CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $540,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Law Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account for the settlement payment relating to Lubavitch of Cambridge, Inc. v. Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal and City of Cambridge (United States District Court District of Massachusetts, Docket No. 1:24-cv-12403). (CM25#160)
Order Adopted 9-0

CM25#160     June 23, 2025
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting an appropriation in the amount of $540,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Law Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account for the settlement payment relating to Lubavitch of Cambridge, Inc. v. Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal and City of Cambridge (United States District Court District of Massachusetts, Docket No. 1:24-cv-12403).

I am recommending that the Council appropriate these funds as part of a settlement to resolve the above litigation.

As of June 23, 2025, the City’s Free Cash balance is $138,680,971.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

9. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,800,000, received from the U.S. Department of Transportation Reconnecting Communities Grant Program ($2,400,000) and from the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Transportation Improvement Program ($400,000), to the Grant Fund Transportation Department Extraordinary Expenditures account, for the design of the Fitchburg Crossing bicycle/pedestrian bridge project. Funds will be used to support the design costs of a new off-road bridge over the Fitchburg Rail Line that will connect Danehy Park to the Rindge Avenue neighborhood and create greater access to recreations facilities, retail and jobs for people walking and biking. (CM25#168)
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Brooke McKenna (Dept. of Congestion & Obstruction, a.k.a. Transportation Department), Bill Deignan, Toner (on funding source), Owen O’Riordan (bridge will cost ~$30 million), Zusy, Simmons; Order Adopted 9-0

CM25#168     June 23, 2025
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting an appropriation in the amount of $2,800,000, received from the U.S. Department of Transportation Reconnecting Communities Grant Program ($2,400,000) and from the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Transportation Improvement Program ($400,000), to the Grant Fund Transportation Department Extraordinary Expenditures account, for the design of the Fitchburg Crossing bicycle/pedestrian bridge project.

Funds will be used to support the design costs of a new off-road bridge over the Fitchburg Rail Line that will connect Danehy Park to the Rindge Avenue neighborhood and create greater access to recreations facilities, retail and jobs for people walking and biking. This project will advance the work completed as part of a 2023 feasibility study. The scope of the design effort will include a robust engagement process, survey and geotechnical investigations, conceptual design of the bridge, permitting and final design. The design process will include close coordination with the MBTA, MassDOT, several abutters and neighborhood groups, and many city departments.

Design team proposals for the project have been received through a Request for Qualifications process and a recommended team has been identified.

These funds will be combined with matching city funds in the amount of $600,000 of previously appropriated multi-use path funding.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments of Kwame Dance and Yemi Kibret and the reappointments of M. Amaris Kinne, Duane Brown, Frederick Cabral, Collin Fedor, Christopher Fischer, and Bran Shim to the Human Services Commission for a term of three years. (CM25#172)
Appointments Approved 9-0

CM25#172     June 23, 2025

I am writing to recommend the following appointments and reappointments of members to Human Services Commission for a term of three (3) years, effective June 23, 2025:

• Kwame Dance (appointment)

• Yemi Kibret (appointment)

• M. Amaris Kinne (appointment)

• Duane Brown (reappointment)

• Frederick Cabral (reappointment)

• Collin Fedor (reappointment)

• Christopher Fischer (reappointment)

• Bran Shim (reappointment)

The Human Services Commission was established under Chapter 2.98 of the Cambridge Municipal Code. The function of the Commission is to advise the City Manager and the Assistant City Manager on human services policy issues and funding allocations. With the Department of Human Service Programs, the Commission also promotes activities that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Over the years, the Commission has responded to local needs by recommending Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for a wide range of programs offered by the City and by community agencies.

The City Manager’s office posted a request for applications for the Human Services Commission on the City website and via a news release on February 12, 2025, with a closing date of March 24, 2025. During that time, members of the Commission and City staff conducted outreach with their networks. The call for applicants was also posted in several of the City’s daily email updates and in postings on the City website. There were twenty-six applicants, all of which were invited to attend the April 10, 2025 meeting of the Commission to meet Commission members and City staff; thirteen applicants attended this meeting. Eight applicants were subsequently interviewed. The interview panel, made up of City staff members, has recommended the appointment of three of those applicants. I am also recommending the reappointment of five current members. They have made valuable contributions and would appreciate the opportunity to continue serving.

The next anticipated vacancy for this Commission will come in 2026.

I am pleased to recommend these eight individuals whose expertise and experience will enable them to be valuable members of the Human Services Commission:

1. Kwame Dance
Kwame is the Dean of Health & Wellness at the Boston Arts Academy High school and Behavioral Health Services Coordinator at Cambridge Community Center. He holds a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology and Master in Professional Psychology from William James College, a Master in Business Administration from Strayer University, and Bachelor of Arts from Trinity College. He has previously worked with DHSP’s Office of Workforce Development and Cambridge Youth Programs. He grew up in Cambridge, attended Cambridge Public Schools, and is a CRLS graduate. He has previously served on the Civic Unity Committee.

2. Yemi Kibret
Yemi is the Program and Advocacy Coordinator at the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC), where she has worked for over 8 years. She also coordinates Journey to Hope, CEOC’s new community-based mental health program, in which non-clinicians deliver a 5-session program focused on stress management, reducing depression and anxiety, self-care, and social support. She leads Ethiopian Hour, a weekly program hosted at the North Cambridge Senior Center. She immigrated to the US from Ethiopia and has lived in Cambridge for fifteen years. She is a mother of three.

3. M. Amaris Kinne
Amaris is the Director of Research at Neighborhood Villages, a Boston-based nonprofit, where her portfolio includes investigating State and Federal policies and programs impacting early education and childcare. She holds a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University, a Master of Science in Education from Lehman College, and a Bachelor of Arts from Boston College. She currently serves on the board of the Maria Baldwin Community Center. She has previously volunteered at Food For Free’s Home Delivery program, as a tutor and youth mentor with Enroot, and as an ESOL teacher at the Cambridge Literacy Project. She has lived in Cambridge for ten years.

4. Duane Brown
Duane has served on the boards of numerous Cambridge non-profits, including Margaret Fuller House, where he attended programs as a youth. Recently retired, he was a City of Cambridge employee for thirty-five years. He grew up in Cambridge and currently resides in The Port. He has served on the Commission since 2018.

5. Frederick Cabral
Frederick is a Superintendent with the Cambridge Police Department. He joined CPD in 2003, where he has served in a variety of units within the department, including Patrol Operations, the Community Relations Unit, and the Family and Social Justice Section. He currently oversees the Support Services Division, which includes Criminal Investigations, the Family and Social Justice Section, and Administrative Services for the department. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Crime, Law and Deviance from Suffolk University. He grew up in Cambridge, attended Cambridge Public Schools, and is a graduate of CRLS. He has served on the Commission since 2021.

6. Collin Fedor
Collin is the Chief of Staff to a Massachusetts State Representative. He has previously served as Communications and Senior Policy Advisor for House Committee on Ways and Means at the State House. Collin holds a Bachelor of Arts from Boston College. He volunteers as a Cambridge Youth Soccer referee. He has lived in Cambridge for over five years. He has served on the Commission since 2020.

7. Christopher Fischer
Christopher is the Chair of Emergency Medicine at Mount Auburn Hospital. He has previously served as the Site Chief of the Cambridge Hospital’s Emergency Department and as an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School. He holds a Doctor of Medicine from Georgetown University School of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University Walsh School of Foreign Service. He has served on the Cambridge Substance Use Advisory Task Force and Committee, as well as the Cambridge Continuum of Care (homeless services) board. He has served on the Commission since 2020.

8. Bran Shim
Bran is Senior Advisor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance. He has previously served as the Commonwealth’s Assistant Secretary for Budget. He holds a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School and a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University. He served as a PB Budget Delegate during the City’s third Participatory Budgeting cycle. While an undergrad at Harvard University, he volunteered at the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter. He has lived in Cambridge for over ten years. He has served on the Commission since 2018.

I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve on the Human Services Commission and, with your approval, look forward to their appointments.

14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of members to the of the American Freedmen Commission (“AFC”); Xenia Bhembe, Jeff Davis, Paula Paris, Cheyenne Wyzzard-Jones, Kashish Bastola, Melissa Jackson Collins, George Greenidge, Gassendina Lubintus, Sukia Akiba, Thabiti Brown, Kwame Dance, Natassa Mason. (CM25#173)
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy re: hiring of Exec. Director, report, recommendations; DEI Director Diedre Travis Brown on background; Simmons comments re: Saskia van James, background, claiming unanimous support; Zusy calls this a “noble goal”, not about reparations (really?); Wilson comments on need to move quickly; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang; Nolan comments re: “Color of Law”; Appointments Approved 9-0

CM25#173     June 23, 2025

I am writing to recommend the following appointments of members to the American Freedmen Commission (“AFC”). Per the ordinance, initial appointments shall be for the following terms: one-third of the members shall serve for a term of three years, one-third of the members shall serve for a term of two years, one-third of the members shall serve for a term of, after the initial terms all members shall be appointed for a term of three years. All appointments are effective June 23, 2025:

• Xenia Bhembe (three year appointment) • Jeff Davis (three year appointment) • Paula Paris (three year appointment) • Cheyenne Wyzzard-Jones (three year appointment)    • Kashish Bastola (two year appointment) • Melissa Jackson Collins (two year appointment)

• George Greenidge (two year appointment) • Gassendina Lubintus (two year appointment) • Sukia Akiba (one year appointment) • Thabiti Brown (one year appointment) • Kwame Dance (one year appointment) • Natassa Mason (one year appointment)

The was established to fulfill the goals and objectives of the American Freedmen Commission Ordinance, Chapter 2.131 of the Cambridge Municipal Code to will explore historic and ongoing harms to the Cantabrigian descendants of enslaved people and determine appropriate reparations.

Commissioners will also work together to design a strategy to:

• Investigate and report on any historical, systemic, and/or ongoing harms done to American Freedmen by the Federal, Massachusetts, and/or Cambridge governments and make recommendations to the City Manager and/or the City Manager’s designee(s) concerning implementing sustainable solutions for transitional justice and prompt reparations for Cambridge Resident American Freedmen.

• Increase public awareness and understanding of the Commission’s work and outcomes from investigations and research.

• Develop a community engagement strategy to engage community members across the City of Cambridge

• Collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to promote the advancement of the American Freedmen Commission.

• Perform further work as agreed upon by the City Manager and/or the City Manager’s designee(s) and the Commission.

The City Manager’s office posted a request for applications for the American Freedmen Commission on the City website and via a news release on March 1, 2025, with a closing date of April 7, 2025. The call for applicants was also posted in several of the City’s daily email updates and in postings on the City website. There were 34 applicants, 14 of whom were interviewed. The interview panel, made up of City staff members has recommended 10 appointments and 2 alternates of those applicants.

Appointment:

• Dr. Xenia Johnson Bhembe is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the Director of Community Minority Affairs at Cambridge Health Alliance. Since 2004, she has focused on addressing mental health disparities in African American communities through various initiatives, task forces, and media appearances, including WGBH’s “Basic Black.” As a leading expert in multicultural psychiatry, she has received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her commitment to advancing mental health equity for African American youth and families.

• Jeff Davis is a people and culture strategist with over 20 years of organizational leadership experience, specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that create authentic spaces for African American professionals and communities of color. Throughout his tenure at City Year, Inc. and AERDF, he has led DEI strategy implementation, executed compensation equity reviews affecting 1,000+ staff. Beyond his corporate work, Jeff founded Black Men Run Boston to address racialized health disparities impacting Black men’s health and leads African Diaspora parent groups, demonstrating his commitment to building supportive communities and advancing equity both professionally and personally.

• Paula Paris is a dedicated social justice advocate who has devoted her career to illuminating African American histories and advancing reparative justice through her work with the Cambridge Black History Project, where she researches and shares the stories of freed men and women from the 18th and 19th centuries like Elizabeth Freeman, Darby Vassall, and Quock Walker. As an active member of her church’s reparations committee and advisor to grant-funded reparative justice listening circles in Black churches across greater Boston, she facilitates spiritual discussions on reparations while helping direct funds toward meaningful community impact. Her collaborative leadership extends to successfully advocating for the renaming of Vassal Lane Upper School to Darby Vassal Upper School as an act of reclaiming space, demonstrating her commitment to both historical preservation and contemporary reparative action for African American communities.

• Dr. George R. Greenidge Jr. is an award-winning sociologist and nonprofit leader, currently a Democracy Visiting Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center. His research focuses on the effects of economic development, gentrification, and displacement on Black communities. As the founder and executive director of Greatest MINDS and the National Black College Alliance, he has mentored over 10,000 students from underrepresented backgrounds and raised more than $1 million annually for educational programs and scholarships. He also serves as an Affiliate Faculty and Researcher at Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research, applying community-based participatory research to address racial inequities in urban neighborhoods. Dr. Greenidge is recognized as the inaugural recipient of the American Sociological Association’s Community & Urban Publicly Engaged Scholar Award.

• Gassendina Lubintus is a dedicated community advocate and a recent Political Science graduate from UMass Amherst. Currently, she works as the Learning Center Coordinator for the Cambridge Housing Authority’s Workforce Program, managing daily operations and outreach to boost educational participation among residents. Her political engagement has enhanced democratic participation in Cambridge’s African American and immigrant communities through voter outreach campaigns for Representative Marjorie Decker and City Council candidate Ayesha M. Wilson, where she leads volunteers in canvassing efforts. As a bilingual professional fluent in English and Haitian Creole, Lubintus helps ensure that underrepresented communities have access educational opportunities, workforce development programs, and civic engagement initiatives.

• Cheyenne Wyzzard-Jones is a transformative justice advocate and educator, currently the Associate Education Director at Company One Theater. With over a decade of experience, she focuses on racial equity and healing justice for African American communities. As the founding Director of Women of Color in Solidarity, she has led advocacy initiatives globally and managed mutual aid efforts benefiting over 800 people annually, including a major COVID-19 relief fund for low-income Black and Indigenous families. Her work with the Close Rikers Campaign and the Center for Justice at Columbia University, along with her advocacy for American Freedmen reparations, utilizes transitional justice methodologies to tackle historical harms and systemic violence. She develops trauma-informed frameworks to support formerly incarcerated individuals and wrongfully accused members as they reintegrate into their communities.

• Melissa J. Collins is a skilled program and project management professional with over 13 years of experience in digital transformation at esteemed institutions like Harvard Business School, where she improved educational experiences through innovative technology. At organizations such as Nike, MassMutual, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, she specialized in developing marketing automation systems and customer relationship management platforms that enhance access for underrepresented communities. As a certified agile practitioner with expertise in multicultural leadership and community outreach, Collins applies culturally competent strategies to project management, creating inclusive digital solutions for African American consumers and students in healthcare, e-commerce, and education.

• Thabiti Brown has dedicated over two decades to transforming educational opportunities for African American students as the founding Head of School at Codman Academy Charter Public School, growing it from a high school to a K1-12 program serving diverse Boston communities. His leadership fostered partnerships with the Huntington Theatre Company and the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, allowing students to write and perform a hip-hop opera. He champions culturally responsive pedagogy and advocates for educational equity through board service with organizations like Young Man With a Plan and Codman Square Health Center. As a Barr Fellow and multiple award recipient, he continues to empower African American families and youth.

• Dr. Samuel Kwame Dance, Psy.D., MBA, has dedicated his career to improving mental health access for African American communities. Through his work at Whittier Street Health Center and the Mental Health ACCESS program, he focuses on career development and stigma reduction for Black adolescents. As Dean of Health & Wellness at Boston Arts Academy High School, he has impacted numerous students and families by implementing trauma-informed interventions and culturally responsive mental health curricula. His research on diversifying the mental health workforce and leadership in the 2B-EPIC Early Psychosis Career Exposure program have established him as a national advocate for mental health equity and community empowerment.

• Kashish Bastola, a Harvard College student majoring in History and South Asian Studies has demonstrated a strong commitment to African American communities through his advocacy with the Metro St. Louis Equal Housing Council, where he helped elderly and Black residents in Centreville, Illinois, facing exploitation. He also leads the Harvard Affirmative Action Coalition, organizing programs and mobilizing over 100 students to support diversity in higher education, which benefits underrepresented students, including African Americans. Through his work with the Phillips Brooks House Association and collaboration with the NAACP on amicus briefs, he continues to advocate for educational equity and social justice for African American communities nationwide.

Alternate Appointment:

• Sukia Akiba, a proud descendant of American Freedmen, she has dedicated over a decade to advancing reparative justice for African American communities. As Vice President of Green Cambridge, she advocates for environmental justice initiatives that enhance climate resilience in underserved Black neighborhoods. Working with Cambridge City Councilor Quinton Zondervan, she helped develop the American Freedmen Commission legislation, focusing on affordable housing and climate justice reform to address past injustices. Her community organizing experience includes work in Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia, along with overseeing affordable housing rehabilitation projects. Currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy focused on housing and climate justice, Akiba strives to create solutions rooted in truth and collective healing for African American families.

• Natassa Mason, a dedicated educator in the Boston Public Schools with a B.S. in African American History from Northeastern University. With over 15 years of experience, she champions educational equity for African American students through her work in special education and literacy at Warren Prescott School (K-8). She implements evidence-based programs like the Wilson Language System and UFLI interventions, focusing on culturally responsive instruction for students with learning disabilities. As a leader on Instructional and Inclusion Planning Teams, Mason facilitates IEP meetings and designs behavioral interventions that respect students’ dignity and prepare them for long-term success.

I am pleased to recommend these individuals whose expertise and experience will enable them to be valuable members of the American Freedmen Commission.

I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve on the American Freedmen Commission and, with your approval, look forward to their appointment.

15. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $250,000 from the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account. (CM25#174)
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Brooke McKenna, Nolan, Wilson; Order Adopted 9-0

CM25#174     June 23, 2025
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting an appropriation in the amount of $250,000 from the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account.

These mitigation funds were received through Special Permit commitments related to the projects below:

Project	Amount
Alexandria Real Estate Equities - 325 Binney Street (PB# 367)	$150,000
New England Development - Cambridgeside (PB# 364)	$100,000
TOTAL:	$250,000

Funds will be used for a Citywide Transit Service Gap and Shuttle Study that will study two transportation and mobility issues in Cambridge-1) the presence of gaps in local public transit and 2) the potential for modifications to existing shuttles or for new shuttles. Local public transit is primarily MBTA bus routes and privately-owned “open-door” shuttles that allow the public to ride, including the EZRide, Harvard University campus shuttles, and Longwood Collective/MASCO M2 route.

This study will identify transit service gaps through geographic analysis and community engagement. It will also identify peer cities with similar transit network, demographics, geography, and local economies. The study will also evaluate and analyze opportunities to improve existing private shuttles and contemplate new shuttle routes.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

COMMUNICATIONS
1. Abhishek Gupta Please listen to Cambridge residents, Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

2. Abigail K. Starr PLEASE don’t delay or cancel the Broadway safety project!

3. Adam Manacher re: Broadway and parking 33 year committed dual use commuter shopper.

4. Adam Manacher to Please listen to Cambridge residents re: Broadway bike lanes and 60 Ellery.

5. Alex Wang re: PO25#88 and #89 (opposed).

6. Alexa Gomberg re: a Statement in Support of Separated Bike Lanes on Broadway.

7. Alexandra Grassian Please delay Broadway Bike lanes – message from a local parent, biker, worker and mom.

8. Alexandra Irving Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

9. Alfred DIsidoro to Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

10. Ali ShahI support making Broadway safer for alternative transport methods while providing parking solutions.

11. Alisa Prince to Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

12. Alyssa Pacy to Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

13. Alyssa Pacy to Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

14. Amanda Keefe, 320 Charles Street - re: Scheduling City Council Hearing.

15. Amanda Leifer to Please make Broadway safer with separated bike lanes while providing parking solutions.

16. Amey Callahan Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

17. Amy Caron to Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

18. Amy Park re: Longfellow Music Program.

19. Angelo Veneziano to Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

20. Ann Stewart re: Council, please pass PO#3 Alewife Brook Combined Sewer Overflow.

21. Anne Holtzworth, PLEASE DO NOT ELIMINATE EVEN MORE CITY PARKING!

22. Anne Sundaram, Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

23. Arti Pandey, Longfellow Music Program.

24. Ausra Kubilius to Please listen to so many Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88.

25. B Hom re: Bike lane Broadway.

26. Beverly Mire re: Broadway parking.

27. Beverly Mire please.

28. Brenda Stanfield re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

29. Brennan Waters No delays to Broadway safety project (PO#1 and #2).

30. Britta Egeland Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

31. C. Barrett Broadway parking -- please save it.

32. Carlos A.N Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

33. Carol Birnbaum Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

34. Carole Stern Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

35. Carolyn Shipley NO TO CHANGES TO BROADWAY.

36. Catherine Forde-Augustine Please do not eliminate parking on Broadway - support PO25#89 & 88.

37. Catherine Forde-Augustine to Save parking on Broadway – PO25#88 & 89!!

38. Charlotte Hambley to Please Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

39. Chris McElroy re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

40. Christian Denckla re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

41. Christine Mathison Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

42. Christine Tessier 2 Broadway Parking.

43. Christine Tessier re: Broadway Parking PO25#89 and PO25#88.

44. Christine Tessier re: Broadway Parking.

45. Christine Tessier Broadway PO25#88 and #89.

46. Christine Tessier Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

47. Cynthia Kagno Bike safety in Cambridge.

48. Dana Quinn Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

49. Daniel Bourque 3 Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

50. Daniel Bourque Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

51. Daniel Bourque to STOP the Broadway Bike Lane.

52. Daniel Santiago Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

53. Darren Buck NO to PO25#88 as written (suspending bike lanes until parking is studied).

54. Darren Buck NO to PO25#89 (removing Broadway from CSO).

55. David Hawley re: Bike Lanes on Broadway and Refresh Paint of bike lane lines on Cambridge St.

56. David Lyon & Patricia Harris Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

57. Denise Belloste - Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

58. Diane O’Neill Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

59. Amy Bermar, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

60. DIXIE LIVELUVLAUGH Dixie Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

61. Douglas Bauer to Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

62. Drew Volpe continued support for Broadway redesign.

63. Ed Abrams re: Broadway separated bike lanes.

64. Eileen McCullough Bike lanes on Bway does NOT make it safer.

65. Austin Ledzian, re: Support for Broadway Safety Improvements.

66. Brennan Waters, re: Please support taller buildings and more housing in Squares & Corridors.

67. Carmen Baskauf, re: Vote no on PO#1 and #2, yes 5 and 6 - public testimony.

68. Carol Lee Rawn, re: Strong Opposition to POs #1 and #2 and Support for POs #5 and #6.

69. Carolyn Fuller (ABC), re: Vote No on PO#1 & #2 and Yes on PO#5 & #6.

70. Cathey Park, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

71. Dana Tighe, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

72. Darren Buck, re: My public comment #219 on POs #88 & #89.

73. David Brann, re: Please vote no on motion PO25#88 and #89 - over 20k Blue Bike rides a month use Broadway.

74. Dean Eckles, re: Support for expanding mixed use zoning.

75. Diane O’Neill, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

76. Diane Reposa, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

77. Elizabeth Christian, re: Separated Bike Lanes on Broadway.

78. Elisabeth Werby, Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

79. Emily Moreshead, re: Response from Westley Avenue Residents and Abutters.

80. Elise Moore, Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

81. Elise Moore, URGENT, Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

82. Elizabeth Conley, SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction)

83. George Lanzillo, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

84. Elizabeth Conley, Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

85. Elizabeth Gallant Green Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

86. Elizabeth Greywolf please keep Broadway Parking!

87. Emma Bonassar, Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

88. Emma K Batson, Please vote no on POs #1 and #2 and yes on POs #5 and #6.

89. Eric Nugent - Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

90. Eric Nugent - Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

91. Eric Nugent - Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

92. Eric Walden - Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

93. Eric Walden - Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

94. Erika Giannina Ramos Fano re: Longfellow Music Program.

95. Ethan Frank re: Broadway parking underutilization.

96. Frank Scibilia - Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

97. Fritz Donovan to Save Broadway Parking.

98. Gene Doyle - Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

99. Gene Doyle - Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

100. Genghis Lapointe re: the bike lane madness is ruining the lives of non-athletes in the affected areas.

101. George Ni Against Broadway St. Bike Paths.

102. George Sarrinikolaou Vote NO on PO#1 and #2.

103. Georgia Indigo - No delays to Broadway safety project.

104. Ginny Dorne - Please reconsider Broadway parking reduction.

105. Giovanni Berlanda - Please make Broadway safer with separated bike lanes.

106. Glenna Lang - Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

107. Greg Carey-Medlock, Stick to the plan - continue bike and pedestrian improvements on Broadway.

108. Greg Hsu - Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

109. Gus Rancatore - Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

110. Hallie White Speight - Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

111. Hans-Peter Biemann - Developers begin to cash in and further crush affordability in Cambridge.

112. Helen Abraham - Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

113. Howard Schultz and Victoria Winston, Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

114. Inés Ortea, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

115. Gordon Moore, re: Two infrastructure concerns for discussion of zoning changes for North Mass Ave and Cambridge Street.

116. Jacquelyn Smith, re: Broadway Parking.

117. James Collins, re: Public Comment on Meeting on Jun 16, 2025.

118. Janice Lichtman, re: Please vote Yes on PO1 and PO2 and keep needed parking on Broadway.

119. Jane Stoleroff, re: urge support: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

120. Janee Townes, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

121. Janice Lichtman, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

122. Jen Flygare, re: Broadway bike lanes conflict.

123. Jean Leventhal, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

124. Jenny Kastner, re: Long term planning, Mass Ave.

125. Jean Spera, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

126. Jeff Luszcz, re: I support Broadway bike lanes and pedestrian improvements.

127. Jess Sheehan, re: Please do not delay safe infrastructure on Broadway.

128. Jeff Meese, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

129. Jesse Ashcraft-Johnson, re: Build bike lanes on Broadway.

130. Jeffrey Dike, re: Commitment to Public Safety.

131. Jennifer Payette, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

132. JOHN MARTIN, re: June 16 Council Meeting.

133. Jennifer Woodfin, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

134. Jonathan Haber, re: No on PO#1 and #2.

135. Jerray Chang, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

136. Jessica Corbin, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

137. Justin Mazzola Paluska, re: June 16, 2025 City Council Meeting.

138. Kathleen Moore, re: Bike lanes - NO on POs #1 and #2.

139. Jessica Baptista, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

140. Latané Bullock, re: Broadway bike safety while providing parking solutions.

141. Lee Farris (CResA), re: City vouchers clarification.

142. Jessie Saacke, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

143. Liz Layton, re: support of PO25#88.

144. Lois Josimovich, re: PO#3 comments re: Alewife Brook - for today’s Council meeting.

145. Jill S., re: Please continue to support safe bike lanes.

146. Marcella Framondi, re: Please listen to CAMBRIDGE RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE LACK OF RESIDENT PARKING; Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

147. Joe Ronayne, re: Comments on Alewife Brook.

148. Margaret Peterson, re: Parking Enforcement Home Rule.

149. Mark Keibler, re: Mass Ave., Cambridge St. Zoning Support.

150. Melanie Abrams, re: PO25#90 - ban slow rodenticides to protect raptors.

151. John Hanratty, re: VOTE YES PO25#89; YES PO25#88 (Broadway).

152. John Martin, Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

153. Jonas Kantola, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

154. Jonathan Cohen, re: Build Broadway bike lanes, vote no on PO25#88 and #89.

155. Jonathan Turner, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

156. Joshua Gauthier, re: Please Support Broadway Bike and Pedestrian Safety Improvements.

157. Judith Nathans, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

158. Judy Levin, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

159. Kasey Geremia, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

160. Katharine Marsh, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

161. Kathryn Dahl, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

162. Kevin Coady, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

163. Kimberly Kaufman, re: bike lanes - please continue with installation on Broadway.

164. Kini Griffin, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

165. knbrown, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

166. Latoya Weaver, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

167. Laura Conrad, re: Broadway Parking.

168. Laura Zimmerman, re: Please Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

169. Lauree Mansour, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

170. Laurin Stoler, re: Please save our Broadway parking spaces!

171. Lida Nabati, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

172. Lorraine Banyra, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

173. Madonna A. Kinne, re: Safety Improvements on Broadway.

174. Malhiya Arnib, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

175. Marcelo Marchetti, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

176. Marco de Paula, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

177. Marie Elena Saccoccio, re: CM25#145 Opposition to Appointments as Presented.

178. Marie Elena Saccoccio, re: Opposition to Broadway Bike Lanes.

179. Marilee Meyer, re: reconsider Appointees to the CHC and NCDs.

180. Mark Franklin, re: Please Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

181. Mary Anne Carlson, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

182. Mary Anne Carlson, re: Non-residents should NOT be given priority over RESIDENTS of Cambridge.

183. Mary Grassi, re: Support of PO25#89 and PO25#88.

184. Mary Jane Rupert, re: vote against the Broadway bike lanes please.

185. Mary K Eliot, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

186. Marya Wegman, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

187. MaryAnn Cusack, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

188. Mary Jane Rupert, re: Please support PO25#88 and #89.

189. Matt Vernacchia, re: Support for Broadway bike lanes.

190. Maureen Foley, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

191. Michael Buck, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

192. Michael Rodman, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

193. Miranda Cecil, re: Please make Broadway safer with separated bike lanes while providing parking solutions.

194. Mohammed Khader, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

195. Nina Herrera, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

196. Mohammed Musawwir, re: Please Listen to Cambridge Residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

197. Nadia Mykolayevych, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

198. Nan Laird, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

199. Nance Goldstein, re: Urgent Necessity for parking AND rethinking of bike lanes POR #89 and #88.

200. Nina Polshakova, re: Broadway parking questions.

201. Nate Sharpe, re: Please Vote No on POs #1 & #2, Vote Yes on POs #5 & #6.

202. Phyllis Bretholtz, re: No more bike lanes.

203. Neil Goodwin, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

204. Priyanka Kadam, re: Cambridge Resident Request for Boot Fee Relief Due to Financial Hardship.

205. Nicole Neville, re: No on PO 1 &2_ Yes on PO 5 & 6.

206. Nicole Ramkissoon, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

207. Randy Stern, re: Cambridge Bicycle Committee Letter - Broadway Bike Lanes.

208. Nina Polshakova, re: Broadway parking questions.

209. Phyllis Bretholtz, re: No more bike lanes.

210. Nina Alonso Hathaway, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

211. Nina Andersson, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

212. Priyanka Kadam, re: Cambridge Resident Request for Boot Fee Relief Due to Financial Hardship.

213. Randy Stern, re: Cambridge Bicycle Committee Letter: Broadway Bike Lanes.

214. Nonie Valentine, re: ICE/supporting police.

215. Reiley O’Connor, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

216. Nonie Valentine, re: PO25#88 is a really good idea!

217. Dave Halperin (ABC), re: Reject NCD appointments.

218. Norman Daoust, re: opposition to PO #1 and #2.

219. Pamela Enders, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

220. Patricia Lotterman, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

221. Phyllis Bretholtz, re: No more bike lanes.

222. Richard Freierman, re: Cambridge Bicycle Committee Letter - Broadway Bike Lanes.

223. Rob Vandenabeele, re: No delays to Broadway safety project (PO#1 and #2).

224. Peter Nugent, re: I Support PO25#89 & #88.

225. ROBERT CZAJKOWSKI, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

226. Peter Yeager, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

227. Philip Behn, re: Meeting today - Monday at 5:30pm.

228. Robert Ressler, re: Public Comments for No on PO#1 and #2.

229. Christine Tessier, re: PO25#88 and #89.

230. Robert Sherman, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

231. Roy Russell, re: PO25#88 and #89. [Note: Roy Russell is the partner of Robin Chase, Founder of ZipCar, a company based on the idea of people not owning private motor vehicles]

232. Robert Weber, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

233. Rosemary St George, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

234. Roxann Mascoll, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

235. Roy Russell, re: PO25#88 and #89. [Note: Roy Russell is the partner of Robin Chase, Founder of ZipCar, a company based on the idea of people not owning private motor vehicles]

236. RP Weinreb, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

237. Ruby Aidun, re: NO on PO25#88, NO on PO25#89.

238. Samantha Hall, re: Please make Broadway safer with separated bike lanes while providing parking solutions.

239. Sara Rosen, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents:  Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

240. Sarah Block, re: Please vote No on PO#1 and #2 and YES on PO#5 and #6 Don’t break your promise again!

241. Sarah Boyer, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

242. Sarah Catherine Benedict, re: Public Comment.

243. Sarah Choi, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

244. Sarah Hale, re: please do NOT delay the Broadway bike lanes.

245. Elizabeth Gombosi, re: Save Broadway Parking.

246. Sazzad Hussain, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

247. Shellburne Thurber, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

248. Shireen Damghani, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

249. Sean Hart, re: Stop the Continuous Power Grab at CHC.

250. Susan Chasen, re: Save Broadway parking!

251. Susan Corcoran, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

252. Susan Davies, re: PLEASE VOTE FOR PO25#88 AND #89 ON MONDAY NIGHT - PROTECT PARKING.

253. Susan Johansen, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

254. Susan King, re: Broadway bike lanes.

255. Susan Ringler, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

256. Susan Smith, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

257. Susana T. Arteta, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

258. Susan, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

259. Suzanne Blier (CCC), re: CHC appointment tonight; CM25#145, Opposition to Appointments as Presented.

260. Suzanne Hamner, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

261. Suzanne Watzman, re: We Cambridge residents Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

262. Tamaryn Watzman, re: Save Broadway Parking! Support PO25#89 & #88.

263. Terry Crystal, re: 6/16 STATEMENT in support of POR 2025 #89 and #88.

264. Theresa CloutierI, re: support Broadway bike lanes.

265. Thom Cleland, re: Public comment for City Council Regular Meeting, 16Jun25.

266. Thomas Collet, re: No delays to Broadway safety project (no to PO#1 and #2).

267. Tim Russell, re: Support a Safer Broadway – Vote YES on Orders #5 and #6, and NO on Orders #1 and #2.

268. Tina Christodouleas, re: Please support access from Westley Ave into Linear Park.

269. Trevor Bergeron, re: Broadway Bike Lanes Are Important.

270. Tutor, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

271. Ty Wilson, re: Please support building higher in squares and corridors.

272. Victoria Solomon, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

273. Yasemin Isler, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

274. Young Kim, re: PO25#43 Response Referral to Housing and NLTP Committees.

275. Zachary Yaro, re: Keep The Broadway Safety Improvement Plan On Schedule.

276. Allan Sadun (ABC), re: More housing on and around Mass Ave, Cambridge St.

277. Cindy Marsh, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

278. Cynthia Goldberg, re: Zoning Discussion.

279. Faryar Tavakoli, re: My feedback on rezoning at Cambridge St.

280. Gaurav Sawhney, re: Cambridge St. Development.

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

282. Hugh MacNeil, re: Please listen to Cambridge residents: Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

283. Jonathan Cohen, re: Support for denser zoning on Massachusetts Avenue and Cambridge Street.

284. Julia Schlozman, re: Squares and Corridors.

285. Kathryn Nassberg, re: Concerning last night’s Council vote.

286. Kellie DeJon, re: Unfair hearing.

287. Kelsey Harris, re: Squares & Corridors.

288. Paula Cortes, re: Raymond Park renovation.

289. Angelo Veneziano, re: Bike Lanes.

---

290. Anika re: Shot Spotter Meeting 6/2.

291. Belinda Rathbone to Please listen to Cambridge residents; Support PO25#89 & #88 to save Broadway parking.

292. Ruby Vail, re: Public Comment - 6/16.

---

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on May 6, 2025 to discuss all Workforce Development/Job Training programs provided for and/or funded by the City, School Department, and non-profits, and discuss a possible future “Jobs Trust” may do differently, or in addition to, current programming funded and/or operated by the City. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: Wilson
Remote Present: McGovern, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner
Also Present: Zusy

2. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on May 21, 2025 to discuss whether the City Council can be removed from the process of approving/denying curb cuts, whether abutters should continue to be part of the process of approving/denying curb cuts and if abutters remain part of the process including renters in definition of “abutters” and to prepare draft Ordinance language. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy
Remote Present: Azeem
Also Present: Siddiqui, Nolan, Wilson, Simmons
Absent: Toner

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     June 23, 2025  Amended; Tabled
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has long been a national leader in advancing climate action, sustainability, and carbon neutrality, and has sought to ensure that its clean energy investments also uphold principles of social justice, fair labor practices, and equitable economic transition; and
WHEREAS: As part of the Consortium for Climate Solutions, the City entered into a virtual power purchase agreement in 2024 with Apex Clean Energy’s Bowman Wind Project in North Dakota, in good faith reliance on Apex’s stated commitments to supporting strong local labor practices and advancing a just transition for fossil fuel workers; and
WHEREAS: It has since come to the City’s attention that Apex Clean Energy has failed to incorporate a credible plan to prioritize the hiring of qualified, local North Dakota workers—particularly, unionized workers who have historically been engaged in the state’s energy sector; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has been made aware that contracts have instead been awarded to entities with a documented history of employing primarily non-union, out-of-state workers, thereby undermining the local economic benefits promised to host communities and directly contravening the spirit of the just transition the City was led to believe would be central to this project; and
WHEREAS: The labor-related concerns that have been raised in this instance, and the fact that they persist, should serve as a significant warning to other municipalities and institutions considering partnerships with Apex Clean Energy, as investments in clean energy should never be done at the expense of skilled, qualified local laborers who are seeking to support themselves and their families; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record expressing its profound disappointment over Apex Clean Energy’s decision to forgo the use of local union labor on the Bowman Wind Project, an omission that stands in stark contrast to Cambridge’s longstanding values of fairness, economic justice, and support for a skilled, local workforce; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record urging other municipalities, governmental bodies, educational institutions, and private entities to exercise extreme caution before entering into any similar agreements with Apex Clean Energy, and to seek ironclad assurances that labor and local hiring practices will align with the highest standards of social responsibility; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this Order to Ken Young, President and CEO of Apex Clean Energy, to all Consortium for Climate Solutions member institutions, and to relevant stakeholders within the Massachusetts state government and the broader renewable energy community.

O-2     June 23, 2025
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
ORDERED: That the City Council shall convene for its special summer meeting on August 4, 2025.

O-3     June 23, 2025  Amended
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR WILSON
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge Community Benefits Advisory Committee (CBAC) (established via ordinance in 2015) ensures the provision of tangible benefits from significant development throughout the City, contributing to the public good by funding opportunities for community enrichment, including human services, the arts, cultural enrichment, sustainability measures, public health, housing, educational programs; and
WHEREAS: Nationally, Community Benefits are also used as powerful tools to center underserved and impacted residents closest to development projects through means including workforce training, support for small businesses, construction of community resources, and environmental benefits to mitigate the impact of these development projects; and
WHEREAS: In its 2025 Executive Summary, the CBAC highlighted the need for meaningful deliberation on how to best target support to meet the greatest needs of the community, aligning with the City Councils stated goals; and
WHEREAS: While the programmatic services supported by the CBAC’s recommended funding continue to have lasting impacts throughout the City through the provision of direct services and community building initiatives, the need to support the City’s non-profit partners through capital investments is further underscored; and
WHEREAS: Ongoing conversations among the City Council, staff, and the Community Benefits Advisory Committee have identified the need for greater flexibility in the use of Community Benefits funds, including the ability to support capital expenditures that serve a public purpose, expanding the range of benefits impacting the community; and
WHEREAS: There exist significant capital infrastructure needs of our community organizations; and
WHEREAS: Amending the ordinance to allow for capital investments - such as infrastructure, facilities, or equipment - can strengthen the impact of community benefit programs by supporting long-term physical improvements that directly benefit residents closest to development activity, as well as broader benefits communitywide; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor, in consultation with relevant City departments and the Community Benefits Advisory Committee, to draft amendments to the Community Benefits Ordinance that allow for the use of funds for capital expenses, provided that such expenses clearly advance the goals of the Community Benefits program and any other suggested amendments; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on the timeline and process for reviewing, approving, and implementing these amendments by the summer meeting.

O-4     June 23, 2025
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council recognizes the invaluable service that healthcare workers provide for the wellbeing of our constituents and has affirmed the importance of their ability to unionize for better working conditions; and
WHEREAS: Approximately 250 primary care physicians at Mass General Brigham (MGB) filed with the National Labor Relations Board to join the Doctors Council of the Service Employees International Union, Local 10MD, after presenting their signed union cards to MGB; and
WHEREAS: These physicians have endured a vicious cycle of short staffing and unsustainable workloads that result in an ever-increasing list of responsibilities, and inadequate pay for the hours worked, which leads to frequent turnover; and
WHEREAS: This kind of profit-first decision-making can lead to poorer health outcomes for patients who are unable to receive adequate attention due to physician workloads; and
WHEREAS: Mass General Brigham treats tens of thousands of Cambridge residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council urges Mass General Brigham to recognize the MGB Primary Care Physician union and immediately begin good faith negotiations.

O-5     June 23, 2025
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: While large trucks make up only 4% of vehicles on the road in the United States, their crashes result in a disproportionately high share of fatalities, especially in urban areas like Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: In the past 10 years, Cambridge has had nine truck crashes that resulted in the fatalities of pedestrians and cyclists, including two in June of 2024, and others that have resulted in serious injuries; and
WHEREAS: In 2020, the City Council passed the Truck Safety Ordinance requiring side guards and other safety features on City-owned or contracted trucks; and
WHEREAS: In 2022, the state legislature passed “An Act to Reduce Traffic Fatalities” that required similar safety features for trucks purchased by the Commonwealth or used by organizations the Commonwealth contracts with; and
WHEREAS: There is currently a bill before the state legislature entitled H2343/S3653 “An Act Expanding Truck Safety Requirements” that would expand the law mandating these safety features to cover additional vehicles, including trucks owned by utility companies, wireless providers, and municipalities; and
WHEREAS: The bill has been scheduled for a committee hearing before the legislature on Tuesday, June 24, 2025; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of H2343/S3653 “An Act Expanding Truck Safety Requirements”; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Cambridge’s State House delegation.

O-6     June 23, 2025  [Adopted 9-0; Reconsideration Fails 0-9]
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: On Tuesday, June 24, 2025 the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government is discussing H.4156, which reforms the Cambridge City Charter; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward the attached letter to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government in advance of the hearing on June 24 on behalf of the entire City Council.

CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL
Patricia Nolan
City Councillor

Dear Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Members:

We write in strong support of the home rule petition submitted by the Cambridge City Council to adopt a new city charter. The home rule petition was authorized unanimously by the City Council, and we respectfully urge the Legislature to act swiftly, so that our election officials have sufficient time to prepare for voter consideration this November.

This email is a short summary of the proposed charter. As background, Cambridge currently operates under a Plan E form of government, a model no longer authorized by Massachusetts law. Our charter has not been changed substantially since its adoption in 1940. Recognizing the need for modernization, the Council established a Charter Review Committee [CRC], which worked for more than a year to recommend changes, in consultation with the Collins Center. After receiving the CRC’s final report, the Council discussed and deliberated on the recommendations, ultimately voting unanimously to submit the proposed charter as a home rule petition now before the Legislature.

The proposed charter maintains Cambridge’s council-city manager form of government and retains our at-large elections conducted via proportional representation every two years. Thus, the structure of the government will largely stay the same. The new charter introduces important updates in form, clarity, and oversight.

What the new charter does:

• Modern, Accessible Language: The proposed charter follows best practices in language, formatting, and structure, as outlined by the CRC in consultation with the Collins Center. The formatting is in line with CRC recommendations, and the Council and the Law Department worked to ensure that the language was accessible to residents. One important role of a city charter is to inform the public regarding the governance of the city. To that end, we have worked to ensure the language in this document is clear and without unnecessary reference to other state law, where possible. It is a document that is gender neutral and accessible to all readers. As noted by the CRC Final Report about the current Plan E Charter: “As a document that is supposed to be the foundation of our government, it does not meet the moment… A modern form and structured charter would better serve Cambridge’s government and residents.” This new form and language are in line with the CRC recommendation of enacting a modern form and structured charter.

• Regular Review Processes: This new charter will retain regular charter review on a predictable timeline, every ten years. Additionally, in line with best practice, the new charter adds a provision for regular review of our code of ordinances.

• Expanded Oversight and Accountability: The new charter codifies the recent addition of an annual review of the city manager and adds additional review processes for the city clerk and the city auditor. The charter expands city council review of city manager appointed positions to multi-member bodies like boards and commissions. The charter also codifies the process by which the city council passes policy orders to the city manager.

• Clarified Roles in Budget Authority: A change to the charter is clarity of role on the budget. Article 6 of the new charter codifies required public meetings before the end of the calendar year rather than the fiscal year and with enough time to influence budget submission.

• Refinement to Governance Roles: The city council will continue to choose their own chair (the mayor). The mayor will serve as an ordinary member of the School Committee with its chair being elected by the school committee.

• Improved Elections Language and Flexibility: This new charter retains the current ranked choice voting system while expanding flexibility. The new language allows the Board of Elections Commissioners to modify the tabulation methods based on modern practices. The elections system in Cambridge is one of the best in the state and has allowed for expansion of early voting, vote by mail, and accessible voting systems. Our current elections processes are codified in part by the Plan E document, but also in part by a number of Special Acts that have been amended, changed, and ruled on by courts over many decades. Retaining those powers and codifying that work in a plain language document is important.

In summary, the home rule petition represents an important step forward for Cambridge. The proposed charter is a modern and clear plain-language document that expands review and democratic accountability measures within our government, standardizes best practices, and sets up a process by which we can further refine the charter. It reflects our City’s vision for more equitable, just, and transparent governance. That is an exciting promise and a great step forward for the city. Thank you again for considering this important home rule. We would be happy to answer any questions. Sincerely, Patricia M. Nolan, City Councillor On Behalf of the Cambridge City Council