Cambridge City Council meeting - November 2, 2026

Cambridge City Council meeting - November 2, 2026 - AGENDA
[Vice Mayor Azeem was ABSENT]

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-66 regarding discussions with MWRA about improvements to water quality and advancement of CSO infrastructure without taking of public parkland or prolonged disruption to Magazine Beach. (CM26#304) [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Jim Wilcox (DPW), McGovern, Nolan, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Flaherty, City Manager Yi-An Huang; Siddiqui; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $50,000 from Free Cash to the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund. (CM26#307) [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Siddiqui, Kathy Watkins; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,000,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account. (CM26#305) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; commenys by Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Sandra Clarke (CDD), Siddiqui; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to illuminate City Hall in blue on Sat, Nov 14, 2026, in honor of World Diabetes Day. Mayor Siddiqui Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern (PO26#204)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Cambridge Human Rights Commission, and relevant City departments to strengthen public awareness of disability rights, reasonable accommodations, and available complaint processes, and to identify barriers to community integration within City programs and services. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons (PO26#205)
pulled by Zusy; comments by Siddiqui, Zusy, Flaherty, Nolan, Rachel Tanenhaus (Commission for Persons with Disabilities); Add all as sponsors; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff to consider an integrated development review process in which demolition and tree removal permits are reviewed with and issued concurrently with the building permits Issuing Demolition and Tree Removal Permits in Conjunction with Building Permits Approval. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui (PO26#206)
Charter Right - Zusy

4. City Council support of the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) and urge the conference committee on the economic development bill to adopt the House’s local-option version. Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui (PO26#207)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

ON THE TABLE
1. That the City Manager is requested to review and reconsider the Harvard Square Kiosk Operating and Stewardship Model. [Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler (Oct 20, 2026); Tabled Oct 28, 2026] (PO26#189)
comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Elliot Veloso (Law Dept.), Zusy, Nolan, Al-Zubi, Flaherty, Yi-An Huang, Siddiqui, Melissa Peters (CDD); Sobrinho-Wheeler amendments amended and adopted 6-2-1 (McGovern, Simmons - No; Azeem Absent); Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

O-2 Oct 19, 2026 Charter Right - Sobrinho-Wheeler (Oct 19); Tabled (Oct 28, 2026); Adopted 8-0-1 As Amended 8-0-1 (Nov 2, 2026)
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY
WHEREAS: The Harvard Square Kiosk, opened in January 1928 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 30, 1978, has served for nearly a century as one of Harvard Square’s most recognizable civic landmarks; and
WHEREAS: Ownership of the Kiosk was transferred from the MBTA to the City of Cambridge in 1983, and the following year Out of Town News, founded by Sheldon Cohen in 1955, relocated there, remaining until October 31, 2019, and becoming closely identified with the history, character, and daily life of Harvard Square; and
WHEREAS: Following extended renovation, the Kiosk reopened on May 30, 2025, under an operating model centered principally on visitor information and programmed public use; and
WHEREAS: More than a year of operation since the Kiosk’s reopening has provided the City with an opportunity to assess how the current operating model functions in practice, and whether it fully advances the civic, cultural, and economic potential of this prominent public asset; and
WHEREAS: Visitor information remains an important public function, but the Kiosk’s location, history, and prominence provide an opportunity for a broader role encompassing cultural programming, artistic expression, public performance, community gathering, and other activities that contribute to the vitality and distinctive character of Harvard Square; and
WHEREAS: The City has a substantial interest in maintaining Harvard Square as a vibrant commercial, cultural, and civic district, and the Kiosk is uniquely situated to advance that goal by welcoming visitors, engaging residents and students, showcasing artists and performers, supporting local businesses and restoring the historic Out of Town News identity as part of a renewed and expanded public purpose would be an important step in that process; and
WHEREAS: Effective stewardship of a prominent public space benefits from clear accountability, a unified vision, sustained relationships with surrounding businesses and institutions, responsive maintenance, and coordinated year-round programming; and
WHEREAS: Based upon the City’s experience since the Kiosk reopened, the City Council believes there is an opportunity to reconsider its stewardship model in the public interest and more fully integrate this City-owned asset into the daily commercial, cultural, artistic, and community life of Harvard Square through stronger local partnerships, active programming, flexible public use, and consistent activation of the space; ~~now therefore be it~~ and
WHEREAS: Since 2025 the Kiosk has hosted a diversity of local musicians, performers, and artists across a variety of mediums, showcasing Cambridge artists’ work to more than 250,000 visitors and becoming one of the top visited destinations in Cambridge according to data commissioned by the City; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the City’s current operating and contractual arrangements for the Harvard Square Kiosk, including the extent to which the existing model is achieving the City’s goals for year-round activation, public use, local partnership, cultural programming, economic vitality, maintenance, and stewardship of the space; and be it further
ORDERED: That, as part of this review, the City Manager be and hereby is requested to identify the City’s contractual options, including any authority to modify, conclude, or replace existing arrangements, should a different stewardship model better advance the objectives set forth herein; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ~~develop a transition plan for a long-term stewardship model that~~ review the RFP for the Harvard Kiosk to ensure that the model establishes clear and unified responsibility for the Kiosk’s programming, maintenance, beautification, activation, partnerships, and public use; and be it further
ORDERED: That any future stewardship arrangement provides for sufficient and dedicated resources to support year-round maintenance, beautification, programming, and activation of the Kiosk and surrounding public space, including partnerships with Cambridge businesses, cultural and educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, residents, artists, and performers; and be it further
ORDERED: That any future stewardship arrangement include clear measures of performance, including accessibility, cleanliness, frequency and diversity of programming, public participation, community feedback, use of the space throughout the day and year, engagement with local stakeholders, and contribution to the vitality of the surrounding district; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to arrange for the return and installation of the restored historic Out of Town News neon signage and to restore the official name Out of Town News Kiosk, preserving this landmark’s historic identity while establishing its renewed role as an active public gathering place in Harvard Square; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on the findings of this review within 60 days, including the performance of the current operating model, available contractual options, a proposed long-term stewardship structure, funding requirements, and an anticipated implementation schedule.

APPLICATIONS & PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Sign Design representing Pura Vida Miami, requesting permission for a double-sided blade sign at the premises numbered 95 Mount Auburn Street approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters proof of mailing has been provided. (AP26#77)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

COMMUNICATIONS
1. Abbey Perreault – Vote to boycott and divest from genocide
2. Abra Berkowitz – Support for CultureHouse
3. Adriana Prat – Supporting Culture House to continue to create programming for the Cambridge KiOSK
4. Agni T Thurner – Cambridge Office for Tourism and the KiOsk
5. agrunder – Visitor Information at Harvard Square Kiosk AG Ltr to CCC
6. Aish Lovett – Divest the City of Cambridge from Genocide
7. am levy – prevent Cambridge, Massachusetts, from adopting a BDS resolution
8. Amy Goldman – Please Vote NO on PO26#195 and PO26#196
9. Andy N – divestment vote
10. Angela M. Sullivan – MGL ch. 40, Section 42A 2
11. Ariel Wertheim – Please vote NO on PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
12. Ariella Hellman – Opposition to PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
13. Audrey Markowitz – Local resident urges NO on proposed BDS Resolutions
14. Barbara Gold Marks – Policy Orders PO26#154 and PO26#155
15. Betty Munson – Vote for divestment
16. Suzanne Blier – Public Stewardship of the Harvard Square Kiosk
17. Khaykovich Boris – Please vote NO on PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
18. Barry Perlman – Please vote NO on PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
19. Brooke Feinberg – Cambridge Resident Public Comment for 10/28 Special Meeting; Divestment Ordinances
20. Harold J. Bursztajn – Meeting today on BDS CCC proposed policy orders @3pm
21. Carmel Shachar – Please vote NO on PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
22. Cheyenne Wyzzard-Jones – To_ City Council, Written Statement American Freedmen Commission
23. Chris – POR 2026195 & 196_ Divest my tax dollars from Israel's genocide!
24. Corinne Espinoza – Vote to divest from genocide
25. Dave Gealekman – Please Oppose the Proposed Anti-Israel Divestment Resolution
26. David Hes – Cambridge Votes Against BDS! BDS: A Wolf Disguised as Sheep Guard Our Communities
27. dayse – concerning PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
28. Ed Rodley – Cambridge Kiosk proposals
29. Edwin Andrews – Please vote NO on PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
30. Elizabeth Ponce – Resharing the positive impact of the Cambridge KiOSK
31. Ellen L – PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8) Divest my tax dollars from Israel's genocide!
32. Ellie Galligan – PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8) Divest my tax dollars from Israel's genocide!
33. Emily Goldstein – Cambridge KiOSK Support
34. Emily Hack – Please vote NO on PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
35. Esther Hanig – City Council Divestment from Israeli companies PO26#195
36. farrel klein – Against Israel BDS resolution
37. Gideon Klionsky – PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
38. Heather Parker – Support for PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
39. Hilary Fabre – Cambridge Divestment Vote
40. Hill Saxton – In Support of Divestment
41. Jamie Pittel – Divest my tax dollars from Israel's genocide!
42. Jessica Jacobs – Please vote NO on PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
43. Jessica Roseman – Artist Testimony for CultureHouse
44. jntysn@aol.com – Time sensitive_ Reporting back From the Olive Harvest in Palestine, Jerusalem
45. Joel Sawady – For today's meeting_ Petition with 1173 signers against PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
46. John Pielmeier – Divest! Divest! Divest! in favor of PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
47. Judy Willett – PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8). Vote no
48. Julian Moll-Rocek – Divestment now
49. Julian Moll-Rocek – Divestment now
50. Karen Choi – Cambridge resident and student in support of the KiOSK
51. Karen Propp – Please vote NO on PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
52. ashif-ul-huda – Cambridge needs KiOSK and KiOSK needs more support
53. Katherine Ellin – Please vote NO on PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
54. Keren Greenbaum Schmahmann – Please vote against PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
55. Ketki Samel – In favor of divestment from genocide
56. kristin g guyot – vote to divest
57. Laura Cere – Supporting the Harvard Square Kiosk and Cambridge’s Arts Community
58. Laurence Tamkin – PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
59. Leena Ismail m – Support for PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
60. Marcy Lidman – Opposing PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
61. Marilyn Andrews – Constituent letter Please vote NO on PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
62. Mark Eckstein – Vote NO on BDS in Cambridge
63. Mark Eisenberg – Vote to divest
64. Mason Purdy – Please Oppose PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
65. Meghna K – PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8) Please vote yes to divest
66. Meredith R. Sisson – Concerns Regarding PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
67. Michael Talbot – Experience with the Harvard KIOSK
68. Michel Anne-Frederic – Public comment for tomorrow (Wed, Oct 28, 2026) regarding divestment ordinances PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
69. Nadja – Opposing PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
70. Nancy Gold – Special City Council Meeting October 28 on Divestment Policy Orders
71. PaintYourTruth – Save Cambridge Kiosk
72. Rabbi Andy Vogel – Statement Opposing PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
73. Rabbi Beker – PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
74. Rabbi Yitzchak Zev Rabinowitz – PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
75. Rachel B – Don't overthink! Be a leader of positive change. Join the bandwagon! Please do the right thing, divest our taxes from Israel's horrific genocide of Palestinians
76. Rachel Dayanim – BDS Vote
77. Rami Mangoubi – Testimony of a Jewish Refugee from Arab Countries Against the Proposed BDS Resolution: A Call for Humanity and Peace
78. Rebecca Burstein – Please vote NO on PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
79. Richard Foltin – Opposing PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
80. rick riley – Respectfully requesting no votes on PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
81. Rob Leikind – Letter to City Councilors Re: PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
82. Rona Kaufman – Proposed Cambridge City Council PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
83. Ruth O'Meara-Costello – PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
84. Ryan Fleischer – Please vote NO on PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
85. Sam Gechter – Written comment on PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
86. Sharon Ramelson – VOTE NO ON PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
87. Sharone Small – Opposing PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
88. Shelley Rieman – Divestment vote
89. Shira Wallin – PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
90. Shmuel Septimus – Please vote no on PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
91. Judith D. Singer – Strong opposition to today’s vote on BDS
92. skye.clancy – Public Comment for PO26#195 & #196 (Orders 7 and 8)
93. Steven J Spear – BDS Resolutions, October 28
94. Susan Rodgin – Please vote AGAINST....
95. Thomas Sorensen – Tomorrow's Divestment Vote
96. Toby Sumner – Divestment from genocide
97. Uriel Mikael Immanuel – Urgent_ From Members of the Harvard-MIT Communities & Concerned Citizens
98. Uriel Mikael Immanuel – Urgent_ From Members of the Harvard-MIT Communities & Concerned Citizens
99. Viraj Sikand – Vote to Divest from Companies Contributing to Genocide

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Michette on the grand opening of its second location. Mayor Siddiqui

2. Congratulations to the Museum of Science on the opening of the William and Charlotte Bloomberg Public Science Commons. Mayor Siddiqui

3. Honoring First Church Cambridge Congregational UCC and the 2026 Doris Beauvais Luncheon Honorees. Councillor McGovern

4. Congratulations to Director Anna Kaplan for her service to the Cambridge Public Health Department. Mayor Siddiqui

5. Congratulations to AFCOST on its 25th anniversary and celebrating their many years of dedicated service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Cambridge youth and families. Mayor Siddiqui

COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding information from the School Committee. (COF26#134) [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

2. A communication was received from Interim City Clerk Paula Crane, regarding an update regarding legislative activity. (COF26#135)
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 26
4:00pm The City Council will hold a Joint Roundtable/Working Meeting with the Cambridge School Committee to discuss the FY28 budget planning process and ongoing macro-economic trends in Cambridge.

Wed, Oct 28
3:00pm Special City Council Meeting to continue discussion on PO26#195, PO26#196, and PO26#189. There will be no public comment.

Tues, Nov 10
12:00pm The Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing from 12:00 to 2:00pm, to discuss the following Police Review and Advisory Board (PRAB) reports:
• CM26#85: Report covering Fall 2025 through the First Quarter of 2026, referred to the Committee on Apr 13, 2026.
• CM26#216: Quarterly Report for the Second Quarter of 2026, in City Council Aug 3, 2026.
• CM26#289: Quarterly Report for the Third Quarter of 2026, referred to the Committee on Oct 20, 2026.

Tues, Nov 24
12:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss CM26#214, regarding curb cut applications, including proposed regulations for the curb cut approval process.

Mon, Nov 30
4:00pm The City Council will hold a Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss the future uses of City-owned properties.

Wed, Dec 2
11:00am The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss residential decarbonization strategies in Cambridge including decarbonization utility, energy audits per PO26#152, rental registry, grid modernization, and non-gas utilities and stoves.

Tues, Dec 8
12:30pm The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss CMA 2026-283, regarding food vending in City parks, including proposed regulations and establishment of a pilot vending program.

Mon, Dec 14
4:00pm The City Council will hold a Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss the importance of the innovation ecosystem to city economies, with a focus on its impact in Cambridge.

Tues, Dec 22
3:00pm The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss managing residential parking permits as the City grows, including CM26#202, which outlines potential policy options for restricting eligibility for on-street resident parking permits.

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Nov 2, 2026
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Insulin is an essential hormone that helps the body turn food into energy; and
WHEREAS: T1D develops in stages at any age, and blood tests can detect autoantibodies before symptoms appear. However, symptoms can be sudden, especially in young children. Common symptoms include extreme thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, dry mouth, and itchy skin; and
WHEREAS: T1D is a growing health concern worldwide. More than 1.5 million people in the United States are living with T1D. Although its exact causes are unknown, having a first-degree relative with T1D can increase a person’s risk of developing the disease; and
WHEREAS: Early detection of T1D can reduce the risk of serious complications, connect individuals with specialists and research opportunities, provide access to treatments that may delay the need for insulin, and give families time to prepare; and
WHEREAS: Since 1970, Breakthrough T1D has been a leading global research and advocacy organization dedicating more than $167 million in funding research, advocating for the T1D community, and supporting people living with the condition while working towards a cure; and
WHEREAS: “World Diabetes Day” is a global awareness campaign that encourages communities to raise awareness of diabetes and show support for those living with the condition, their families, and caregivers; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to illuminate City Hall in blue on Saturday, November 14, 2026, in honor of World Diabetes Day; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Breakthrough T1D on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-2 Nov 2, 2026 Amended
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR AL-ZUBI
VICE MAYOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provide essential protections against discrimination based on disability; and
WHEREAS: The United States Supreme Court recognized, in Olmstead v. L.C. (1999), that unjustified institutional isolation of people with disabilities constitutes discrimination under Title II of the ADA, and established that people with disabilities are entitled to receive services in community-based settings when appropriate, consistent with the conditions established by the Court; and
WHEREAS: The right to live and participate in the community is fundamental to the dignity, independence, self-determination, and equal opportunity of people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS: Access to appropriate community-based services and supports, including accessible housing, transportation, personal assistance, and health and behavioral health services, helps people with disabilities live independently and participate fully in community life; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Human Rights Ordinance and Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2023 8B) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, and access to housing free from discrimination, including reasonable accommodations and modifications as required by law. These Ordinances are essential to supporting community integration and independent living; and
WHEREAS: On June 18, 2026, the United States Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion challenging the interpretation of the ADA and Rehabilitation Act as establishing a federal community integration mandate; and
WHEREAS: On September 23, 2026, a federal district court in Texas v. Kennedy vacated certain community integration provisions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Section 504 regulations, creating additional concerns about federal protections and enforcement; and
WHEREAS: Although the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision has not been overturned, these federal developments have created uncertainty about the continued enforcement of community integration protections and the ability of people with disabilities to access services in the most integrated settings appropriate to their needs; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge recognizes that unnecessary institutionalization can separate people with disabilities from their families, communities, employment, and opportunities to participate fully in civic and community life; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge remains committed to advancing accessibility, equity, inclusion, and the civil rights of people with disabilities, including protecting individuals from discrimination and supporting their ability to live and participate in the community; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing its strong opposition to federal actions that weaken protections against unjustified institutionalization and unnecessary segregation of people with disabilities, including the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel opinion and the federal court order in Texas v. Kennedy; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council reaffirms its support for the principles established in Olmstead v. L.C., recognizing the importance of protecting the rights of people with disabilities to receive appropriate services and supports in integrated community settings; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council reaffirms Cambridge’s commitment to being a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive community where people with disabilities are treated with dignity, have opportunities to exercise self-determination, and can participate fully in community life; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council recognizes the importance of preventing discriminatory assumptions about disability and opposing the misuse of institutional placement or disability-related labels to deny individuals their rights, autonomy, and equal participation in society; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Cambridge Human Rights Commission, and relevant City departments to strengthen public awareness of disability rights, reasonable accommodations, and available complaint processes, and to identify barriers to community integration within City programs and services; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this Policy Order to the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Cambridge Human Rights Commission, the Massachusetts Attorney General, the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice, and the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-3 Nov 2, 2026 Charter Right - Zusy
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Housing Development Dashboard shows more than 250 projects across the city in the pre-permit, permitted, and completed stages; and
WHEREAS: Under current practice, existing buildings may be demolished and mature trees may be removed before a building permit is applied for or approved, and if a project is then delayed, the site may sit vacant; and
WHEREAS: Material, labor and borrowing costs remain high, which can make it harder for projects to move forward and increases the likelihood of extended gaps between demolition and construction; and
WHEREAS: Other communities have addressed similar issues through process coordination, including concurrent demolition and building permits in Los Angeles and Atherton, CA, and the integration of tree removal into development permits in Atlanta, GA and Portland, OR; and
WHEREAS: Lots that are vacant for extended periods of time can become neighborhood nuisances and if mature trees are being removed before projects are confirmed to be viable or before the removal is shown to be necessary, that would contribute to a loss in canopy that can take decades to replace; and
WHEREAS: Preserving existing trees can contribute to the Cool Score for projects subject to the Green Factor Standard, and therefore existing trees should not be disturbed before their relevance to building permit approvals is determined; and
WHEREAS: A more coordinated comprehensive approach to reviewing and approving projects with a streamlined system is ongoing and would be enhanced by incorporating the concerns over demolitions and trees; and
WHEREAS: Inspectional Services Department regulations do not currently appear to require a building permit application within a set period after a demolition permit is sought, and the City does not maintain a vacant lot registry, leaving a gap in oversight that merits review; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff, including but not limited to the Inspectional Services Department, Department of Public Works, Historical Commission, Department of Transportation, Community Development Department, Fire Department, and Water Department, to consider an integrated development review process in which demolition and tree removal permits are reviewed with and issued concurrently with the building permits; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-4 Nov 2, 2026
COUNCILLOR AL-ZUBI
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: In 2025, 19 no-cause eviction cases were filed in Cambridge, according to the Massachusetts Trial Court (Summary Process dashboard, By Zip Code tab). Landlords can bring these cases when the tenant has done nothing wrong, for example to clear a building before selling or renovating it; and
WHEREAS: Roughly two-thirds of low-income renter households in Massachusetts lack access to an income-restricted home and rely on the private market, according to Housing Navigator MA and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council; and
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth lost about 163,000 rental units renting for less than $1,400 a month between 2012 and 2022, according to Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies data cited by the Boston Foundation and the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations; and
WHEREAS: A Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) gives tenants in a multifamily building the chance to make an offer on, or match an outside offer for, their building when it is sold, or to designate a nonprofit organization to buy it on their behalf, which helps preserve existing affordable homes alongside new construction; and
WHEREAS: Washington, D.C. has had a tenant opportunity to purchase law since 1980, and of the 419 apartment building sales covering 16,962 units that were subject to it between 2012 and early 2023, tenants formed registered tenant associations in 158, according to the DC Policy Center; and
WHEREAS: A Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA) gives qualified nonprofit housing organizations the chance to make an offer on, or match an outside offer for, a multifamily building when it is sold, which can work alongside TOPA by giving tenants who cannot buy their building themselves a ready nonprofit partner, and by reaching sales where tenants do not form an association; and
WHEREAS: San Francisco has had a COPA since 2019, and qualified nonprofits have used it to preserve 230 units across 15 buildings, according to LISC; and
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts House and Senate have each included a version of TOPA in this session’s economic development bill (H.5576, with the Senate text printed as S.3228). The House version lets any city or town adopt TOPA by local vote and exempts owners of six or fewer rental units in the community who live in Massachusetts, while the Senate version creates a pilot of up to five years in no more than five communities that vote to accept it and apply to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and directs that pilot to help communities with high rates of displacement; and
WHEREAS: The Legislature last passed a local-option TOPA at the end of the 2019-2020 session (H.5250, enacted as Chapter 358 of the Acts of 2020), but Governor Baker vetoed that section in January 2021; and
WHEREAS: On July 30, 2026, the House and Senate appointed a conference committee on the economic development bill; and
WHEREAS: On February 5, 2018, the Cambridge City Council voted 7-2 to support a state tenant right of first refusal bill, H.3017, with an amendment allowing cities to tailor how it is carried out, and on April 12 and October 18, 2021, voted 8-1 to support the TOPA bills then before the Legislature (RES21#99 and PO21#226); and
WHEREAS: On October 5, 2026, the Council unanimously referred PO26#185 to the Ordinance Committee, which would require owners to notify tenants when their building is put up for sale, a step that works alongside a state TOPA law but cannot replace it; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in strong support of the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA); and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council urging the conference committee on the economic development bill to adopt the House’s local-option version of TOPA, so that Cambridge and any other city or town that wants it can opt in, and, if the committee adopts a pilot instead, to open the pilot to communities with high rates of displacement such as Cambridge; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council supports COPA as a complement to TOPA, and urges the Legislature to let cities and towns adopt one and to keep tenants’ ability under TOPA to assign their rights to a qualified nonprofit; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council urges Cambridge’s State House delegation to press the conference committee for this outcome; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Governor Maura Healey, Speaker Ronald Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, the members of the conference committee on the economic development bill, Representatives Aaron Michlewitz, Carole Fiola and Michael Soter and Senators Michael Rodrigues, Barry Finegold and Peter Durant, and the Cambridge State House delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
26-16. The City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department (CDD) to examine the feasibility, legal considerations, and administrative requirements of permitting qualified third-party guarantors or co-signers for applicants to Inclusionary Housing units and provide recommendations as to whether such a policy could responsibly expand access to these units.
Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 2/9/2026

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

26-28. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to review the current legal landscape and provide recommendations for how to regulate construction of large data centers in Cambridge.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zusy (O-5) from 3/30/2026

26-39. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Cambridge Department of Transportation (CDOT) and any other relevant departments to halt any further design, engineering, procurement, or construction activities related to implementing a reconfiguration of Garden Street to restore two-way motor-vehicle traffic or relocate the existing Bluebikes station and provide the City Council with a written update within six months of passage of this Order describing an alternative set of safety improvements that do not restore two-way motor vehicle traffic on Garden Street.
Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-2) from 4/13/26 and Charter Right #1 from 4/27/26 [Why is this back on Awaiting Report?]

26-41. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments and community organizations to provide the City Council with a comprehensive Food Access Report that includes, but is not limited to, an accounting of existing programs, expenditures, outcomes, and unmet needs to inform a public hearing on food insecurity and related City policies, programs, and expenditures.
Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui (O-9) from 6/1/26

26-43. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission, the Law Department, the Department of Public Works, Inspectional Services, the Cambridge Public Health Department, Community Preservation Act staff, the Harvard Square Business Association, and the owners of properties abutting the Old Stone Wall, for the purpose of developing a practical plan to stabilize, preserve, and restore this historic resource.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Flaherty (O-1) from 6/8/26

26-44. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant departments to explore the ability of the City to prohibit, restrict, or otherwise regulate the use of algorithmic price fixing in its rental housing market, including the potential drafting of ordinance language that would regulate algorithmic price fixing.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern (O-2) from 6/22/26

26-48. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with an initial feasibility update no later than Dec 31, 2026, including possible event models, governance structure, estimated costs, potential funding sources, recommended City and community partners, community engagement opportunities, programming concepts, permitting needs, public safety coordination, logistical considerations, and an implementation timeline for launching the revived Central Square World’s Fair in September 2027.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui (O-1) from 8/3/26

26-51. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to explore options for reforming and modernizing the License Commission, including through the home rule petition process and report back to the Economic Development and University Relations Committee of the City Council in a timely manner.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Flaherty (O-7) from 8/3/26

26-52. That the City Manager, working in collaboration with the Urban Forestry Department, Inspectional Services and IT, be and hereby is requested to devise a fuller, easier to navigate public accounting system that is searchable by neighborhood and report back to the City Council regarding improved tree loss accounting and reporting systems by Oct 1, 2026.
Councillor Zusy, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan (O-9) from 8/3/26

26-53. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to take steps to implement as soon as possible a program for automated parking enforcement which could be piloted in targeted areas of the city to evaluate different technologies, different functionalities for various locations, and publicize regulations, ensuring that all programs are done in the most cost-effective way for the City and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-10) from 8/3/26

26-54. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to provide a recommendation and outline procedures for implementing Ch. 40U for Short-Term Rental violations, and provide recommendations for any other ordinance violations to enforce with Chapter 40U and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi (O-11) from 8/3/26

26-57. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to explore the feasibility of establishing a citywide digital wayfinding and information kiosk program on public property throughout Cambridge and report back to the City Council with findings and recommendations, including whether the City should proceed with the development and issuance of a competitive Request for Proposals for a citywide digital wayfinding and information kiosk network.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Azeem (O-15) from 8/3/26

26-59. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to provide a comprehensive evaluation of violence response and prevention strategies, along with survivor support services, across City departments including CPD, CSD, CHA, and DHSP and come with recommendations before the City Council’s Public Safety Committee.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Al-Zubi (O-3) from 7/23/26 (and Charter Right #3 of 8/3/26)

26-60. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to develop a coordinated initiative to improve and streamline the permitting and licensing process for small businesses.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Nolan (O-9) from 9/14/26

26-61. 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.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty (O-4) from 9/14/26 (and Charter Right #1 of 9/28/26)

26-64. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Department of Transportation to evaluate traffic and safety conditions at the intersection of Western Avenue and Kinnaird Street and explore the feasibility of installing a traffic signal or implementing other appropriate traffic-calming or safety measures.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty (O-1) from 10/19/26

26-65. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Community Development Department and the Transportation Department to request from the MBTA the municipality-specific boarding and RIDE data described in House Document 4638, and to update the April 2024 cost estimate for a fare-free Route 1 to current ridership and fares, itemized by bus fare revenue, RIDE fare revenue, induced RIDE operating cost and administration, and apportioned between Cambridge and Boston by where trips begin and report back to the City Council within ninety (90) days.
Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 10/19/26

26-66. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to discuss with the MWRA about how to best improve our water quality and advance CSO infrastructure without requiring the taking of public parkland or causing prolonged disruption to Magazine Beach, and report back to the City Council. See Mgr #1
Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem (O-11) from 10/19/26

26-67. That the City Manager be requested to develop, publish, and maintain the City’s own Divestment List for purposes of this Order and report back to the City Council during the FY 2028 budget process with the feasibility of and a timeline on implementation that shall be no more than six months from the enactment of this Policy Order.
Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-7) from 10/19/26 (and Charter Right #2 from 10/28/26)