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After the Storm – November 9, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Now that a lot of that national stuff has been settled (perhaps), here’s some local stuff to chew on:

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,452,018.24 from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council Community Connections Grant to the Grant Fund Transportation Department. [text of report]

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-41 regarding a food access report. [text of report]

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-52 regarding accessible public accounting system for tree removal data. [text of report]

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on on-going Emergency Management efforts. [text of report]

Order #1. That the proposed language for “An Ordinance Providing Protection for Tenants Facing Displacement by Condominium/Cooperative Conversion Pursuant to City’s Authority Under St. 1983, c. 527” be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for hearing and report.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Al-Zubi

This is perhaps the single most voluminous policy order I have seen in four decades of Council-watching.

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Law Department to draft a home rule petition authorizing the City of Cambridge to regulate or prohibit the application of anticoagulant rodenticides.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan

Order #7. That proposed amendments to the Pet Shop Ordinance to include fish and crustaceans be referred to the Ordinance Committee for a hearing.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan

This Order proposes to include fish and crustaceans within the restrictions on the sale of animals in pet shops “unless they are obtained from or displayed in partnership with an official animal care facility (shelter/control center) or a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) animal rescue organization” (language taken from the current ordinance). The Order includes the note that: “Fish and crustaceans are living animals with species-specific needs for proper care, housing, and handling…”

This may be a job for the Community Safety Department and its CARE team. Goldfish are in need of this level of enhanced protection. Lobsters too.

Charter Right #1. 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. [Charter Right – Zusy, Nov 2, 2026]

Committee Report #1. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on Oct 22, 2026 to discuss the emergence of autonomous vehicles and robo-taxis, such as WAYMO, and potential future impacts on transportation, public safety, accessibility, labor unions, and the community. [text of report]

Additional comments and details to follow

Cambridge Seeking Community Member for New Community Preservation Act Committee Vacancy

Nov 2, 2026 – The City of Cambridge is currently seeking to fill a vacancy on the Community Preservation Act Committee. The deadline to apply for the Committee is November 30.

The Community Preservation Act Committee makes funding recommendations in support of affordable housing, open space, and historic preservation. It studies the needs, possibilities and resources of the City regarding community preservation. The Committee consults with existing municipal boards, including the Conservation Commission, the Historical Commission, the Planning Board, and the Housing Authority in conducting studies. As part of its study, the Committee holds one or more public informational hearings on the needs, possibilities and resources of the City regarding community preservation possibilities and resources.

The committee has nine members, including representatives from the Cambridge Housing Authority, Affordable Housing Trust, Historical Commission, Conservation Commission, and Planning Board, and a member with oversight of City parks. Learn more about the Community Preservation Act by visiting their website.

Committee members serve a five-year term and typically meet virtually four times a year between May and September. There may be additional off-cycle meetings.

Serving on a City of Cambridge board, commission or committee can be a rewarding experience and an excellent way to contribute to our community. Members have the opportunity to participate in the City’s decision-making process across a variety of topics.

Apply today at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. If you have questions about the application process or need assistance, please contact the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300 or boardsandcommissions@cambridgema.gov.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact cpa@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4270.

Cambridge Seeking Community Members for New Commission Vacancies

Aug 25, 2026 (updated Sept 21) – Serving on a City of Cambridge board, commission or committee can be a rewarding experience and an excellent way to contribute to our community. Members have the opportunity to participate in the City’s decision-making process across a variety of topics.

The City of Cambridge is currently seeking to fill vacancies on the Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board and the Planning Board.

Apply today at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. If you have questions about the application process or need assistance, please contact the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300 or boardsandcommissions@cambridgema.gov.

Below is more detailed information on each of the current vacancies:

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board (Application deadline extended to October 31, 2026, but is apparently still open.)
The CCPD Advisory Board works to increase access to all aspects of Cambridge community life for people with disabilities. The Commission raises awareness about disability issues and promotes equal opportunities for people with a range of abilities, including physical, mental, and sensory. CCPD also provides information, referrals, guidance, and technical assistance to individuals and their families, employers, public agencies, businesses and private non-profit organizations. CCPD Advisory Board members work with other board members and office staff to carry out the CCPD Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.96).

The CCPD Advisory Board, which has 11 members who serve as volunteers for three-year terms, currently meets virtually on the second Thursday of every month at 5:30pm. Members must attend monthly meetings and also take part in Working Groups and work on projects as needed.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact CCPD@cambridgema.gov, call 617-349-4692 (voice), or 711 (relay).

Planning Board (Application Deadline: September 21, but is apparently still open.)
The Planning Board is a group of Cambridge residents who make recommendations and decisions about urban development on behalf of the City of Cambridge. The Planning Board meets regularly in a public forum to discuss the City’s urban planning objectives, and apply them in the following ways:

• Reviewing major urban development proposals, granting certain types of Special Permits when they are needed, and putting conditions on Special Permit approval. The Planning Board reviews about 20-25 Special Permit cases each year;
• Reviewing proposed amendments to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, which sets rules for urban development, and making recommendations to the City Council. The Planning Board reviews about 10-15 proposed zoning amendments each year;
• Making recommendations to the Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA) on some cases. The BZA is a different board that grants some Special Permits and variances;
• Discussing other City of Cambridge planning efforts.

The Planning Board, which has 10 members who serve as volunteers for five-year terms, typically meets one-two times in the evening every month virtually or in a hybrid format.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Swaathi Joseph in the Community Development Department at 617-349-4668, email sjoseph@cambridgema.gov or visit www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard.

Volunteer Opportunities - Cambridge Boards & Commissions (click for details)

Community Preservation Act Committee (Application Deadline: Nov 30, 2026)

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board (Application Deadline Extended: Oct 31, but apparently still open)

Planning Board (Application Deadline: Sept 21, but apparently still open)

Lame Ducks and Marching Sheep – November 2, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Most eyes are likely fixated on the national election and whatever Presidential stunts and Congressional reactions that may follow. That said, the revolutionaries are still revolving here in the Peoples Republic of Cambridge where truth and fiction are frequently interchangeable. The barricades have been removed from City Hall after the political theater of the last couple of weeks, and one can only wonder what spectacle is coming next.

By the way, the quick summary of last week’s Special Meeting on Things Unrelated to Cambridge is this:

(1) The City Council requested that the Cambridge Retirement Board divest from certain listed investments, but the Retirement Board is under no obligation to do so. The Board represents retired and current Cambridge employees who either receive or will one day receive pensions, and the Board’s principal fiduciary duty is to those people. The Cambridge City Council has ZERO authority over the Retirement Board. The amended Order also requests the City Manager to develop, publish, and maintain its own Divestment List for purposes of the Order.

(2) The more significant matter was the call for the City Administration to boycott Israel-connected companies in its purchasing and contracts, and that policy order was defeated without the proposed ordinance being referred to the Ordinance Committee.

Here are the items on this week’s agenda that drew my attention:

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. [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)

It’s a rare moment when just about everyone in Cambridge can agree on something.

Order #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
Charter Right - Zusy

In a rational world you might believe that all of these things and more would be reviewed as soon as a development plan for a site is proposed. You may as well throw in the curb cut applications and how they plan to manage the rubbish and recycling as well.

Order #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
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

I am an example of a tenant who was given the opportunity to purchase my triple-decker by my then-landlord, so you won’t find me railing against the idea of existing tenants getting the opportunity to buy either the apartment in which they currently live or even the entire building. That said, I absolutely don’t agree that this is a right that should be enshrined into law. However, the reason I could never support this TOPA proposal is that it’s not really about tenants purchasing their apartments. That right would be transferable to any “qualified nonprofit housing organization”.

In other words, this legislation would provide a mechanism through which the City’s Affordable Housing Trust or other City-supported nonprofit housing organization would be able to snap up any residential property covered under this proposed law. While the “social housing” supporters may see this as ideal and would happily support dedicating an increasingly large fraction of the City’s Budget to purchase these buildings, the reality is that all such buildings would then have deed restrictions, and the amount of tax revenue they would pay would be de minimis – even though the residents of those buildings would continue to enjoy all City services. In other words, the owners of the remaining residential properties (and commercial properties) would have to pick up the tab in perpetuity.

If you are a socialist, you will likely fully support this legislation. I personally believe that privately-owned residential property is the ideal and that the alternative is ultimately unsustainable.

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]
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)

Back when suggestions were being solicited for the Kiosk, I made the suggestion that the Kiosk should operate as an affordable hot dog stand (not just hot dogs, of course, but like Sullivan’s at Castle Island) with a projection screen at one end where people could watch things like Red Sox games - like we used to do through the window at Cardullo’s. Some City staff really liked the idea (albeit privately - because, you know, Cambridge), so the idea went absolutely nowhere. The current operation coordinated by CultureHouse, though perhaps well-intentioned, is thoroughly sterile. Perhaps that might improve when the whole plaza is reopened (hopefully before hell freezes over), but I agree with the intent of the City Council order that the whole operation needs to be reevaluated.

Whatever is decided, I hope that the rules imposed on whatever entity manages the Kiosk (and the adjacent plaza) will allow for a far greater degree of energetic activity and spontaneity - devoid of political preachiness. It’s not a library and it shouldn’t feel like one. - RW

Comments?

Oct 26 - Please sign this petition asking Cambridge City Councillors to vote NO on both of the BDS Orders PO26#195 and PO26#196 on the agenda for the Special Meeting scheduled for Wed, Oct 28 at 3:00pm.

These City Council Orders are nothing more than the latest attempt by anti-Israel extremists to have the Cambridge City Council sign on to the BDS movement (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) that has been going on since 2005 - long before the Oct 7, 2023 invasion of Israel and its response against Hamas, Iran, and other Iranian proxies. Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) is a Palestinian-led global movement that advocates for economic, academic, and cultural boycotts against Israel.

An alternative version of PO26#195 that does not specifically name Israel was circulated at last week’s City Council meeting in an attempt to allow a couple of City Council swing votes to vote for something, but the better course of action is not to play to these extremists and to simply vote NO on both Orders. - RW

BDS Invades Cambridge – Special October 28, 2026 Cambridge City Council Meeting

The two City Council Orders that precipitated this Special Meeting are nothing more than the latest attempt by anti-Israel extremists to have the Cambridge City Council sign on to the BDS movement (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) that has been going on since 2005 - long before the Oct 7, 2023 invasion of Israel and the military response that followed against Hamas, Iran, and other Iranian proxies. Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) is a Palestinian-led global movement that advocates for economic, academic, and cultural boycotts against Israel.

An alternative version of PO26#195 that does not specifically name Israel was circulated at last week’s City Council meeting in an attempt to allow a couple of City Council swing votes to perhaps vote for something, but the better course of action is not to play to these extremists and to simply vote NO on both Orders. If you agree, you may want to sign this petition. - RW

CHARTER RIGHT
Order #7 (Oct 19). City Council Divestment from companies complicit in the Genocide, Apartheid, and Occupation of Palestinians.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (PO26#195)
Substitute Order (Azeem) Passes 5-4 (AAZ,BA,MM,JSW,SS-Yes; TF,PN,DS,CZ-No)

Order #8 (Oct 19). That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to provide the Ordinance Committee, before its hearing, with an opinion on the proposed ordinance under M.G.L. c. 30B and applicable federal law to boycott companies complicit in Israel’s Apartheid, Genocide, and Illegal Occupation of Palestine.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (PO26#196)
Order Fails 4-5 (AAZ,MM,JSW,SS-Yes; BA,TF,PN,DS,CZ-No); angry crowd erupts after vote.

Both of these orders are based on falsehoods fueled by social contagion. My hope is that most city councillors will vote No on both of these Orders – or perhaps Present if they must engage in “bothsidesism” in an attempt to keep the extremists at bay. My sense is that there are at most 3 sincere votes in support (Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler, and Siddiqui). Offering substitute versions is really just a way to “have it both ways” rather than to definitively call out an ill-conceived proposal.

Note 1: After the Charter Right was exercised on Order #7 and Order #8 on Tues, Oct 20, the proponents of those two Orders, mainly wrapped in their keffiyehs and many wearing face masks, exited loudly with the stamping of feet and chanting “Free, Free Palestine!” At the end of the meeting, Councillor Al-Zubi exited the Sullivan Chamber saying to those still assembled in the gallery (many of whom were Jewish): “I guess you people are pro-genocide.”

Note 2: The last time proposals like this were paraded before the City Council was in May 2021 (May 17, 2021 and May 24-25, 2021 meetings) when the specific call for a boycott was directed at Hewlett-Packard. Leading the parade then were Councillors Zondervan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, and Carlone. A substitute Order introduced by Councillors Nolan, McGovern, and Simmons passed on a 5-2-0-2 vote with Councillors Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Simmons, and Toomey voting YES; Sobrinho-Wheeler and Zondervan voting NO; and Carlone and Siddiqui voting PRESENT.

Order #2 (Oct 19). That the City Manager is requested to review and reconsider the Harvard Square Kiosk Operating and Stewardship Model.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty (PO26#189)
Tabled 9-0

Back when suggestions were being solicited for the Kiosk, I made the suggestion that the Kiosk should operate as an affordable hot dog stand (not just hot dogs, of course, but like Sullivan’s at Castle Island) with a projection screen at one end where people could watch things like Red Sox games - like we used to do through the window at Cardullo’s. Some City staff really liked the idea (albeit privately - because, you know, Cambridge), so the idea went absolutely nowhere. The current operation coordinated by CultureHouse, though perhaps well-intentioned, is thoroughly sterile. Perhaps that might improve when the whole plaza is reopened (hopefully before hell freezes over), but I agree with the intent of the City Council order that the whole operation needs to be reevaluated.

I have no idea how this Order made it to the agenda for this Special Meeting. The October 20 Order calling for the Special Meeting only referenced the two BDS-related orders. - RW

Comments?

International Night Out – October 19-20, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

There are a number of interesting and relevant items on this week’s agenda, but that’s not what will be bring out the radical fringe. For that we have two fallacy-filled Orders from the DSA councillors (Al-Zubi and Sobrinho-Wheeler) relating to Israel and Palestine. It will be interesting to see if any other councillors join the party.

Note: The Oct 19, 2026 meeting of the City Council was recessed at 11:45pm after over 6 hours of Public Comment - almost all by people taking either side of the BDS proposals (Orders #7 and #8). There was no action on any agenda items. The meeting resumed Oct 20 at 9:00am.

Here are the items that drew my attention:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a recommendation that in accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), the Cambridge City Council amend and clarify the FY27 Public Investment Bond Authorization of $12,795,000 and the FY26 Public Investment Bond Authorization of $19,986,000 for building repairs across Cambridge Public Schools. [text of report]
Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a response to AR26-14 regarding a comprehensive review of existing safety and security measures at Cambridge City Hall. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO26#81 and AR26-55 (PO26#148) regarding Multifamily Housing communications. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by McGovern, Yi-An Huang, Nolan, Zusy, Jennifer Caira (Deputy Chief of Planning, CDD); Placed on File 8-0-1 (Flaherty Absent)

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to review and reconsider the Harvard Square Kiosk Operating and Stewardship Model.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern, Simmons, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler; Charter Right - Sobrinho-Wheeler

Back when suggestions were being solicited for the Kiosk, I made the suggestion that the Kiosk should operate as an affordable hot dog stand (not just hot dogs, of course, but like Sullivan’s at Castle Island) with a projection screen at one end where people could watch things like Red Sox games - like we used to do through the window at Cardullo’s. Some City staff really liked the idea (albeit privately - because, you know, Cambridge), so the idea went absolutely nowhere. The current operation coordinated by CultureHouse, though perhaps well-intentioned, is thoroughly sterile. Perhaps that might improve when the whole plaza is reopened (hopefully before hell freezes over), but I agree with the intent of the City Council order that the whole operation needs to be reevaluated.

Order #3. That the City Council go on record opposing Massachusetts’ 2026 ballot question 5 on limiting state revenue due to the consequences this would have for the City of Cambridge and other municipalities across the Commonwealth.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Al-Zubi, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Election Commission, Communications staff, and other relevant departments to encourage residents to utilize the early voting sites or vote by mail and to prioritize communication of the need for voters to plan for enough time to vote, given the complexity of the ballots.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Zusy; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #6. Fare-free MBTA Route 1, developed jointly with the City of Boston.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan; comments by Al-Zubi, Nolan, McGovern, Zusy, Siddiqui; Nolan added as sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

While there is merit in this suggestion, I continue to wonder how the cost of free transit and so many other “here’s some free stuff” initiatives will be funded - especially during times of limited revenue. Politicians often score points by giving away goodies without considering how to fund all the free stuff.

Order #7. City Council Divestment from companies complicit in the Genocide, Apartheid, and Occupation of Palestinians.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi, Azeem; Charter Right - Azeem (prior to introduction of Substitute Order from Simmons, Nolan, Flaherty)

Order #8. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to provide the Ordinance Committee, before its hearing, with an opinion on the proposed ordinance under M.G.L. c. 30B and applicable federal law to boycott companies complicit in Israel’s Apartheid, Genocide, and Illegal Occupation of Palestine.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan; Charter Right - Nolan

There were 875 Communications - Placed on File 9-0

Late Order #13. That the Mayor work with the City Council Office, the City Clerk’s Office, and other City staff to call and notice a special meeting to take place the week of October 26, 2026, to continue discussion on PO26#195 (Order #7) and PO26#196 (Order #8).   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0

Let’s not beat around the bush here. Both of these orders are based on falsehoods fueled by social contagion. My guess (or perhaps my hope) is that most city councillors will vote Present on both of these Orders and that there will be at most 3 sincere votes in support (you can likely throw in Siddiqui in addition to the sponsors of the Order). Then again, any councillors who still dream of “moving up” may fear the wrath of the DSA if they don’t at least go along with some less inflammatory substitute. It should be noted, of course, that offering substitute versions is really just a way to “have it both ways” rather than to definitively call out an ill-conceived proposal.

I see that a “Continuation of the City Council meeting (if necessary)” has already been scheduled for the following morning at 9:00am, so I guess we can expect to be treated to many hours of Public Comment on Monday night. I was able to witness a preview on Sept 29 in front of City Hall where protesters staged a “die in” after the usual chants and speeches and waving of Palestinian flags. Political players included Councillors Al-Zubi and Sobrinho-Wheeler (no others), soon-to-be State Senator Erika Uyterhoeven (DSA), and the perpetually ineffective State Rep. Mike Connolly - all of whom chanted along with the accusations of genocide and the now time-worn calls of the BDS movement (Boycott, Divest, Sanction).

I really hope there will be some public comment opposing these Orders, but the intimidation of those who disagree is very real.

Note: After the Charter Right was exercised on Order #7 and Order #8, the proponents of those two Orders, mainly wrapped in their keffiyehs and many wearing face masks, exited loudly with the stamping of feet and chanting “Free, Free Palestine!” At the end of the meeting, Councillor Al-Zubi exited the Sullivan Chamber saying to those still assembled in the gallery (many of whom were Jewish): “I guess you people are pro-genocide.”

Order #9. City Council support of the Artificial Intelligence Civil Rights Act of 2025 (S.3308 / H.R.6356) and urge Congress to enact strong, enforceable civil rights protections for automated systems used in consequential decisions.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #11. That the MWRA reconsider plans to construct a 10-million-gallon CSO storage tank beneath Magazine Beach.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, McGovern, Simmons, Flaherty, Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Kathy Watkins; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

The proposal recently presented by the MWRA for their CSO storage tank that would require permanently fencing off 2.3 acres of newly restored green space at Magazine Beach is a non-starter that should be unanimously opposed.

Order #12. Reaffirming the City Council’s commitment to high-quality health care for all residents and its strong support of H.1405/S.860, An Act establishing Medicare for All in Massachusetts.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Zusy; comments by Al-Zubi, Zusy; Order Adopted 9-0

Committee Reports #1. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on Oct 1, 2026 to have a roundtable discussion with several arts and cultural institutions in Central Square on planning and cultural preservation in Central Square. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

I am still perplexed about this topic being addressed by the City Council’s Housing Committee when it so obviously should have been before the Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Art, and Celebrations (NLTP) Committee.

Comments?

Local Walks/Hikes – Boston Walking Meetup Group (BWMG), AMC, DCR, etc.

Sun, Nov 8. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 3:15pm (EST) at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

Sun, Nov 15. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 3:15pm (EST) at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

Sun, Nov 22. Fresh Pond Sunset Walk. [BWMG] Meet at 3:15pm (EST) at intersection of Huron Ave. and Aberdeen Ave., Cambridge.

If you would like to walk and talk (history, civics, politics, mathematics, or anything else), I am almost always on the Fresh Pond Sunset Walk every Sunday. - Robert Winters

Election Commission Notices

Advance Removal and Depositing of Ballots for the State Election, November 3, 2026
Sept 30, 2026 – Under the provisions of “The Votes Act”, early voting ballots may be processed in advance of Election Day. The City of Cambridge Election Commission will conduct advance removal of voted State Election ballots on Mon, Oct 26; Tues, Octr 27; Wed, Oct 28; and Thurs, Oct 29 beginning at 9:00am at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor Conference Room. The voted ballots will be removed from their sealed envelopes and prepared for advance depositing. The advance depositing of voted State Election ballots will be conducted on Fri, Oct 30 beginning at 9:00am at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor Conference Room. The voted ballots will be placed in a tabulator and counted. Both processes will be open for public observation. If you have any questions, please call (617) 349-4361.

Post-processing of Ballots for the State Election, November 3, 2026
Sept 30, 2026 – Under the provisions of “The Votes Act”, ballots may be processed after Election Day, Nov 3, 2026. The post-processing of ballots will be held on Tues, Nov 10, 2026, beginning at 9am at the Citywide Senior Center, Windsor Room, 806 Mass. Ave. Please use the rear entrance of the center on Green Street on the scheduled day. This process will be open for public observation. If you have any questions, please call (617) 349-4361.

November 2026 Ballot Questions

You are likely aware that we may have as many as 11 9 ballot questions this coming November. Here’s the list (borrowed from Boston Globe):

Just in case you were interested…

The City Clerks and City Managers of Cambridge (includes recent Managers’ contracts)

The Mayors of Cambridge since 1846

Plan E Cambridge City Councils - At A Glance (Mayor in bold)

Plan E Cambridge School Committees (and Mayors) At A Glance

Stories from the Archives: The History of Voting in Cambridge for African Americans and Women
hosted and written by Alyssa Pacy, Archivist at the Cambridge Public Library; produced by Peter Levine, CCTV

The Cambridge City Charter: From Town Meeting to Plan E (premiered May 15, 2023 on CCTV Channel 9)

A chronology of the 1972 conflict over Proportional Representation in Cambridge (posted Feb 24, 2023)

Plan E Cambridge City Councils - At A Glance (Mayor in bold) — Comments?

Plan E Cambridge School Committees (and Mayors) At A Glance — Comments?

In case you were wondering about how to make Cambridge’s PR elections independent of how the ballots are counted…
Election Method Comparison – STV/Cincinnati vs. Fractional Transfer – 2021 Cambridge City Council Election (posted Jan 15, 2022)

Featured recent stories in the Cambridge Chronicle (the paper of record) - with some comments:

If you would like to subscribe or pick up a free paper copy at various sites, I encourage you to do so. It really is The Paper of Record - even if it is currently understaffed and in need of rejuvenation. What we really need is a summit meeting of all Cambridge news providers, including CCTV and Cambridge Municipal TV, to figure out a long-term plan. We absolute need to get Gannett to the table to talk about any long-term plans they may have and if and when the Cambridge Chronicle might be restored to its former role (dating back to 1846) as an essential source for news and features about Cambridge (as opposed to regional feeds of little or no relevance to the people of Cambridge).

A new food hall is coming to the Cambridge mall. Here’s what restaurants it will have (Oct 22, 2024)

Head of the Charles Regatta weekend rowing event in Cambridge (Oct 18, 2024)

Poll tests statewide support for MBTA Communities Act. Its results may surprise (Sept 26, 2024)

Harmful bacteria found in the Charles River? Here’s what to know. (Sept 24, 2024)

Voter’s guide: How to vote early in Massachusetts. What you need to know (Sept 22, 2024)

Julie Wormser starts Oct. 1 as Cambridge’s first chief climate officer (Sept 18, 2024)

Decker beats MacKay in Democratic primary recount for State House seat (Sept 13, 2024)

Recount Sept. 12 between Democrats contending for Cambridge state rep (Sept 12, 2024)

Cambridge state representative race may require a recount (Sept 4, 2024)

Massachusetts Ballot Questions 2024: MCAS, medical psychedelics, more (Sept 4, 2024)

Porter Square Books plans move to larger space in Cambridge (Aug 27, 2024)

Cambridge Brewing Company announces closure. Here’s are the details (Aug 20, 2024)

Cambridge artist Elizabeth Rawls spends her retirement free motion quilting (Aug 14, 2024)

Who were Cambridge’s 25 top paid municipal employees in 2023? We have a list (May 23, 2024)

Cambridge city, school employee salaries for 2023: Searchable Database

HOW TO BREAK A POLITICAL MACHINE

pictures added Mar 27, 2021 scanned from original magazine
[Collier’s Magazine, January 31, 1948]
Comments?

THE MUNICIPAL SITUATION IN CAMBRIDGE

A Paper read at the Annual Meeting of the National Municipal League at Chicago, April 28, 1904
by Henry N. Wheeler, President of the League
preceded by a Program of the Work of the League for 1904
[original PDF]

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes on CCJ Forum

Cambridge InsideOut currently airs every first and third Tuesday at 6:00pm and 6:30pm with producer/host Robert Winters. We may have other guest hosts as well. All shows are posted on YouTube after broadcast.

[complete list of shows - with links to YouTube videos (and now audio too!)]

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 677-678: Nov 3, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 675-676: Sept 15, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 673-674: Aug 18, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 671-672: July 21, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 669-670: June 16, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 667-668: May 19, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 665-666: Apr 21, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 663-664: Mar 17, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 661-662: Feb 17, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 659-660: Jan 20, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 657-658: Jan 6, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 63 and 64 with Glenn Koocher
We had a great time doing these shows with the man who invented the original Cambridge InsideOut - Glenn Koocher.

Cambridge InsideOut on CCTV during 2013-2014 featured co-hosts Susana Segat and Robert Winters.
Cambridge InsideOut on CCTV during 2015-2022 featured co-hosts Judy Nathans and Robert Winters.
Cambridge InsideOut on CCTV during 2022-2023 featured co-hosts Patrick Barrett (sometimes) and Robert Winters.

History - Kendall Square and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority

MBTA Role in Cambridge Center Project – Kendall Station Urban Initiatives Project, 1979-1989 (Feb 13, 2014 by Thad Tercyak)

Kendall Square Urban Renewal Project: Six Pivotal Episodes (June 8, 2013 by Thad Tercyak)

Kendall Square Urban Renewal Project, Initial Years, 1963 to 1982 (July 12, 2012 by Thad Tercyak)

Kendall Square Urban Renewal Area – Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (Apr 5, 2012)

Open for Comments - CCJ Forum

List of all CCJ Forum posts (2009 – present) – reverse chronologically with author’s name (originally Aug 14, 2022 - updated automatically)

Current City of Cambridge Board and Commission Vacancies (updated Nov 3, 2026)

Lame Ducks and Marching Sheep – November 2, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted Nov 2, 2026)

BDS Invades Cambridge – Special October 28, 2026 Cambridge City Council Meeting (posted Oct 26, 2026; updated Oct 30)

International Night Out – October 19-20, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted Oct 19, 2026; updated Oct 20)

Hexus Nexus – October 5, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted Oct 3, 2026)

The Taxman Cometh – September 28, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted Sept 26, 2028, updated Sept 29)

For your consideration… (posted Sept 14, 2026 by Patrick Barrett)

Cambridge City Council Committee Assignments: 2026-2027 (posted Jan 9, 2026)

Cambridge Municipal Election – Voter Turnout: 2023 to 2025 (posted Dec 15, 2025)

Cambridge 2025 Municipal Election – Campaign Finance Reports (posted Nov 4, 2025; updated Jan 6)

2025 Cambridge Final Election Results (and some curiosities) (posted Nov 16, 2025)

The Proposed Cambridge City Charter (posted Oct 31, 2025)

Campaign Tales – August 31 (posted Aug 31, 2025)

Emerging and Converging Political Factions (posted Aug 18, 2025)

Follow-Up Memo on Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance Concerns Under MBTA Communities Act Compliance (posted June 14, 2025)

Random Observations (June 3, 2025)

Urgent Legal and Policy Concerns Regarding Cambridge’s Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance (by Patrick Barrett, posted May 2, 2025)

Plan E Cambridge School Committees (and Mayors) At A Glance (originally posted Jan 21, 2022, updated Jan 1, 2024)

Plan E Cambridge City Councils At A Glance (originally posted Jan 21, 2022, updated Jan 1, 2024)

Municipal Election Voting Comparison: 2021 vs. 2023 (and then some) (posted Dec 16, 2023)

Voter Success and Number of Candidates – Cambridge Municipal Elections (updated Nov 26, 2023)

Alice Wolf: 1933-2023 (posted Jan 28, 2023)

Completing the Square [originally posted June 11, 2013]

On Love and Elections (Dec 26, 2022 by David Goode)

Sheila Doyle Russell – City Councillor, Mayor, and Friend (posted Dec 13, 2022)

ADDRESS OF THE MAYOR UPON THE FIRST ORGANIZATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT – 1846 (posted Dec 11, 2022)

HISTORY OF CAMBRIDGE – Rev. Lucius Paige, 1877 – INDIAN HISTORY (posted Nov 25, 2022)

Election Method Comparison – STV/Cincinnati vs. Fractional Transfer – 2021 Cambridge City Council Election (posted Jan 15, 2022)

A few observations on density (posted Feb 16, 2021)

The Advent of PR in Cambridge (Nov 10, 2013)

Completing the Square (June 11, 2013)

On becoming a True Cantabrigian (Dec 29, 2012 by Glenn Koocher)

The Neverending Study of Central Square

Aug 11, 2012 - While preparing to write a series of essays on Central Square, I put together the following list of Central Square studies culled from a variety of sources. I have originals for most of these. If you know of any others, please let me know. - Robert Winters

Feb 1980 - CDD report entitled “Central Square - Commercial Area Revitalization District”

June 1980 - CDD booklet entitled “Facade Improvements” with focus on Central Square

Apr 1983 - “Central Square Report” produced by City Council’s Central Square Subcommittee (study began in 1980 or 1981)

1987 - A report produced in 1987 about a Subcommittee that allegedly built on the 1983 report (may be same as Central Square Action Plan)

Nov 1987 - Central Square Action Plan

1989 - Draft Central Square Development Guidelines

May 1993 - Results of the “Mayor’s Forum on Central Square”

Oct 1993 - Report by the Committee to Promote and Enhance Central Square Now!

Aug 1994 - A Study of the Visual Images and Signage of Central Square (CDD)

May 1995 - Central Square Improvements Project, Master Plan Report

May 1995 - An Urban Design Plan for Central Square (executive summary)

May 2001 - Summary Notes from “A Conversation about Central Square”

Feb 2000 - The Gibbs Report, Central Square Commercial Market Study - Executive Summary (June 30, 1999)

Oct 2004 - Central Square, Cambridge - Rising Fortunes at a Regional Crossroads (Rekha Murthy)

Dec 2004 - Reviving a Traditional City - Central Square, Cambridge, gets a facelift (Rekha Murthy)

June 2005 - Street Media: Ambient Messages in an Urban Space - a photographic analysis of Central Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rekha Murthy)

2009 - CDD Central Square Customer Intercept Survey Report

2011 - Central Square Market Profile

2011 - Red Ribbon Commission Study Report

2012 - Goody/Clancy report and recommendations

2013 - K2C2 Final Reports (Dec 30, 2013)
The final reports for Kendall Square and Central Square are now available for download. Zoning discussions based on the recommendations of the K2 and C2 Advisory Committees, which are encapsulated in these reports, will continue in 2014.

Kendall Square Central Square Planning Study (K2C2)

Central Square Final Report 2013 Part 1, December 2013 (K2C2)

Central Square Final Report 2013 Part 2, December 2013 (K2C2)

Kendall Square Final Report 2013 Part 1, December 2013 (K2C2)

Kendall Square Final Report 2013 Part 2, December 2013 (K2C2)

This comprehensive planning effort guided by stakeholder advisory committees, City staff, and a team of multidisciplinary consultants led by Goody Clancy, developed a vision and master plan for Central Square, Kendall Square, and the area South of Main Street (including the Osborn Triangle) connecting the two squares. Both final reports are divided into two parts; in each case you will need to review both parts to read the entire report.

2024 - Central Square City Lots Study

FYI - Current Rules and Goals: Cambridge City Council & Cambridge School Committee

City Council Rules 2026-2027 (provisionally adopted Jan 5, 2026; amended June 1, 2026)

City Council Values Statement and Priority Areas: 2026-2027 (adopted Feb 9, 2026)

City Council Rules 2024-2025 (as amended Mar 25, 2024)

City Council Rules 2022-2023 (as amended Nov 21, 2022)

City Council Rules 2020-2021 (as amended Oct 26, 2020)

City Council Rules 2018-2019 (adopted January 29, 2018; provisionally adopted for 2020-2021 term on Jan 6, 2020)

City Council Rules 2016-2017

City Council Rules 2014-2015 (adopted January 7, 2014, amended Feb 10, 2014 to reflect revised Council committees)

City Council Goals - FY2018 (current, adopted Oct 16, 2017)

City Council Goals - FY2012-2013 (adopted Dec 13, 2011)

City Council Committees (for the current term)

School Committee Rules (Adopted January 1, 2018; Revised June 19, 2018)

School Committee Rules (adopted January 7, 2008)    School Committee Goals (adopted October 7, 2008)

Civic Infrastructure - 2009

June 7, 2009 - Once upon a time there was a civic organization in Cambridge known as the Cambridge Civic Association (CCA). It was formed in 1945 out of several organizations that had been existed through the 1930s and that had lobbied the state legislature to create the Plan E Charter option (1938) which featured a city manager form of government and proportional representation elections for city council and school committee. These reforms were central to model charter reform movements active in the United States from the early 1900s. The central theme of the CCA in its early days was “good government” in the sense of being anti-patronage and for professionally managed local government. This changed with the introduction of rent control at the end of the 1960s after which the CCA shifted leftward and became permanently lashed to the mast of the rent control vessel. Though the CCA still exists on paper (I believe), it rapidly declined after the statewide abolition of rent control (late 1994) and essentially disappeared a decade later (early 2005).

I bring up the ghost of the CCA today only to point out that when it was created it had some very admirable goals. Here’s the original Mission Statement of the CCA:

Purposes: This association is formed for the following purposes:

1. To promote businesslike, honest, and efficient conduct of local government, open to public scrutiny.
2. To induce residents to take an active interest in the affairs of the City of Cambridge.
3. To encourage and support the candidacy of men and women seeking election to public office and to support intelligent, wholesome leadership in public affairs.
4. To assure that the best qualified persons are appointed to positions in the City government after consideration of all qualified candidates.
5. To promote among the citizens of Cambridge equitable distribution and benefit of public services and equal opportunity for economic security, education, and social advancement.

These are pretty good founding principles for a civic organization and I’m tempted to say that some should be incorporated into the recently adopted City Council’s Goals for FY2010 (adopted Feb 2, 2009). In fact, of the 22 current goals, the only one that comes close is: “An increased level of recruitment and opportunities for membership on boards and commissions.” The current Council goals emphasize things like “fostering community” via block parties and such, though one has to wonder if the City should be promoting these activities or just getting out of the way so that people can foster community on their own. The goals also seem to put some emphasis on developing “successful nightlife campaigns” while mentioning nothing about promoting ordinary “daytime” economic activity that supports the everyday needs of residents.

One founding principle of the CCA that fell into disuse over the years is listed above as #3: To encourage and support the candidacy of men and women seeking election to public office and to support intelligent, wholesome leadership in public affairs. Indeed, I can personally testify to the fact that in its dying years the only reason the CCA made endorsements at all was because the CCA-endorsed incumbents wanted the benefit of having an advertised CCA slate of candidates that would help secure their reelection. There was precious little effort to recruit new candidates or to support them. Today, the benefits of incumbency are greater than ever. The cost of political campaigns have become absurdly high and most of the incumbents now have (City paid) staff who are inevitably political appointees who directly or indirectly assist in the reelection efforts of their bosses. The deck is increasingly stacked against challengers. Furthermore, the salary and benefits for elected councillors are now so sweet that it is unlikely that any of them would ever want to move on to another job.

With this background in mind, I would like to encourage all Cambridge residents to help level the playing field by finding out about this year’s challengers for seats on the Cambridge City Council and the Cambridge School Committee. This is not meant as a dig against any particular incumbent as much as an appeal to support the challengers in what is a difficult and laudable effort. Please see the Cambridge Candidate Pages for the current list of expected candidates. Then use your own judgment - don’t expect me or anyone else to do it for you.

Speaking of this year’s municipal election, there are some activists who are now expending great effort to attack the City Manager and most of the current City Council. That is not nor has it ever been the intention of the Cambridge Civic Journal or its editor. Candidates are now being seduced by financial promises from one angry fellow with a Brattle Street address and a basketful of grudges. Former CCA Executive Board members from its darkest and most manipulative days are oozing up from the civic swamp trying to at last make good on their failed campaigns of the early 1990s to oust city manager Bob Healy.

It’s entertaining to watch people who have primarily earned disrespect in their civic efforts try to capitalize on the recent Monteiro jury decision as a means of realizing their decades-old vendettas. Conveniently forgotten in their recent letters to Cambridge’s “oldest weekly newspaper” are the many achievements of City Manager Bob Healy, the strong financial position of the City, and the recent 8-1 vote of confidence bestowed upon Mr. Healy in granting him a three year contract extension. Also missing in this testimony is the fact that virtually all affirmative action in the hiring of employees and department heads has taken place on Mr. Healy’s watch. These letters also fail to divulge how long these writers have been carrying their jealousy and anger toward Mr. Healy for actually orchestrating progress in Cambridge while the best they could ever do is snipe from the sidelines. - Robert Winters

Selected City of Cambridge References:

Cambridge City Charter (as adopted Nov 4, 2025)

Plan E Charter (Cambridge’s now former city charter - but the basic structure remains)

Acts of 1921, Chapter 239 as amended (establishment of Cambridge Election Commission)

Mass. General Laws Chapter 54A (governing Cambridge’s PR elections)

Pen Portraits of Prominent People - by Henry J. Mahoney Editor, Cambridge Sentinel - 1923

This book was published c. 1923 and features very witty one-page “pen portraits” (with photo) of prominent Cantabrigians of the day. I’ll be adding names alphabetically as time permits. There are 182 portraits in the book.

It comes to mind that there may be some value in expanding these profiles to other prominent Cantabrigians who arrived on the scene after 1923, including prominent Cantabrigians of today. With this in mind, I extend the invitation to any and all who may wish to contribute their own “pen portraits” of Cambridge people. Contributions do not necessarily have to be in the style of Mr. Mahoney. Inclusion is, as always, subject to the erratic discretion of the editor.

Special thanks to Karen Welch for sending me the book. - RW

Political History of Cambridge in the 20th Century - by Glenn Koocher (Nov 2004); edited by Robert Winters (July 2006)
[An alternate edit of this essay appeared, along with many other valuable essays, in a centennial volume to be published by the Cambridge Historical Society in 2007.]

Which People’s Republic - by Bill Cunningham (1999)

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“The Number One thing I would emphasize is that journalists and bloggers would do well to see themselves as partners in the provision of information and that each can benefit greatly from the other. I’ve never seen this as a competition. It is especially true these days that local papers and young journalists are not very well-versed in the communities they serve. Much of the institutional memory has either died out or been bought out.” – Robert Winters, mathematician and creator of the Cambridge Civic Journal, an online publication about Cambridge, MA (rwinters.com)