increase in the Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) Operating Budget. The new municipal vouchers will provide support for unhoused individuals to transition into permanent housing with supportive services. The total amended FY26 appropriation for the DHSP Operating Budget will now be $66,676,925 (up from $65,676,925 originally submitted as part of the FY26 Budget).

There is also a slight adjustment to budgeted revenues from interest earnings ($72,565), which are generated through the investment of City funds. The total amended FY26 Interest Earnings revenue will now be $5,672,565 (up from $5,600,000 originally submitted as part of FY26 Budget).

These recommended amendments are the result of ongoing discussions regarding American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds being phased out as well as impending and potential cuts in federal funding which impact our community’s most vulnerable residents. The recommendations are also made in the context of preserving the City’s fiscal strength and flexibility in an increasingly challenging and uncertain economic environment.

These increases will bring the total FY26 Operating Budget to $992,181,320, an increase of $36,596,970 or 3.8% from the FY25 Adopted Budget. The projected tax levy to support the FY26 Budget is $678,659,850, an increase of $50,271,097 or 8% from the FY25 tax levy. The actual tax levy will be determined in the fall as part of the property tax and classification process.

Yi-An Huang
City Manager

4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the establishment of a Federal Grant Stabilization Fund. (CM25#135) [text of report]
pulled by PN; Adopted 8-0-1 (JSW Absent)

CM25#135     June 2, 2025

To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the establishment of a Federal Grant Stabilization Fund.

Every year, the City relies on millions of dollars in federal funding, through various grants, to help support organizations, staffing, and resources focused on programs and services for the most vulnerable members of our community, particularly in the areas of homelessness and housing stabilization; food insecurity; heating fuel assistance; and mental health services.

In recent months, there has been an unprecedented level of uncertainty regarding current and future federal funding which directly impacts many programs in these areas.

There is growing concern that some of the conditions that may be placed on current and future federal funding will be dramatically inconsistent with City policies and values and therefore inhibit the City’s ability to move forward with funding agreements.

In addition, the upcoming federal budget, which is still being finalized, could potentially include significant cuts to social service programs and funding, and will have significant impacts at both the state and local levels.

Some federal actions and policies are already manifesting in negative ways that also highlight the City’s vulnerabilities. Staffing and resources have been cut or eliminated at key federal agencies, and grant and research funding to major institutions has been frozen or canceled.

The City is working to amend the timing and length of some contracts with service providers in light of significant potential funding cuts. The City is also exploring various litigation options regarding the conditions which have been placed on some federal grants.

Considering these developments, I believe that leveraging the City’s relatively strong overall financial position to create a Stabilization Fund is an important step to help begin to address the growing uncertainty and potential financial impacts of unpredictable decisions and hostile policies at the federal level.

Any funds appropriated to the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund will be expended to help address the funding gaps resulting from the actual or anticipated loss of federal funding for programs and services that benefit the most vulnerable Cambridge residents.

In the months ahead, as we get a better understanding of the City’s exposure and financial gaps, we will continue to communicate with the City Council on how to prioritize and allocate funding from the Stabilization Fund.

Yi-An Huang
City Manager

---

Agenda Item Number 4     June 2, 2025
AN ORDER ESTABLISHING A FEDERAL GRANT STABILIZATION FUND
BE IT ORDERED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
AS FOLLOWS:
That in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40, Section 5B of the General Laws, there is hereby established a stabilization fund, which shall be known as the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund. Funds appropriated to and held by the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund, including any interest earnings thereon, shall be available to be expended to help address the funding gaps resulting from the actual or anticipated loss of federal or state funding for programs and services that benefit the most vulnerable Cambridge residents.

5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $5,000,000, from Free Cash to the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund. Funds appropriated to and held by the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund will be expended to help address the funding gaps resulting from the actual or anticipated loss of federal funding for programs and services that benefit the most vulnerable Cambridge residents. (CM25#136) [text of report]
pulled by PN; Adopted 9-0

CM25#136     June 2, 2025

To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting an appropriation, in the amount of $5,000,000, from Free Cash to the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund.

Funds appropriated to and held by the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund will be expended to help address the funding gaps resulting from the actual or anticipated loss of federal funding for programs and services that benefit the most vulnerable Cambridge residents.

This appropriation, while significant, does not represent the total amount of anticipated lost revenue from federal sources. The amount is based on what can potentially be absorbed, if needed, into future operating budgets, given financial constraints that have been outlined as part of, and leading up to, the FY26 Budget process.

This allocation is an important initial step of a developing strategy to help begin to address the growing uncertainty and potential financial impacts of unpredictable decisions and hostile policies at the federal level. Future discussions may also be necessary regarding community priorities, budget allocations, and new investments, as they relate to this new and uncertain federal landscape.

The City Council will need to approve any recommendations for the use of funds in the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund.

As of June 2, 2025, the City’s Free Cash balance is $169,437,471.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $25,000 to the Grant Fund Public Celebrations Other Ordinary Maintenance Account. This grant will support activities focused on the themes of revolution and independence, celebrating the significant historical milestones that have taken place in Cambridge. (CM25#138)
Adopted 9-0

CM25#138     June 2, 2025

To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting an appropriation of a grant, received from the Cambridge Office of Tourism’s Tourism Destination Marketing District (TDMD), in the amount of $25,000, to the Grant Fund Public Celebrations Other Ordinary Maintenance Account.

These funds will continue to support activities focused on the themes of revolution and independence, celebrating the significant historical milestones that have taken place in Cambridge.

The funding will be utilized for a variety of projects, as we continue to commemorate the 250th into FY26. Examples include history and innovation tours that highlight our city’s rich revolutionary heritage, as well as arts and culture events in partnership with our business districts and regional marketing campaigns encouraging visitors to engage with all the Cambridge has to offer.

By appropriating these funds, we will continue to engage the Cambridge community and visitors alike, fostering a deeper understanding of Cambridge’s historical contributions and marketing our rich cultural and innovative landscape. This initiative not only honors our past but also has the will continue to boost local tourism and small business activity.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to explore with the Government Operations Committee whether the functions of the Peace Commission may be improved and enhanced by bringing them within another City Commission or Department, such as the Human Rights Commission, and report back in a timely manner. [Charter Right – Simmons, May 19, 2025] (PO25#76)
Comments by City Solicitor Megan Bayer noting that this involves an ongoing personnel matter; Substitute Order by Simmons, amendments to original order proposed by JSW, PN; comments by DS, JSW, PT, BA, YAH, AW, PN, SS, CZ, MM; Tabled 9-0 referencing proposed amendments by DS, JSW, PN [Note: Sobrinho-Wheeler’s hostility to Simmons Substitute Order noted - he clearly wants to focus primarily on the Police Review Advisory Board (PRAB); most other councillors open to a general review of all City boards and commissions]

O-2     May 19, 2025  Charter Right - Simmons
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: The City Council was recently made aware that the Peace Commission has not had a permanent Executive Director since October 2024; and
WHEREAS: The Executive Director of the Peace Commission also serves as staff for the Police Review and Advisory Board; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to explore with the Government Operations Committee whether the functions of the Peace Commission may be improved and enhanced by bringing them within another City Commission or Department, such as the Human Rights Commission; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the Council in a timely manner.

SUBSTITUTE POLICY ORDER For Charter Right Item #1 (Mayor Simmons)
WHEREAS: The City Council recognizes the importance of ensuring that all City Boards and Commissions operate effectively and transparently to serve the needs of the community; and
WHEREAS: A deeper familiarity by City Councilors with the purpose, structure, and activities of these Boards and Commissions will foster improved communication and collaboration, supporting more efficient and effective City operations; and
WHEREAS: Currently, City Councilors may have limited opportunities to engage directly with the various Boards and Commissions to gain firsthand insight into their work; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Government Operations and Rules Committee is hereby requested to conduct a thorough review of the roles, operations, and effectiveness of all City Boards and Commissions; and be it further
ORDERED: That following this review, the Government Operations and Rules Committee is requested to hold hearings at which City Councilors will have an opportunity to meet with each Board and Commission to better understand their contributions to the City; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Government Operations and Rules Committee report back to the City Council with findings from the review and a summary of the outcomes from the Councilor engagement visits in a timely manner.

2. Late Policy Order re NEFS Custodian Contract for City. [Charter Right – Simmons, May 19, 2025] (PO25#78)
Withdrawn by unanimous consent

O-4     May 19, 2025  Charter Right - Simmons
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is committed to upholding the highest standards in labor practices and ensuring compliance with both local and federal laws governing employment, collective bargaining, and the rights of unionized workers; and
WHEREAS: The recent Request for Proposals (RFP) for janitorial services in City buildings requires that the award be made to the “lowest responsive and responsible bidder,” in accordance with City procurement policy and the Cambridge Living Wage Ordinance; and
WHEREAS: New England Facility Services (NEFS) has been identified as the apparent low bidder by a narrow margin, but there are serious and substantiated concerns regarding NEFS’s ability and willingness to meet basic legal and contractual obligations as required by both the City’s living wage ordinance and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA); and
WHEREAS: Specifically, under the City’s ordinance and federal labor law, the successful vendor is required to offer continued employment to the existing workforce for at least 90 days and, in hiring a majority of a unionized workforce, to recognize the existing collective bargaining representative; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has been made aware of documented evidence that NEFS has failed to comply with these obligations in other jurisdictions, most notably at South Station in Boston, where NEFS has refused to recognize or bargain with SEIU 32BJ for a group of union cleaners, resulting in an open unfair labor practice charge now under investigation by the National Labor Relations Board; and
WHEREAS: This failure raises legitimate concerns as to whether NEFS can be considered a “responsible” bidder as required by the City’s procurement process; and
WHEREAS: The next-lowest bidder, Empire Cleaning, is a vendor with a demonstrated record of compliance with labor laws, positive labor relations, and provision of quality service at a comparable cost; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to thoroughly review the responsibility of New England Facility Services as a bidder in light of the concerns raised by SEIU 32BJ and the pending labor practice charge, and to provide a report to the City Council on the criteria used to determine bidder responsibility in this RFP; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Purchasing Department to consider the full track record and legal compliance of all bidders, to consider the award of the janitorial contract in order to ensure that the selected vendor meets the City’s standards for responsibility, lawfulness, and quality of service to its employees and the public, and to report back to the City Council on this matter no later than June 16, 2025.

9. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $7,500,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of open space at Ahern Field and surrounding amenities. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Referred to Finance Committee – Apr 28, 2025; Eligible for Adoption May 19, 2025] (CM25#93)
pulled by PN; Adopted 9-0

10. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $16,500,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Referred to Finance Committee – Apr 28, 2025; Eligible for Adoption May 19, 2025] (CM25#94)
pulled by PN; Adopted 9-0

11. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $11,100,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. Funds will support significant building improvements and deferred maintenance projects. Proposed projects include but are not limited to upgrades of Public Works facilities, municipal offices, youth centers, branch libraries, fire stations, and deferred maintenance. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Referred to Finance Committee – Apr 28, 2025; Eligible for Adoption May 19, 2025] (CM25#95)
pulled by PN; Adopted 9-0

12. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $19,986,000 to provide funds for financing school building upgrades. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Referred to Finance Committee – Apr 28, 2025; Eligible for Adoption May 19, 2025] (CM25#96)
pulled by PN; Adopted 9-0

13. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $27,500,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of surface enhancements and sewer and drainage infrastructure improvements in Central Square. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Referred to Finance Committee – Apr 28, 2025; Eligible for Adoption May 19, 2025] (CM25#97)
pulled by PN; Adopted 8-0-1 (JSW Absent)

14. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $3,000,000 to provide funds for the sewer Combined Sewer Overflow Program and for planning and design of a floodwater storage tank. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Referred to Finance Committee – Apr 28, 2025; Eligible for Adoption May 19, 2025] (CM25#98)
pulled by PN; Adopted 8-0-1 (JSW Absent)

15. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $7,500,000 to provide funds for the sewer Capital Repairs Program and projects related to climate change preparedness efforts. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Referred to Finance Committee – Apr 28, 2025; Eligible for Adoption May 19, 2025] (CM25#99)
pulled by PN; Adopted 8-0-1 (JSW Absent)

16. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $15,250,000 to provide funds for Ozone Generator replacement; Lead Service Line replacement; and water works construction projects in coordination with DPW street restoration projects, which include repair and or replacement of water infrastructure at Dana Street, Sciarappa Street, Massachusetts Ave 4, Haskell Street and Hillside Avenue. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Referred to Finance Committee – Apr 28, 2025; Eligible for Adoption May 19, 2025] (CM25#100)
pulled by PN; Adopted 8-0-1 (JSW Absent)

17. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,600,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of open space at Wilder Lee Playground and play areas at 359 Broadway. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Referred to Finance Committee – Apr 28, 2025; Eligible for Adoption May 19, 2025] (CM25#101)
pulled by PN; Adopted 8-0-1 (JSW Absent)

COMMUNICATIONS
1. Alexandra Amati, re: Curb cut out at 49 Alpine Street, Cambridge.

2. Alexandra Irving, re: Decrease of affordable housing: 18 Clinton.

3. Amy Park, re: City of Cambridge Music Program.

4. Audrey Cunningham, re: 320 Charles Street and community benefits

5. Bonnie Bertolaet, re: Continued Support for 320 Charles Street and East End House.

6. Broadway Parking Coalition Group, re: Please act PROMPTLY to save parking on Broadway.

7. Candice Driver, re: Continued Support for 320 Charles Street & East End House.

8. David A. Whelan, re: the proposal for business lots to rent parking.

9. Jacquelyn Fahey Sandell, re: Please do not support first floor retail on every street.

10. Jason Alves, re: Support for Charles Street Upzoning.

11. Jessica Sculley, re: Comments for PO25#71.

12. Joy Hackel, re: curb cut.

13. Julio Guerrero, re: Support for Curb Cut Application at 49 Alpine Street.

14. Kayleigh Hasson, re: Comments for PO#3 (Clean Slate Resolution).

15. Kellie DeJon, re: PLEASE ACT PROMPTLY to preserve parking on Broadway!

16. d shirai, re: Longfellow Music program cut.

17. Lynn Cetrulo, re: Huron Ave 5:30…, I have been in traffic on Huron for 15 minutes.

18. Mark Curby, re: Linden-Park-Neighborhood, Linden Park Letter re: BioMed Petition for 320 Charles Street.

19. Mary Ann Donofrio, re: 320 Charles Street and benefits for the Community.

20. Michael J. Delia, re: Written Comments in Regard to the East Cambridge Community Enhancement Overlay (AP25#14).

21. Nicolai Cauchy, re: application to replace the former Huron Village banners.

22. Nina Herrera, re: PLEASE ACT PROMPTLY to preserve parking on Broadway!

23. Noam Kirson and Dana Yalin, re: Support for Curb Cut Application at 49 Alpine Street.

24. Peter DiMuro, re: 305 Charles Street.

25. Stephanie Guirand, re: Support the Proclamation Declaring June 19, 2025 as The Day of Reflection on Mass Incarceration in Cambridge.

26. Suzanne Watzman, re: PLEASE ACT PROMPTLY to preserve parking on Broadway!

27. Xiaoqing Du, re: Support for Curb Cut Application at 49 Alpine Street.

28. Kazutaka Kokie & Keiko Koike, re: Support for Curb Cut Application at 49 Alpine Street.

29. Carlos Loya, re: Critically Important Health and Safety Incident at Universal Playground (Danahy Park) - Memorial Day.

30. Amanda Sindel-Keswick, re: Please Build the Broadway Bike Lane on Schedule.

31. Kai Feldman, re: Please build separated bike lanes on Broadway.

32. Vivek Sikri, re: No delay on Broadway Bike Lanes.

33. Gabrielle Hauray, re: Support for Broadway separated bike lanes.

34. Amy Lee, re: Longfellow Music Program.

35. Federico Muchnik, re: Winn Development/Walden Sq. Road >> money.

36. Ardi Pandey, re: Longfellow Music Program.

37. Alexandra Irving, re: 18 Clinton: Anyone care about the impact on taxpaying neighbors??

38. Amy Caron, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

39. Ann Gantz, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

40. Anne W. Tappan, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

41. Beverly Mire, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

42. Brenda Stanfield, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

43. Bruce Bender, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

44. Christine Mathison, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

45. Christine Tessier, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

46. Diana Yousef, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

47. Ed Bacher, re: bike lanes on Broadway.

48. Gene Doyle, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

49. Hugh Russell, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

50. Jerray Chang, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

51. Jim Stathis, re: Please preserve resident parking on Broadway!

52. Mary K. Eliot, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

53. Mike Rodman, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

54. Sazzad Hussain, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

55. Shelly Greenfield, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

56. Zion Orent, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

57. Shireen Damghani, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

58. Sara Gardner, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

59. Adriane Musgrave, re: Please stay on schedule.

60. Adrian-James Gevero, re: Broadway Bike Lanes.

61. Alyssa Pacy, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

62. Bianca Shagrin, re: IN SUPPORT OF BIKE LANES ON BROADWAY.

63. Catherine Mansfield, re: Please make Broadway safe for bikes.

64. Daren Card, re: Please follow through on your commitment to separated bike lanes on Broadway.

65. Drew Volpe, re: support for continuing bike lanes on Broadway.

66. Elisabeth Leake, re: Broadway bike lines.

67. Ember Sawady, re: Broadway deserves bike lanes.

68. Emily Shelton, re: Pro-bike infrastructure.

69. Eric Seitz, re: Vote YES on the Broadway bike lane installation.

70. Ethan Merrill, re: I support the Broadway bike lane.

71. Farid Arthaud, re: Keep building the Broadway bike lane.

72. Gleb Bahmutov, re: Please continue the safety work on Broadway street without any delays.
[Note: Mr. Bahmutov has also expressed the belief that only people with driveways should be able to own cars in Cambridge.]

73. Gregory H. Babunovic, re: Please continue to expand bike lanes in Cambridge.

74. Hanna Shine, re: Email on Behalf of Bike Lane Installation.

75. Ian Rudnick, re: SUPPORT BROADWAY SAFETY PROJECT.

76. James Wayne, re: Please continue to install bike lanes!

77. Jasmine Gothelf Winship, re: Broadway bike and pedestrian improvements.

78. Jason Stockmann, re: Please complete the full separated bike lane build-out on Broadway and the rest of the CSO bike network.

79. Jeff Williams, re: Bike Lane Support.

80. Jeffrey S. Oishi, re: Support for Broadway bike lanes.

81. Jeremy Koob, re: Pedestrian safety and bike lane improvements on Broadway.

82. Jim O’Bryan, re: Bike Lanes - Keep them, add more!

83. Joanna Olson, re: Please Continue with Broadway Bike and Pedestrian Safety Improvements.

84. Jocie Sobieraj, re: in support of bike lanes.

85. Jonathan Anderson, re: Broadway Bike Lanes Support.

86. Joseph Reagle, re: Support for Broadway Bicycle Lane.

87. Kai Feldman, re: In support of the bike lane project on Broadway.

88. Kalli Catcott, re: Broadway Updates.

89. Kate Nyhan, re: Broadway separated bike lanes will be great for shoppers and library users.

90. Kathryn Rosenberg, re: Please support bike safety.

91. Katie (Catherine) O’Connor, re: Broadway Bike Lanes - please keep going!

92. Katy Kem, re: Broadway bike lane project.

93. Ken Carlson, re: Please keep moving forward with bicycle-pedestrian improvements on Broadway.

94. Kiely MacMahon, re: Broadway Bike Lanes.

95. Laura Soria, re: Please support safer streets! (Broadway).

96. Laura Wacker, re: Please Continue the Broadway Safety Improvement project!

97. Luka Govedic, re: Bike lane installation.

98. Madge Kaplan, re: Find a good compromise!

99. Mark Boswell, re: Support for Separated Bike Lanes on Broadway.

100. Mark, re: Please continue the Broadway Project.

101. Meg Cheng-Campbell, re: Support for Broadway bike lanes.

102. Miah Ebels Duggan, re: from the canyons: Broadway bike lane must be completed on schedule.

103. Nicole Terrien, re: Support Broadway Bike and Pedestrian Plans!

104. Paul Rhodes, re: Protect Broadway Bike Lane project.

105. Peter, re: please move forward with the Broadway Improvements.

106. Rick Roth, re: Broadway Bike Lanes.

107. Robert Rossetti, re: Cambridge concerned citizen.

108. Ruby Vail, re: Broadway Bike Lanes!

109. Sam Bozeman, re: Continue with installation of bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements on Broadway!

110. Sara Gaya, re: Concern About Anti-Bike Rally Monday June 2.

111. Sean Hirata, re: Broadway bike lanes.

112. Seth Pate, re: Keep Building Bike Lanes on Broadway.

113. Shaye Jones, re: Please build the bicycle lanes.

114. Steve Jerome, re: Please Continue Support for Broadway Bike and Pedestrian safety installation and improvements.

115. Tomás Kresina, re: I support Broadway bike lanes.

116. William Furr, re: No more bike lane delays.

117. Wiskensley Pierre, re: Support Separated Bike Lanes on Broadway.

118. Aaron Greiner, re: In support of Broadway bike lanes.

119. Aiyana Currie, re: Please protect the bike lanes!

120. Alex Rothenberg, re: Please continue with the bike lane improvements on Broadway.

121. Alexa Jakob, re: Please put bike lanes on Broadway now.

122. Alexander Poulsen, re: Broadway Bike Lanes YES.

123. Andrew Schulert, re: Support for Broadway bike lanes.

124. Andy Gao, re: Support for Broadway bike lanes.

125. Annie Shapiro, re: Support bike lanes on Broadway.

126. Ariel White, re: Broadway bike lanes.

127. Audrey Lengel, re: We Need Broadway Bike Lanes.

128. Becca Daniels, re: Support for Broadway Bicycle Lane.

129. Becky Sarah, re: Please continue with bike safety improvements on Broadway.

130. Ben Pearre, re: The “bwayparking4all” disinformation campaign.

131. Ben Weintraub, re: Please more bike lanes.

132. Bence Olveczky, re: bike lanes on Broadway.

133. Bernat Olle, re: Broadway Street.

134. Bill McAvinney, re: Don’t Dis the Port – Support Broadway Safety Improvements.

135. Caitlin A. Smits, re: bike and pedestrian safety improvements on Broadway.

136. Carolyn Fuller, re: Please Move Forward w/the Broadway Safety Project.

137. Cecelia Rosenman, re: In support of Broadway bike lanes.

138. Coleton Hast, re: Continue Bike and Safety Improvements on Broadway.

139. Daniel Vernick, re: Strong support for bike lanes on Broadway.

140. Daria Shlyueva, re: Broadway bike lane installation needed.

141. David von Schack, re: Broadway bike lanes supporter.

142. Davis Whitehead, re: Support for Broadway Bike Lane Project.

143. DDH Advocacy, re: Broadway Pedestrian and Bike Improvements.

144. Dustin Yost, re: Broadway Street Bike Lanes.

145. Eric Wolf, re: Broadway Bike Lanes.

146. Francesca Nannizzi, re: Support for bike lanes.

147. Frédérique Garnier-Johnston, re: Constituent in support of bike infrastructure.

148. Georgia Indigo, re: Continue with installation of bike and pedestrian safety improvements on Broadway.

149. Grace Whitney, re: Supporting separated bike lines on Broadway.

150. Greg Wheeler, re: Support Broadway bike and pedestrian improvements.

151. Gustavo Agatiello, re: Broadway bike lanes.

152. Heewon Kim, re: Bike lanes on Broadway.

153. Henri-Louis Girard, re: In support of bike lanes on Broadway St.

154. Ian Wickersham, re: Support protected bike lanes!

155. Irving Kurki, re: continue the development of bicycle lanes on Broadway.

156. Jackson Potter, re: Broadway St Safety Improvements.

157. Jacob Klaybor, re: I support the Broadway Bike Lanes.

158. Janet Stein, re: Please support bike and pedestrian safety on Broadway.

159. Jayke Bouche, re: Broadway cycle lanes.

160. Jennifer Goulart, re: Voicing my support for Broadway bike lanes.

161. Jesse Winch, re: keep making bike lanes on Broadway please.

162. John Callerame, re: Please continue to improve cycling safety in Cambridge.

163. Josh Lucas, re: Broadway Safety Project.

164. Julian Powers, re: Broadway Bike Lanes.

165. Julien Tailleur, re: Protected bike lanes.

166. Kathleen Francis, re: Support Broadway st bike lanes!

167. Leah Rand, re: Don’t delay bike lane installation.

168. Luke Mueller, re: Support Broadway bike lanes.

169. Lydia Sylla, re: Support for bike lanes on Broadway.

170. Mary Kate Grow, re: Bike lanes on Broadway – Keep bikers and pedestrians safe!

171. Matthew Kramer, re: Support for Bike Lanes on Broadway.

172. Matthew Malone, re: Protect Broadway bike lane project.

173. Max Meinhold, re: Broadway Bike Lanes.

174. Meng Mao, re: strongly voicing my support for bike lanes.

175. Michael Heyman, re: Continue with installation of bike and pedestrian safety improvements on Broadway, Please!

176. Michael Rogove, re: In support of Broadway infrastructure improvements.

177. Nate Kaufman, re: Please prioritize safety on Broadway.

178. Nate Sharpe, re: Please Keep the Broadway Safety Improvements on Schedule – for Our Kids’ Safety.

179. Nick Owsley, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

180. Philippe Daniel, re: Installation of bike and pedestrian safety improvements on Broadway.

181. Rachel Sensenig, re: Broadway Safety Project.

182. Rebekah Bjork Please, re: continue on the path to make Broadway safe for cyclists.

183. Robert Amezquita, re: Please Support Broadway Safety Improvements.

184. Robert, re: Broadway Needs Bike Lanes!

185. Rowan Heneghang, re: Bike lanes on Broadway (3).

186. Ryan Kiracofe, re: In Support of Broadway Pedestrian & Bike Improvements.

187. Sam Ratliff, re: Please complete the cycling safety ordinance.

188. Sam Ribnick, re: Broadway bike lanes and the CSO.

189. Samuel Burgess, re: Broadway Bike/Ped Safety Improvements.

190. Sarah Block, re: Please stay the course on the CSO including Broadway.

191. Sarah Boyer, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!

192. Adam Mitchell, re: Don’t Stop or Delay Broadway Bike Lanes.

193. Steven E. Miller, re: Parking is MUCH MORE IMPORTANT than cyclist safety!

194. Alex Wang, re: Cambridge Bike Lanes.

195. Sue Stafford, re: Bike lanes.

196. Alison Cichowlas, re: Supporting bike lanes on Broadway.

197. Anton Kuznetsov, re: Support for Protected Bike Lanes and Safer Broadway Infrastructure.

198. Sy Hargis, re: Support for Broadway bike lanes.

199. Benjamin Bromberg Gaber, re: Broadway is dangerous without bike lines.

200. Tanya Rose, re: Protected Bike Lanes (5).

201. Bonnie Mioduchoski, re: Strong Support for Broadway Bike and Pedestrian Safety Improvements.

202. Charlene Abebe, re: Bike safety request.

203. Emily O’Connor, re: Please think of those in our community with disabilities.

204. Greg Ferland, re: In support of the Broadway Safety Improvement Project.

205. Ted Moore and Family, re: Support for Broadway safety improvements and bike lanes.

206. Michelle Hewitt, re: Preserve and expand bike lanes and pedestrian safety!

207. Terry and Laurie Gleason, re: Help make Cambridge more bikeable.

208. Thomas Collet, re: Please continue the installation of bike paths, including on Broadway.

209. Pieter Moore, re: Please continue the installation of pedestrian and bike lines on Broadway.

210. Todd Chapin, re: Support for bike lanes in Cambridge.

211. Richard Benton, re: Please Continue with Broadway Bike and Pedestrian Safety Improvements.

212. Tom Mason, re: Broadway & bikes.

213. Robin Chase, re: Planned Broadway bicycle lanes.

214. Tom Paugh, re: Please support the installation of bike and pedestrian safety improvements on Broadway.

215. Trevor Zou, re: Support for Pedestrian and Bike Safety Improvements.

216. Will Flanagan, re: Broadway Bike Lanes.

217. Zander Keith, re: Broadway safety improvement.

218. Brian Sousa, re: Continue the Broadway Safety Improvement Project.

219. Grace Edwards, re: We Need More Bike Lanes!

220. Grant Simmons, re: Support for Broadway Bicycle Lanes.

221. Harry Bullivant, re: Support Broadway Bike Lanes.

222. Katherine Moon, re: please continue with the bike and ped safety improvement plans on Broadway.

223. Luis Mejias, re: Broadway bike lanes.

224. Sara Rostampour, re: Please continue making our streets safer.

225. Tyler Etzel, re: support for Broadway bike & pedestrian safety improvements.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Happy 80th Birthday wishes to Henrietta Davis.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Zusy
pulled by CZ to be added as sponsor

R-1     June 2, 2025
MAYOR SIMMONS

WHEREAS: Former Mayor Henrietta Davis is a beloved and admired member of the Cambridge community whose decades of service and commitment to public life have left an indelible mark on our City; and

WHEREAS: Henrietta began her professional journey with roles as a city planner for the City of Cambridge, a writer and researcher for Time, Life, and Money magazines, a reporter for WGBH and NPR, and a preschool director—demonstrating a boundless intellectual curiosity and commitment to community wellbeing; and

WHEREAS: In 1987, Henrietta was first elected to the Cambridge School Committee, where she served until 1995 before being elected to the Cambridge City Council, continuing her distinguished service, including a term as Mayor from 2012 to 2013; and

WHEREAS: Throughout her time in elected office, Henrietta was a forward-thinking and compassionate leader, championing policies that improved children’s health, advanced smoke-free workplaces, promoted climate action, expanded public transportation, and enhanced walkability in cities locally and beyond; and

WHEREAS: In her life beyond public office, Henrietta has continued to pursue her passions with vigor, turning her attention to art and painting, and sharing her creative work in numerous juried exhibitions; and

WHEREAS: Henrietta is a cherished friend, a devoted wife to Richard for 47 years, and a loving mother and grandmother to two sons, two daughters-in-law, and four beloved granddaughters—each of whom continues to be a source of joy and pride to her; and

WHEREAS: On the occasion of her recent 80th birthday, the City of Cambridge wishes to express its deepest appreciation for Henrietta’s decades of service, leadership, and community spirit; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record wishing Henrietta Davis a very Happy 80th Birthday, with many happy, healthy birthdays yet to come; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Henrietta Davis on behalf of the entire City Council.

7. Condolences to the family of Nancy Williams Galluccio.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan
pulled by MM; MM, AW, PN added as sponsors

R-7     June 2, 2025
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR TONER

WHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Nancy Williams Galluccio on May 27, 2025, at the age of 89; and

WHEREAS: Nancy Galluccio was born in North Plainfield, New Jersey, and graduated from Beaver College (now Arcadia University) before making her way to Cambridge more than six decades ago, where she made a lasting home and became an enduring presence in our civic and community life; and

WHEREAS: Nancy and her husband, the late Anthony “Tony” Galluccio, shared a life of service and deep commitment to family and community, raising three children together at their home on Buckingham Street until Tony’s passing in 1980, after which Nancy carried forward the responsibilities of family and work with great dignity and strength; and

WHEREAS: Nancy served with distinction at Harvard Law School and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, where her more than 35 years of service culminated in her leadership of the Business Office, and where she earned the admiration of colleagues through her professionalism, steadiness, and grace; and

WHEREAS: Nancy gave generously of her time and talents in support of charitable efforts and civic engagement, including work with Galluccio Associates, Inc., multiple local philanthropic endeavors focused on children with cancer, and as treasurer to her son’s political campaigns for both Cambridge City Council and the Massachusetts State Senate; and

WHEREAS: Nancy was known for her quiet strength, no-nonsense determination, and steadfast love for her family, including her three children and two grandchildren, and for the optimism and warmth she continued to radiate even in her later years, embracing new friendships and community at The Cambridge Homes; and

WHEREAS: The City Council wishes to recognize Nancy Galluccio’s lifetime of integrity, civicmindedness, resilience, and enduring contributions to our city and its institutions; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record extending its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Nancy Williams Galluccio 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 Galluccio family on behalf of the entire City Council.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on May 8, 2025 to review and discuss the City budget covering the fiscal period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. [text of report]
pulled by PN; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy
Remote Present: Azeem, McGovern
Absent: Simmons

2. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on May 13, 2025 to review and discuss the School Department budget covering the fiscal period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. [text of report]
pulled by PN; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy, Simmons
Remote Present: Wilson
Absent: Azeem, Toner

3. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on May 14, 2025 to review and discuss the City budget covering the fiscal period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. [text of report]
pulled by PN; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, Zusy, McGovern
Remote Present: Simmons, Toner
Absent: Azeem

4. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on May 15, 2025 to review and discuss the City budget covering the fiscal period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. [text of report]
pulled by PN; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, Zusy
Remote Present: Simmons, Toner, McGovern
Absent: Azeem

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     June 2, 2025  amended
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: Climate change is primarily caused by the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels, specifically oil (including gasoline), methane gas, and coal, and is resulting in heating of the atmosphere and the oceans; and
WHEREAS: The impacts of climate change on Cambridge already are and will continue to be severe and threaten our health and safety, as documented in the Resilient Cambridge Climate Change Preparedness and Resiliency Plan, including: flooding, sea level rise, heat waves, and droughts and these effects will lead to substantial costs to taxpayers and Cambridge residents; and
WHEREAS: In addition to the impact of burning fossil fuels, offshore oil and gas exploration, development, and drilling carry inherent risks, including oil spills, leaks, habitat destruction, and pollution, which could cause significant, long-term harm to the people of Cambridge and greater New England as well as local businesses, and cause irreparable harm to our natural environment; and
WHEREAS: The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is developing the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program and has requested public input on whether to include new offshore leasing areas; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record formally opposing the inclusion of any new offshore oil and gas exploration or leasing off the North Atlantic coast in the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program and urges the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to prioritize the protection of coastal economies, communities, and ecosystems by excluding new offshore oil and gas leases from the final leasing program; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to submit this record as a public comment to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on behalf of the entire City Council; 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 federal delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-2     June 2, 2025
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has been reported to be active in Cambridge, and recent actions by ICE around the country – including in Somerville and Worcester – have raised concerns about the safety of community members and the legality of the agency’s actions; and
WHEREAS: In carrying out immigration enforcement, the current federal administration has repeatedly violated court orders, undermining public trust in the rule of law and the integrity of federal institutions; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge’s Welcoming Community Ordinance was adopted prior to these recent and increasingly aggressive federal actions, and must now be strengthened to ensure the continued safety and protection of all Cambridge residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the exception language in Chapter 2.129.040 Section J of the Cambridge Municipal Code be revised with language clarifying that Cambridge city employees shall not participate in federal immigration enforcement operations and that the sole role of Cambridge city employees during any action by ICE is only to protect public safety and not to assist or facilitate the work of ICE, especially given that those actions may be unlawful; and be it further
ORDERED: That language be added to the ordinance to clarify that if Cambridge Police Department officers are called by residents to the scene of an ICE action, that in addition to protecting public safety, they should document the actions of ICE employees, including their badge numbers; and be it further
ORDERED: That the reporting requirements in Chapter 2.129.060 be enforced with regular updates to the City Council about ICE’s actions in Cambridge per the language in the ordinance; 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, including with a draft of the requested Ordinance amendments.

O-3     June 2, 2025
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: On May 20, 2025 the Ordinance Committee held a hearing to discuss a Zoning Petition by Mushla Marasao, et al., and during the discussion, several questions were raised regarding the ability of the City Council to regulate zoning of religious or institutional uses as well as how recently passed multifamily zoning amendments impact that ability; and
WHEREAS: During the hearing, various federal and state laws regulating institutional and religious uses in local zoning were discussed; and
WHEREAS: At the state and Federal level, there are laws that limit the degree to which a local community can regulate institutional and religious uses, including the Dover Amendment, which was last updated in 1950 and is intended to protect religious and nonprofit educational agencies from being discriminated against and may allow developers to build facilities larger than zoning laws would ordinarily allow, and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), passed in 2000, which protects individuals, houses of worship, and other religious institutions from discrimination in zoning and landmarking laws; and
WHEREAS: Chapter 565 of the Acts of 1979 authorized Cambridge to impose use restrictions on the use of land for religious and educational purposes in residentially zoned, districts requiring at least 1200 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit, and in 1980, Chapter 387 of the Acts of the General Court, additional home rule legislation, extended this authority to apply to Harvard University, exempted from the original law; and
WHEREAS: The Multifamily Zoning Amendments, passed in 2025, eliminated all residential districts requiring at least 1200 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Institutional Growth Management Plan from 1981 documents indicates the intent of the two home rule petitions and the strategy for managing institutional growth as it evolved through the initial research and planning period, and institutional land uses in Cambridge have been classified into six major categories: Religious, Educational, Health Care, Social Service, Government, Other Institutional; and
WHEREAS: Envision Cambridge notes that the main principle of Cambridge’s planning and zoning has been to allow institutional uses the flexibility to grow while remaining within existing campus boundaries and not encroaching into residential neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS: At the May 28, 2024 Ordinance Committee meeting discussing the Ronayne, et al. Zoning Petition, CDD outlined concern that “Cambridge’s Institutional Use Regulations (IURs), which protect against expansion of university and other educational, religious, or other institutional uses into residential neighborhoods, can only be applied in districts that require at least 1,200 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit”; and
WHEREAS: As the CDD memo of May 15, 2025 points out, “[t]he Multifamily Zoning Amendments deliberately did not change dimensional regulations for nonresidential uses, because their purpose was only to promote housing… [and] most substantive changes were intended to fall within the scope of the “Housing Choice” legislation of 2021, which encouraged zoning changes that allow multifamily housing as-of-right and relax dimensional limitations for housing but not for other uses”; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to provide a legal opinion outlining, in light of current zoning including the most recent Multifamily Zoning Amendments, the ability of Cambridge to regulate institutional and religious uses in C-1 residential districts and what state and federal law allows in terms of local restrictions, if any, for institutional and religious uses, and in particular offer any guidance as to the application of state and federal law to the Council’s consideration of the Marasao et al. Petition; 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     June 2, 2025
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Opened in 1985, Linear Park is a popular open space corridor in North Cambridge for commuting and recreation; and
WHEREAS: Given its age and condition, the City of Cambridge is undertaking the redesign and reconstruction of Linear Park between the Russell Field Fieldhouse and the Cambridge-Somerville city line, just north of Mass Ave; and
WHEREAS: The goal of the redesign project is to create a cohesive open space corridor that provides increased access for the community and improved opportunities for passive recreation and leisure, play, enjoyment of the landscape, and a reliable transportation corridor for commuters and recreational park users; and
WHEREAS: Public meetings, per the attached slides from the November 16, 2022, hosted by CDD reference specific goals of strengthening and adding community access points along Linear Park, specifically at Westley Avenue, which is set up and meant to be open to Linear Park and community surveys by CDD requested that access point and the desire for connections has persisted over the project’s development; and
WHEREAS: A connection on the south side of the park is especially important since there are currently no access points on the south side between the gateways at Massachusetts Avenue and Russell Field, while there will be four access points on the north side, which makes the park access inequitable for the large number of residents on the south side; and
WHEREAS: Community access to Linear Park should be broadened as it makes the park more accessible to more people and facilitates safe off-street transportation for users of all ages including the school bike bus and allows residents and visitors to take advantage of valuable open space within the city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to ensure that there is full open access for all users to Linear Park from Westley Avenue as an additional community access point; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council in a timely manner.