RECONSIDERATION
1. Councillor Patricia Nolan has filed Reconsideration for PO26#140: “That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the City Solicitor and the License Commission to draft and submit a Home Rule Petition to authorize one additional Section 15 all-alcoholic beverages license not to be drunk on the premises.” (PO26#140)

O-4     Aug 3, 2026  Order Adopted 8-0-0-1 (Zusy - Present)
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: Ferro’s Food Town, located at 336 Rindge Avenue, is a longstanding neighborhood grocery business with roots dating back to the mid-20th century and formally incorporated in the 1980s; and
WHEREAS: For approximately 70 years, the store was operated by the Ferro family and served as a multi-generational, family-run business that became a trusted and reliable presence in North Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Following a transition in ownership in 2021, Ferro’s Food Town has continued to operate in that same tradition, maintaining its role as a neighborhood-serving food retailer; and
WHEREAS: Ferro’s Food Town serves a dense, diverse, and working-class population, including residents of Jefferson Park public housing, Rindge Towers, and surrounding apartment communities; and
WHEREAS: The neighborhood has experienced significant growth in affordable housing, including the redevelopment of Jefferson Park from 57 units to 278 affordable multifamily units and the addition of Rindge Commons, which provides 101 affordable multi-family units, increasing the need for accessible neighborhood food options; and
WHEREAS: Many residents, including seniors and families without access to a vehicle, rely on Ferro’s Food Town as a primary, walkable source of groceries and everyday necessities; and
WHEREAS: The store provides culturally relevant and affordable food options and functions as an essential part of the neighborhood’s daily life; and
WHEREAS: The store currently operates under a Section 15 wine and malt beverages license, limiting its financial sustainability; and
WHEREAS: Authorizing a narrowly tailored additional license would support the continued operation of the business and allow for reinvestment in food and nonalcoholic offerings; and
WHEREAS: Supporting Ferro’s Food Town aligns with the City’s goals of promoting food access, equity, and small business preservation; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the City Solicitor and the License Commission to draft and submit a Home Rule Petition to authorize one additional Section 15 all-alcoholic beverages license not to be drunk on the premises, subject to the following conditions:
  1. The license shall be issued for use at 336 Rindge Avenue,
  2. The license shall be issued only for a grocery-based establishment,
  3. The license may be transferred to another individual, partnership, or corporation operating the grocery business at that location,
  4. The license shall not be transferable to any other location except in the event the business is displaced,
  5. The license shall not be reissued if it is surrendered, revoked, or otherwise terminated.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. Aaron Shakow – Urgent intervention needed in two-wheeled vehicle traffic safety
2. Andy Nash – ShotSpotter vote
3. Audrey Cunningham – Underhanded proposal of zoning changes
4. Barbara Rubel – Changes to Cambridge Street zoning
5. Betty Lee Saccoccio – Proposed Rezoning for Cambridge Street
6. Suzanne Blier – Cambridge Street Zoning and other Policy Orders
7. Daniel Heller – ShotSpotter
8. David Whelan – micromobility and e-bike concerns
9. Diana Jelescu – Support PO26#153 – Lowering Energy Costs, Protecting Ratepayers, and Investing in Green Jobs
10. Elena Fagotto – Please support MA Climate Legislation and Home Energy Audits at Time of Sale
11. Erin James – PO2026#153
12. Federico Muchnik – Public Comment Safety, Structure, and Environmental Concerns Regarding Walden Square II Winn Development
13. Gabriel Robinson – pubic comment for tonight’s meeting (support Councilor Nolan’s orders)
14. Gary O’Donnelly – Affordability
15. Heather Penzkofer – Cambridgeport Resident and Former Chicago Resident on ShotSpotter
16. Helen Kobek – I am objecting procedurally and substantively to the late introduction of the proposed Amendments to the Cambridge Street Zoning
17. Hilary Fabre – ShotSpotter
18. Jacob Albert – Cambridge Street zoning amendment re ground floor retail
19. Jan Puibello, Peggy Lynch – Reid Overpass options
20. Jay Connor – ShotSpotter
21. Jean Spera – Amendment to Cambridge Street Zoning
22. Kathy Watkins – Vote no on ShotSpotter and surveillance
23. Krysia Wazny – ShotSpotter vote
24. Lee Farris – Support PO #16- Time of Sale Home Energy Audit
25. Lee Farris – Build community safety; oppose ShotSpotter
26. Lee Farris – Let Cambridge St. zoning expire - do not pass
27. Louise Venden – Support for PO26#148
28. Madeleine Aster – Please no stealth Cambridge Street zoning changes – upzoning should go through the entire process
29. Mari Miceli – Public comment on agenda #17 Aug. 3, 2026
30. Marie Elena Saccoccio – I am objecting procedurally and substantively to the late introduction of the proposed Amendments to the Cambridge Street Zoning
31. Meg Stone – Testimony 8/3, support community safety
32. Mike Goodman – shot spotter vote 8/3
33. Nancy Pendergast – Home Energy Audit
34. Paul E Fallon – in Support of Lower Huron Ave Bike Lane
35. Nancy Pendergast – Home Energy Audit
36. Peter Crawley – Residential Energy Audits at time of sale, PO#16
37. Philip Dowds – Stabilize Zoning?
38. Rachael Cobb – Testimony PO#9 August 3, 2026
39. Susan Markowitz, Richard Krushnic – Camb St amend RK SM recommendation 8/2/26
40. Sandra Cullison – Multi-Family Housing Ordinance
41. Sarah Block – Monday, 8/2 meeting stay cool
42. Steven Miller – Vote FOR home energy audits at time of sale
43. Susan Johansen – Cambridge Street Changes
44. Tamara Milne – Short-Term Rental Zoning Petition, Request to Extend Owner-Adjacent to Units on the Same Lot
45. willw – ShotSpotter would not have saved anyone
46. Young Kim – Request for Emergency Late Policy Order – Temporary Demolition Moratorium
47. Leland Hardy – Honor Charles Jenkins
48. Kathryn Nassberg – Voicing my support for PO26#146
49. Michael Rossiter – Availability of Phase II Comprehensive Site Assessment
50. Michael Rossiter – Availability of Phase II Comprehensive Site Assessment
51. Annette LaMond – Mid Cambridge NCD – Please Support
52. Lee Farris – Build community safety; oppose ShotSpotter
53. willw – ShotSpotter would not have saved anyone
54. Robert J. McGowan – I guess the developer isn’t going to wait for a vote on any proposed Zoning changes
55. Walter Sullivan – See the attached letter in opposition to reconsideration of PO26#140

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on Apr 28, 2026 to review and discuss the Residential Permit Parking Program, associated costs, and the relationship between the program, the services it provides, and the general use of the public ways in Cambridge. [text of report]
Present: Flaherty, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy
Remote Present: Azeem
Also Present: McGovern, Simmons, Siddiqui

2. The Finance Committee and Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a joint public hearing on Apr 30, 2026 with Harvard University to discuss and receive and update on the Harvard University Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement. [text of report]
Present: Flaherty, McGovern, Nolan, Zusy, Siddiqui
Remote Present: Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler
Absent: Azeem, Simmons

3. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Tues, June 9, 2026 to convene a roundtable of representatives from the Cambridge and Greater Cambridge startup ecosystem to provide insight into current conditions, emerging needs, and specific ways the City can strengthen its support for startups and enhance the local innovation environment. [text of report]
Present: Al-Zubi, Zusy
Remote Present: Flaherty, Simmons
Also Present: McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Azeem, Siddiqui
Absent: Nolan

4. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on June 22, 2026 to review and discuss the 5-year update to the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) including recommendations from the analysis and evaluation and feedback from community meetings. [text of report]
Present: McGovern, Nolan, Zusy
Also Present: Siddiqui (remote)
Absent: Al-Zubi, Azeem

5. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on June 24, 2026 to discuss micromobility in Cambridge, including current safety trends, the recently filed State legislation “Ride Safe Act,” and next steps for education and enforcement considerations. [text of report]
Present: Flaherty, Nolan, Zusy
Remote Present: Azeem
Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Sept 14, 2026
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: Approximately 3,200 contracted security officers who protect offices, laboratories, universities, and other major institutions throughout Greater Boston are continuing negotiations following the expiration of their contract and are seeking quality, employer-paid health insurance that many currently cannot afford; and
WHEREAS: Approximately 2,500 contracted cabin cleaners, baggage handlers, wheelchair agents, and other airport service workers at Boston Logan International Airport are similarly seeking a policy requiring airlines and their contractors to provide quality, affordable health care; and
WHEREAS: These workers, many of whom are immigrants and people of color, perform essential work supporting the safety, accessibility, cleanliness, and daily operation of some of Greater Boston’s most prominent businesses, institutions, and transportation facilities; and
WHEREAS: Nearly one-quarter of these workers report having delayed or gone without medical care because of its cost while also confronting Greater Boston’s extraordinarily high cost of living, and no worker should have to choose between necessary medical care and basic household expenses; and
WHEREAS: The increased contracting-out of security, airport, and other essential service work has too often shifted the cost of health coverage away from the businesses and institutions that benefit from that work and onto workers, their families, and publicly funded health care programs; and
WHEREAS: Recent changes in federal health care policy are placing additional pressure on Massachusetts residents and the Commonwealth’s health care safety net, further underscoring the importance of dependable employer-provided coverage; and
WHEREAS: These workers have joined together through 32BJ SEIU to advocate for higher industry standards, greater economic security, and access to quality, affordable health care, consistent with the City of Cambridge’s longstanding commitment to working people and economic fairness; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record standing in solidarity with contracted security officers throughout Greater Boston and airport service workers at Boston Logan International Airport who are seeking quality, affordable health care; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record in calling upon property owners, building operators, institutions, commercial tenants, and other clients that contract for security services to urge their security contractors to bargain fairly and in good faith with 32BJ SEIU and to support agreements providing quality, affordable, employer-paid health insurance; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record in calling upon the Massachusetts Port Authority and its Board of Directors to adopt a policy requiring airlines and their service contractors at Boston Logan International Airport to provide quality, affordable health care to airport service workers; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the leadership of 32BJ SEIU, for further distribution to the property owners, institutions, businesses, security clients, and other stakeholders involved in these campaigns, and to Richard Davey, Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Port Authority, to Patricia Jacobs, Chair of the Massachusetts Port Authority Board of Directors, to Sean M. O’Brien, Vice Chair; and to members Philip Eng, Lewis Evangelidis, Pamela Everhart, Warren Fields, and John Nucci, on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-2     Sept 14, 2026
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR AL-ZUBI
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: September is recognized globally as the 16th annual National Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS: ITP is a rare autoimmune blood disorder in which the immune system attacks and destroys platelets, increasing the risk of mild bruising to serious bleeding episodes, affecting 4 in 100,000 children and 3 in 100,000 adults in the United States; and
WHEREAS: Children and adults living with ITP need to lead much more cautious lives, avoiding activities that increase the risk of injury and bleeding; and
WHEREAS: Friday, September 25, 2026 marks this year’s I Sport Purple for Platelets! Day, led by the Platelet Disorder Support Association, the leading nonprofit dedicated to education, advocacy, support, and research for people affected by ITP; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the relevant staff to light Cambridge City Hall in purple in recognition of this year’s I Sport Purple for Platelets! Day, reflecting the spontaneous and often unexplained bruising that is a hallmark of ITP, and symbolizing the strength, resilience, and hope of patients, caregivers, and advocates working together to raise awareness and improve lives, in support of patients and families in Cambridge and around the world participating in this awareness campaign; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this Policy Order to the Platelet Disorder Support Association on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-3     Sept 14, 2026
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR AL-ZUBI
WHEREAS: Graduate workers represented by MIT GSU-UE 256 perform essential work throughout the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, contributing to the research and teaching missions of the Institute; and
WHEREAS: UE 256 and MIT are currently negotiating a successor collective bargaining agreement, with graduate workers seeking no cuts to healthcare benefits, protections for international workers, and strong union rights through maintaining the previous union security clause; and
WHEREAS: International workers comprise over 40% of all graduate workers at MIT and are essential to the Institute’s success, but the MIT administration has refused to commit to increased protections, seeking to maintain “flexibility” in case of federal policy changes; and
WHEREAS: The MIT administration has consistently offered concessionary proposals, including ones that would allow them to cut healthcare coverage; and
WHEREAS: The MIT administration has proposed replacing MIT GSU’s union shop with an open shop agreement that would not only undermine the negotiating position, unity, and contract enforcement power of MIT GSU but also threaten the negotiating position of all unions at MIT, including SEIU Local 32BJ; UNITE HERE Local 26; AFSCME Council 93; and the Research, Development and Technical Employees’ Union; and
WHEREAS: As one of Cambridge’s largest employers, MIT has an important role in promoting fair labor standards and constructive labor relations; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That this City Council go on record in support of the UE 256 graduate workers at MIT and their efforts to secure a fair contract; and be it further
ORDERED: That this City Council go on record respectfully urging MIT to reach a fair and timely agreement that provides secure healthcare benefits, protections for international workers, union shop, and an end to concessionary proposals; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this Policy Order to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, Provost Anantha P. Chandrakasan, Chancellor Melissa Nobles, Executive Vice President and Treasurer Glen Shor, and MIT GSU-UE 256 on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-4     Sept 14, 2026
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY
WHEREAS: In recent years, residents in the area around Cherry and Harvard Street have raised recurring concerns about illegal fireworks and firecracker activity during the July 4th holiday period, including activity occurring late into the night in and around the Fletcher Maynard Academy schoolyard; and
WHEREAS: Residents report that while this activity often stops when police arrive, it resumes shortly after police leave, creating ongoing public safety, fire safety, noise, and quality-of-life concerns for the surrounding neighborhood; and
WHEREAS: A more thoughtful, coordinated, and proactive response may be necessary in order to help prevent these recurring disruptions, protect school property, and preserve the peaceful use of the surrounding residential neighborhood; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Police Department and other relevant departments to develop a coordinated July 4th response plan for the Cherry Street, Harvard Street, and Fletcher Maynard Academy area to ensure that this spot not be utilized for the illegal use of fireworks; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to explore temporarily securing the Fletcher Maynard Academy schoolyard during the July 3rd through July 5th holiday period, or during the overnight hours when illegal fireworks activity is most likely to occur; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department to consider a sustained visible presence in the area during the evening and late-night hours of the July 4th holiday period, rather than relying solely on repeated calls for service; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the proposed coordinated response plan.

O-5     Sept 14, 2026
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that can develop following an injury, surgery, stroke, or other trauma, and is characterized by severe and persistent pain, changes in skin color and temperature, swelling, and increased sensitivity in the affected area; and
WHEREAS: The severity and complexity of symptoms can make CRPS difficult to diagnose and manage, creating significant challenges for individuals living with the condition and the families and caregivers who support them; and
WHEREAS: Although there are treatment options available to help manage the symptoms of CRPS, including physical therapy, medication, and pain management, there is currently no single treatment or cure for the condition, underscoring the need for continued research, education, and increased awareness; and
WHEREAS: “Color the World Orange Day” is an international awareness campaign that encourages landmarks, public buildings, businesses, and individuals to illuminate and wear orange to raise awareness of CRPS and show support for those living with the condition, as well as their families, caregivers, and loved ones; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record recognizing Sunday, November 1, as “Color the World Orange Day,” an initiative to raise awareness for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to illuminate City Hall in orange on Sunday, November 1, 2026, in honor of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Awareness Month.

O-6     Sept 14, 2026
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that impacts memory, thinking and language skills, and the ability to carry out the simplest tasks, and is the leading cause of dementia, affecting nearly 7 million Americans today; and
WHEREAS: The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), founded in 2002, provides nationwide support, services, and education to individuals, families, and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and funds research aimed at improving treatment and finding a cure; and
WHEREAS: AFA operates a National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484), staffed entirely by licensed social workers, offering direct support, guidance, and connections to local resources for anyone in the United States they live; and
WHEREAS: Early detection and intervention can significantly improve quality of life for patients and families, yet too many cases go undiagnosed until the disease has progressed beyond the point where treatments and planning are most effective; and
WHEREAS: Nearly 1,600 landmarks participated in AFA’s “Light the World in Teal” initiative last year, making it one of the largest awareness campaigns for any cause in the world; and
WHEREAS: By participating, the City of Cambridge would demonstrate support for residents, families, and visitors affected by Alzheimer’s, promote important conversations about early detection and care, and help raise visibility for the cause; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to illuminate City Hall in teal on Monday, November 2, 2026, in honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

O-7     Sept 14, 2026
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The Blessed Sacrament Drill Team was founded in Cambridgeport in 1936 as an all-female parish drill team created to provide recreation, discipline, fellowship, and performance opportunities for girls from Cambridgeport, eventually becoming one of the strongest drill teams in Greater Boston; and
WHEREAS: The Blessed Sacrament Drill Team has represented the City of Cambridge in civic celebrations, patriotic events, and regional competitions, earning recognition as one of the premier Catholic Youth Organization drill teams in Greater Boston and establishing a tradition of excellence that continues to this day; and
WHEREAS: The successfully transformed into the internationally respected Blessed Sacrament Color Guard while preserving its enduring connection to Cambridge and its commitment to developing young people through education, teamwork, and artistic excellence; and
WHEREAS: Blessed Sacrament has inspired generations of performers to pursue excellence through discipline, creativity, sportsmanship, perseverance, and mutual respect while fostering lifelong friendships and a lasting sense of family among members, instructors, volunteers, parents, and alumni; and
WHEREAS: Blessed Sacrament continues to recognize Cambridge as its forever home and has proudly carried the City’s name with distinction onto national, and international stages, due to the immeasurable contributions of the generations of directors, instructors, volunteers, parents, alumni, supporters, and performers; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge honors not only Blessed Sacrament’s competitive achievements, but also the generations of families, alumni, volunteers, and supporters whose dedication sustained this longstanding institution and made it an enduring part of Cambridge’s civic and cultural heritage; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record proclaiming September 14 as Blessed Sacrament Drill Team and Color Guard Day in Cambridge, and that the City Council go on record celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Blessed Sacrament Drill Team and Color Guard and recognizing its artistic achievements, historic contributions, and nine decades of commitment to empowering young people through discipline, teamwork, creativity, and community.

O-8     Sept 14, 2026
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: September 2026 is Meet Your Neighbor Month (MYNM) in Cambridge, during which residents and community members across the city are invited to connect with the people, places, and stories that make Cambridge feel like home; and
WHEREAS: Throughout the month, various City departments and community partners will host events and activities that encourage residents to strike up conversations, deepen connections, and, of course, meet their neighbors; and
WHEREAS: This year’s theme, “Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect,” celebrates the many ways connections are formed across Cambridge and invites all of us to continue creating more opportunities for belonging and community; and
WHEREAS: As part of Meet Your Neighbor Month programming, the Peace Commission will host a community gathering on Friday, September 25, and community members will have the opportunity to participate in a raffle by completing the Meet Your Neighbor Month Passport Challenge, where residents can fill their passport by attending events and completing side quests; and
WHEREAS: Meet Your Neighbor Month offers a meaningful opportunity for all Cambridge residents to celebrate the diversity, generosity, and community spirit that make our city a welcoming place to live, work, learn, and belong; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record recognizing September 2026 as Meet Your Neighbor Month in the City of Cambridge, commending the Peace Commission for its leadership, and encouraging all Cambridge residents to take this opportunity to meet a neighbor, share stories, and build the connections that strengthen our community; 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 Peace Commission on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-9     Sept 14, 2026
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: Small and locally owned businesses are essential to Cambridge’s economy, commercial districts, and community life, yet opening or expanding a business often requires navigating multiple City departments, permits, licenses, inspections, and approvals; and
WHEREAS: In 2021, the City conducted a Small Business Permitting & Licensing Efficiency Review, which found that lack of accessible information, complex regulatory requirements, and siloed departmental processes were major challenges for applicants, and recommended improvements including interdepartmental “one-stop” meetings, clearer guides and checklists, better online information, and establishing a Small Business Liaison; and
WHEREAS: The City’s 2022 BIPOC-Owned Businesses Survey further demonstrated the importance of these issues, with a third of respondents identifying assistance with permitting, zoning, licensing, and regulatory issues as a need that would make it easier to open a business, making it one of the four most frequently identified needs; and
WHEREAS: The City is currently undertaking significant improvements to the residential permitting – simplifying requirements, streamlining reviews, enhancing interdepartmental coordination, and providing clearer information – and many of the same challenges, including unclear or duplicative requirements, inconsistent processes, and difficulty understanding the sequence of approvals, similarly affect entrepreneurs and small business owners; and
WHEREAS: These challenges can be particularly burdensome for first-time business owners, small businesses with limited staff or resources, and entrepreneurs who may not have professional consultants to help navigate City processes; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge should strive to provide a permitting and licensing experience that is accessible, efficient, transparent, and easy to navigate while upholding essential standards for public safety, accessibility, sustainability, and consumer protection; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Community Development Department, Inspectional Services Department, License Commission, Fire Department, Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to develop a coordinated initiative to improve and streamline the permitting and licensing process for small businesses; and be it further
ORDERED: That this work build upon the findings and recommendations of the 2021 Small Business Permitting & Licensing Efficiency Review and the 2022 BIPOC-Owned Businesses Survey, including identifying which recommendations have been implemented, which remain outstanding, and which should be updated or expanded based on current conditions; and be it further
ORDERED: That this work include engagement with small business owners, entrepreneurs, business associations – including those representing BIPOC-owned and other historically underserved businesses – and other stakeholders to identify the most significant barriers encountered when opening, expanding, renovating, or changing the use of a business in Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City review the full small business permitting journey, from an entrepreneur’s initial inquiry through permits, licenses, inspections, and opening, to identify opportunities to:
  • create a clear, centralized guide or online portal outlining required permits, licenses, approvals, costs, expected timelines, and responsible departments;
  • provide applicants with a roadmap or checklist tailored to business type and proposed activity;
  • improve coordination and sequencing among departments so that reviews can occur concurrently when appropriate and applicants receive consistent guidance;
  • establish a clear point of contact or coordinated “one-stop” assistance for applicants requiring approvals from multiple departments;
  • simplify forms, eliminate unnecessary or duplicative requirements, and move remaining applications and processes online where appropriate;
  • identify significant regulatory, zoning, building, accessibility, or infrastructure issues earlier in the process that could prevent or substantially delay a business opening;
  • establish clearer service standards and expected review timelines and provide applicants greater visibility into the status of pending applications;
  • expand pre-application assistance and technical support, particularly for first-time entrepreneurs, BIPOC-owned businesses, and small businesses without professional permitting expertise;
  • explore appropriate uses of technology, including AI-assisted tools, to help businesses understand requirements and navigate City processes; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City evaluate opportunities to establish measurable performance indicators for the small business permitting process, including time to first review, overall processing time, frequency of incomplete applications or requests for additional information, number of departmental handoffs, and applicant satisfaction; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with findings, an assessment of the status of recommendations from the 2021 Small Business Permitting & Licensing Efficiency Review, recommended near-term and longer-term improvements, proposed performance measures, and any ordinance, regulatory, staffing, or budgetary changes needed to create a more transparent, predictable, coordinated, and customer-centered small business permitting process.

O-10     Sept 14, 2026
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Through regulations, legislation and executive action, the Trump Administration has been working to dismantle the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), one of America’s most successful bipartisan conservation and good-government laws, threatening historic structures; and
WHEREAS: Over 600 public, private and nonprofit organizations and Tribal governments and over five million Americans overall, these include state and local governments, preservation, conservation, and Main Street organizations, professional associations of archaeologists, architects, landscape architects, anthropologists, historians, museum professionals, and private businesses involved in the cultural resource management industry. They have responded by proposing to strengthen Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) which requires federal agencies to identify affected historic places; assess potential harm; and consult with Tribal Nations, state and local officials, property owners, experts, and the public about ways to avoid or minimize harm to historic properties; and
WHEREAS: At stake are not just landmarks and museum pieces, but the physical fabric of America itself. They include Tribal sacred landscapes, the nation’s battlefields, churches where movements for civil rights and social justice took root, factories, farms, mills, rail depots and shipyards that powered the nation’s economy. They include Main Streets, courthouses, neighborhoods, schools, parks, bridges, archaeological sites, cultural landscapes and downtowns that give communities their sense of orientation and identity; and
WHEREAS: America’s historic places are not obstacles to America’s future. They are among the things that make America worth building; and they generate billions of dollars of economic activity; and
WHEREAS: Weakening Section 106 is not an abstract policy debate. It threatens irreplaceable historic places, Tribal rights, local economies and livelihoods.
  • It will give Federal agencies discretion to decide whether to notify the public or provide opportunity for public comment before approving development projects;
  • Allow developers to secure Federal approvals without first meaningfully exploring ways to avoid or minimize harm;
  • It will eliminate the right of state and local governments to be notified when Federally approved development threatens historic places within their jurisdictions;
  • It will eliminate the Federal government’s requirement to consult with Tribal Nations or seek their expertise about their sacred places before approving projects that may damage or destroy them;
  • It will exclude entire categories of historic places from meaningful consideration, including cultural landscapes, and places like the Grand Canyon, because they are no “geographically compact” or centered on a built structure.
WHEREAS: The Executive Branch is avoiding the law with the demolition of the East Wing and erection of the proposed White House Ballroom, plans to paint the Eisenhower Executive Office Building white, plans to build a 250’ granite arch near Arlington Cemetery, and threatening to tear down the Kennedy Center; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council goes on record in support of protecting and strengthening Section 106 of NHPA and shares a copy of this policy order with Gov. Maura Healey and Cambridge’s Federal Senators and Representatives.

O-11     Sept 14, 2026
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
WHEREAS: This Policy Order serves as a brief of the process to hire the City Clerk position to date; and
WHEREAS: This process began in the 2024-2025 City Council term, following the retirement of Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, and the appointment of Paula M. Crane as Interim City Clerk, effective June 1, 2025; and
WHEREAS: On June 30, 2025, the Council voted to establish a preliminary screening committee and formally begin a search for a permanent City Clerk; and
WHEREAS: The 2025 City Clerk Preliminary Screening Committee met on several occasions and held a series of first and second round interviews in Executive Session; and
WHEREAS: After completing these interviews, the Committee was unable to identify two finalist candidates to go before the full Council for a final interview; and
WHEREAS: As a result, the process was suspended at the end of the term, and Paula M. Crane’s appointment as Interim City Clerk was extended for an additional six months, as detailed in a communication from then-Mayor Simmons to the Council; and
WHEREAS: On January 22, 2026, Mayor Siddiqui appointed the 2026 City Clerk Preliminary Screening Committee, which again met over several months to review applicants, conduct interviews, and work with the city’s Human Resources department to recruit a strong pool of finalists to present to the Council; and
WHEREAS: Despite these efforts, several highly qualified applicants withdrew from consideration, and the process was again suspended; and
WHEREAS: On May 18, 2026, Paula M. Crane’s Interim appointment was extended once more to allow the Committee time to evaluate next steps; and
WHEREAS: On July 28, 2026, the Preliminary Screening Committee met to discuss the process to date and next steps, including reposting the position; and
WHEREAS: Following this discussion, Mayor Siddiqui was informed that Paula M. Crane was now interested in the position after not applying previously; and
WHEREAS: The Sponsors of this Order, who also served as members of the Preliminary Screening Committee, have determined that appointing Paula M. Crane as City Clerk is the most effective and appropriate course of action; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council appoint Paula Crane to the office of City Clerk; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Solicitor engage the services of a suitable law firm, in consultation with the City’s Chief People Officer and with approval of the City Solicitor, to negotiate an employment contract with Paula M. Crane on behalf of the City Council, and be it further
ORDERED: That the full City Council discuss the terms of the employment contract in a future Executive Session, with final approval of terms and appointment to occur at a subsequent future open meeting of the City Council.

O-12     Sept 14, 2026
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR AL-ZUBI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest and most effective anti-hunger assistance program in the nation, serving over 895,000 Massachusetts recipients or 561,000 Massachusetts households in June 2026, and approximately 10,000 individuals in Cambridge in July 2025; and
WHEREAS: The monthly number of calls from individuals needing action from the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) to receive or keep SNAP but were unable to connect to a call center representative reached a record high in March 2026 of 11,806, likely due to insufficient staff to answer phone lines; and
WHEREAS: In July 2025, President Trump signed H.R.1 (“One Big Beautiful Bill”) into law, resulting in a decrease of approximately 180,000 Massachusetts recipients of SNAP benefits, including 63,000 children; and
WHEREAS: Since July 2025, the number of monthly walk-in visits for those seeking services has remained constant, but the average number of processing days for new SNAP applications has increased from 11 days to 21 days; and
WHEREAS: According to the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI), the Cambridge economy has already lost approximately $2.95 million in annualized federal SNAP dollars, with approximately $28.8 million in annualized federal MassHealth dollars at risk; and
WHEREAS: Since July 2025, Cambridge’s SNAP enrollment has fallen by 15.2%, or 1,491 residents, and according to the MLRI, 70% of application denials and 50% of recertifications were denied for procedural reasons; and
WHEREAS: While the Federal government is focused on cutting programs that have served our residents well for decades, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts can choose to invest in SNAP and DTA’s workforce; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council urge the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts General Court to prioritize the hiring of additional DTA case workers to ensure those eligible for SNAP are able to receive and maintain benefits and taking other steps needed to end the SNAP access crisis; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Governor Maura Healey, DTA Commissioner Michael Cole, and the Cambridge state legislative delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-13     Sept 14, 2026
COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Ovarian cancer is a serious malignancy affecting the female reproductive system and is a leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States; and
WHEREAS: According to the American Cancer Society, in 2026 an estimated 21,010 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, with approximately 12,450 deaths, and a woman’s lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is approximately 1 in 91; and
WHEREAS: Ovarian cancer accounts for approximately 2 percent of all cancer deaths among women, yet accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system; and
WHEREAS: The disease is often discovered at an advanced stage because early detection tools remain limited; approximately 80% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed at Stage III or IV, when survival rates are significantly lower; and
WHEREAS: Currently, there is no routine screening test for ovarian cancer, and symptoms may be easily confused with other diseases such as gastrointestinal illness, creating significant challenges for early diagnosis; and
WHEREAS: The complexity and severity of ovarian cancer create significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges for individuals living with the condition and the families and caregivers who support them; and
WHEREAS: Although treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy are available to help manage ovarian cancer, there is currently no single cure for the condition, underscoring the critical need for continued research, earlier detection methods, education, and increased awareness; and
WHEREAS: September is recognized nationally as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, during which organizations, businesses, healthcare providers, and communities illuminate the shared commitment to supporting women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and to advancing research and prevention efforts; and
WHEREAS: Teal is the international color symbolizing ovarian cancer awareness, and displaying teal ribbons and illuminations demonstrates solidarity with ovarian cancer patients, survivors, and their families, while raising public awareness of this disease; and
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has long recognized ovarian cancer as a serious threat to women’s health and joins this City of Cambridge in promoting awareness and supporting those living with the disease; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record recognizing the month of September as “Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month,” an initiative to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, honor survivors and those lost to the disease, celebrate advances in treatment and research, and show support for those living with ovarian cancer, as well as their families, caregivers, and loved ones; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to illuminate Cambridge City Hall in teal on Sunday, September 20, 2026, or on another date in September most suitable for City staff, in observance of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.