Akriti Bhambi has submitted her resignation from the Cambridge School Committee - effective Nov 15

Nov 2, 2022 - Under the Plan E Charter, Bhambi’s replacement will be determined from among eligible candidates who ran unsuccessfully in the 2021 School Committee election using a PR Count to elect one person from the quota of ballots that were used to elect Bhambi in 2021. The Election Commission will now have to officially contact all potential candidates (Caroline Hunter, Daria Johnson, and Christopher Lim) to determine if they wish to be considered and remain eligible for this vacancy recount. A date for this vacancy recount has not yet been scheduled.

Who would replace each of the elected city councillors and School Committee members should a vacancy occur? Replacements are determined from the ballots used to elect each councillor or School Committee member. I ran the tabulation software with the 2021 ballot data and here’s what I found (assuming all candidates are still eligible):

Featured Items on the Nov 14, 2022 Cambridge City Council Agenda

I suppose more fur will fly when they take a second pass at last week’s Order re: traffic disruptions caused by the partial one-way conversion of Garden Street for bicycle comfort (as well as the new questionably executed Brattle St. bicycle facilities). Predictably, there were zillions of communications both last week and this week both from less frequent commenters caught by surprise as well as the usual suspects who can always be counted on to toe their particular party line regardless of actual facts.

Here are the items that seem most interesting to this toeless observer:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a public health update.
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Climate Resilience Zoning. [cover letter] [draft zoning]
pulled by Nolan; Referred to Health & Environment Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-72, regarding a report outlining the efficacy of the Private Property Rodent Control Program and the SMART Digital Rodent Control Boxes, and any changes being contemplated to these current programs; and the status of the Rat Liaison position. [report]
pulled by Mallon; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $586,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support the continuation and expansion the City’s rodent control program utilizing SMART box technology and to fully fund the residential property rodent control program. [letter and order]
pulled by Mallon; Placed on File, Order Adopted 9-0

It would be great if they sold smaller indoor units for mice - ones that actually work.

Charter Right #1. Policy Order Regarding Traffic Flow on Garden Street. [Charter Right – Simmons, Nov 7, 2022]
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

87 Communications - all but two of which focus on the Garden Street “experiment”. It’s worth noting that only 13 of the 87 communications arrived after the Nov 7 meeting, but since the relevant Order was delayed via Charter Right they’re all still timely.

Let me guess - 100 people will Zoom in during Public Comment reading scripted comments about how wonderful the bicycle comfort lanes are, or how the Traffic, Parking & Transportation lives to make driving as difficult as possible (true), or how if anyone disagrees with any aspect of the Bicycle Safety Ordinance they must be passively trying to kill people. There are good reasons why I generally skip Public Comment these days.

On the Table #2. Policy Order Seeking Development Analysis. [Charter Right – McGovern, Oct 17, 2022; Tabled Oct 24, 2022]
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #1. Improved Marketing for Green Plus Cambridge Community Electricity.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner
pulled by Nolan; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

I'll take the cheapest one, thank you.

Order #2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate departments to extend the Outdoor Dining Policy and continue to allow winter outdoor dining as has been the case in the last two years.   Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0

Many of the Covid-inspired street patios are really past their prime and should be phased out or scaled back to sidewalk-only. That said, the Central Square patios on the south side of Mass. Ave. have become a real destination - even if some reconfiguration and scaling back is in order. Other Covid-inspired accommodations such as Starlight Square need some revision or relocation as we return to more normal times. A blocked-off area with little or no active use most of the time adds little to the vitality of Central Square.

Late Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate departments to consider extending the current reduced fee schedule for another year and to report on this matter by Nov 30, 2022.
Order Adopted 9-0

Committee Report #1. The Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee met on Oct 25, 2022, to discuss potential changes to the City Council Rules. [text of report]
Moved to Unfinished Business 9-0

As I noted several weeks ago, former Mayor Frank Duehay once told me that the death knell of any organization is when they spend excessive time and emphasis on their by-laws instead of their mission. I am also reminded of those annoying kids in high school who obsessed over “rewriting the student constitution.” I guess they grow up and become city councillors.

Committee Report #2. Health & Environment Committee [to discuss and amend the draft Net Zero Action Plan update, and next steps in implementing and updating the City’s NetZero Action Plan including setting SMART goals for action items, accelerating timelines in line with the Climate Protection Action Committee review and the Climate Crisis Working Group discussion and any other issues related to the Plan] - Oct 28, 2022, 9:00am [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

I expect even more unfunded mandates from “progressive” councillors who feel obliged to tell you how to think, what you can and cannot do or say, what you should or should not buy, what vehicle you should or should not drive, what you should or should not eat, how you should heat your home or cook your food, and pretty much anything else that used to go under the category of “choice”. All they have to do is say there’s an emergency and anything goes.

Wed, Dec 14 (Hearing Schedule)
3:00pm   The Public Safety Committee is holding a public meeting to discuss the implementation of the new Community Safety Department and integration with HEART.

The so-called “H.E.A.R.T. proposal” (Holistic Emergency Alternative Response Team) was first introduced in May 2021 by activists who were openly hostile to police and who repeatedly referred to police as “slave-catchers”. Everyone, including Cambridge Police, agree with the idea that not all emergency calls need to be or should be handled by uniformed and armed police. The City came back with a more rational proposal with the creation of a new Community Safety Department along with a system called CARP (Cambridge Alternative Response Program) that would integrate alternate emergency response with Emergency Communications - in contrast with the activist proposal that would have created a completely separate system divorced from City government (except for the funding). The availability of federal ARPA money with minimal strings attached led to the activists seeking an alternate way to justify their existence. Since then I have heard rumors that the people behind the HEART proposal had an inside track to get a contract under the new department - something some of us consider highly problematic. I hope this is just an unfounded rumor. Some city councillors, Mr. Zondervan in particular, continue in their effort to assume an executive role by asserting that the Community Safety Department will be integrated with HEART even though there is no such reference in the FY2023 Budget. It continues to astound me that Mayor Siddiqui chose to appoint Councillor Zondervan as Chair of the Public Safety Committee. - Robert Winters

Comments?

Roads Scholars? - Notable Items on the Nov 7, 2022 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Apparently the quickest roads to City Hall right now are via Brattle Street and Garden Street. Here are the agenda items that drove me to comment:

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to approval requested for an appointment of new members to the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) - Keisha Greaves, Robert Goss [three-year terms].
Appointments Approved 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-58 , regarding directing the appropriate City staff to establish a fund designed to assist those City employees in same-sex marriages with paying for surrogacy services. [City Solicitor’s response]
pulled by Simmons; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report with a recommendation to adopt the Incentive Zoning Rate Study Petition, with clarifying changes.
pulled by Zondervan; Referred to Petition 9-0

Lotsa Communications about bike lanes and the collateral damage of cut-through traffic caused by the City’s latest “engineering” solutions.

Order #1. Policy Order Regarding Traffic Flow on Garden Street.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Simmons, Carlone, Nolan, McGovern, Zondervan (proposes amendments), Mallon, Siddiqui, Toner (willing to acept amendments), Carlone, Azeem, Nolan, Simmons; Charter Right - Simmons

Order #2. Ban Turns on Red Citywide.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone
pulled by Mallon (who apparently advertised this proposal with the print and broadcast press), amendment proposed; comments by Azeem, Carlone, Zondervan, Toner (notes that Traffic Director already has authority to impose “No Turn on Red”), McGovern (notes Alewife Brook Pkwy at Rindge Ave. backups), Nolan, Simmons, Siddiqui; Mallon amendment passes 9-0; Amend to add McGovern, Zondervan, Nolan, Carlone as cosponsors passes 9-0; Nolan amendment (as further amended by Zondervan) passes 9-0; Order Adopted 7-2 [Simmons, Toner - NO]

Order #4. MBTA Pass [for City employees].   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon
pulled by Mallon; comments by Siddiqui, Mallon; Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Carlone, Toner - ABSENT)

Order #5. Roundtable on Broadband.   Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #6. Capital Projects Finance Meeting.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #7. Revised MBTA Bus Redesign.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toner
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Simmons; Substitute Order Adopted 9-0 (this substitute was not made available to the public in any form)

Note: Rather than offer my usual comments this week, I instead spent my time Monday restoring my living room to a condition where I can now find and play all of my favorite CDs and vinyl records. Some things are just more important than Cambridge City Council meetings. - Robert Winters

Comments?

Plague Report (Nov 15) - 14 new Covid cases today, 1 new death yesterday, and the 7-day daily average in single digits.

There were 14 new COVID positive tests reported today after 1 new death yesterday (general community). The 7-day daily average dropped again to only 7.4. The total number of residents who have tested positive is now 33,797 (not including me and possibly thousands of others who have tested positive at home). The Cambridge total increased by 14 on Tuesday, and 17 (covering 3 days), 5, 11, 9, 24, 23 (covering 3 days), 18, 30, 16, and 14 in recent days. Time will tell where this is headed, especially as the BA.4&5 and the new BF.7 variants work their way through. The 7-day averages now appear to be settled into the 5-15 range. The percentage of positive tests (measured over the last two weeks) is now at 5.38% (previous rates 6.50, 7.65%, 7.38%, 7.27%, 6.75%, 5.65%, 5.91%, 6.40%, 6.05%, 5.94%, 6.15%, 5.72%, 6.87%, 7.32%, 7.55%, 7.69%, 6.88%, 5.98, 6.47%, 7.66%, 7.41%, 7.08%, 7.45%, 7.36%, 6.11%, 4.65%, 4.2%, 3.85%, 3%, 2.3%, 1.94%, 1.63%, 1.71%, 1.56%, 1.09%, 0.87%). Most importantly, the effects of the virus appear to be much milder than previous variants.

Click on graph above for latest Cambridge data.

Nov 15, 2022 Breakdown of Cases:
33797 tested positive (total) - an increase of 14 since Monday
[includes 4474 Harvard (2 new) and 2769 MIT (3 new)]
175 confirmed deaths - 90 in long-term care facilities, 85 in general community
1 new death Nov 8 (long-term care), 1 new death Nov 14 (general community)

Thanks to vaccinations, even though the 7-day averages were dreadful
the impacts were not as bad as they could have been.

City of Cambridge Covid Information     Harvard University COVID-19 data     MIT COVID-19 data

High vaccination rates have helped to blunt what might have been a larger surge and far more deaths.

Covid Cases by Age Group - through Nov 1, 2022

(click on above graph for the latest)
MWRA Biobot wastewater data - Nov 10, 2022

MWRA Biobot recent wastewater data - North System - Nov 10, 2022
The 7-day average reached as high as 8644 (copies/mL) in January before dropping to as low as 101 in March.
The BA.2 variants brought it back up to 1273 in May. Recently the wastewater figures have been moderating.
BA.5 is now dominant and the 7-day average now stands at 393 (copies/mL).

The main Omicron wave crested 10 months ago, the Omicron BA.5 subvariant is now the predominant threat, and now there’s a newer BF.7 variant in the mix. The percentages detected in wastewater samples in Middlesex County are now BA.5 at 95.0%, BA.4** at 4.5%, BA.2* at 0.0%, and 0.5% other as of week of Oct 3.

Omicron Variant Overview - week of Oct 10, 2022

An asterisk (*) indicates that sub-lineages are included. BA.2.* includes BA.2.12.1 and other sublineages. “Other” indicates all other lineages of SARS-CoV-2.

Members Sought for Cambridge Police Review & Advisory Board

Nov 9, 2022 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking Cambridge residents interested in serving on the Police Review & Advisory Board. Made up of volunteer members, the Board serves as a fair and impartial body that provides oversight of the Cambridge Police Department (CPD).

About Police Review & Advisory Board
Created by City ordinance in 1984, The Police Review & Advisory Board is a City department with a board of five residents. Completely independent of the CPD, the Board is authorized to receive, investigate, and mediate complaints against members of the CPD and review complaint investigations completed by the CPD’s Professional Standards Unit. Following its review, the Board then issues recommendations on investigative findings, discipline, and departmental policies and procedures. The main responsibilities of the Board are to:

• Provide for citizen participation in reviewing CPD policies, practices and procedures;
• Provide a prompt, impartial, and fair investigation of complaints brought by individuals against members of the Police Department;
• Develop programs and strategies to promote positive police/community relations and to provide opportunities for productive discussions, improved understanding, and innovative ways of resolving differences.

About Board Members and Terms
The Board consists of five Cambridge residents who are broadly representative of the City's racial, social and economic composition. Board Members serve five-year terms and must have demonstrated an active interest in public affairs and service and be a resident of the City of Cambridge. For more information, visit www.cambridgema.gov/prab.

Duties, Responsibilities, and Minimum Requirements include:

• Reviewing and evaluating completed investigations to make findings on the allegations contained in each complaint;
• Identifying needs for changes to Police Department policies, procedures or training and reporting findings and recommended solutions to the Police Commissioner and the City Manager;
• Assisting in public education and outreach activities to promote awareness and understanding of the Board and strengthen community-police relations;
• Receiving training on a regular basis outside of regular monthly meetings on: civilian oversight of law enforcement, understanding investigations, and the history and culture of policing in Cambridge; CPD training on police policies, procedures, practices, and training; effective outreach and community engagement; and understanding public meetings, public records, and ethical standards and requirements.

The City is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Helpful Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for Prospective Board Members:

• Possess a reputation for fairness, integrity, and responsibility;
• Ability to be fair and impartial in their decision making;
• Understand implicit and explicit bias and work to mitigate bias in their efforts.

Meetings
The Board currently meets virtually on the last Wednesday of the month at 6:00pm. To learn more about the Board’s work, please consider attending an upcoming virtual meeting on December 7 at 6:00pm, via the Zoom platform. For the link, please visit Cambridgema.gov/calendar and find the listing for this meeting. For more information, contact Brian Corr, Executive Director at 617-349-4694 or bcorr@cambridgema.gov or visit www.CambridgeMA.gov/PRAB.

How to Apply
Applications can be submitted to the City Manager’s Office using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter, resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. Applications are due by Monday, December 12.

Members Sought for New Mass Ave Partial Construction Working Group

Nov 9, 2022 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking volunteers to serve on a new Working Group to help guide the Mass Ave Partial Construction Project on Mass Ave, from Waterhouse Street to Alewife Brook Parkway.

Project Goals
The project was initiated in response to the city’s Cycling Safety Ordinance (CSO) and the goals include:

• Improving the safety and comfort for people walking, biking, and taking transit;
• Reducing travel times and improving the reliability of MBTA buses;
• Maintaining loading and short-term parking access to support local businesses;
• Implementing changes in line with the Cambridge Bicycle Plan, Vision Zero Action Plan and the Cambridge Cycling Safety Ordinance (CSO), which requires separated bike lanes on Mass Ave.

Individuals who are excited about shaping the future of Mass Ave and want to work collaboratively with City staff to accomplish the goals above are encouraged to apply.

Membership and Meetings
The Working Group is anticipated to be made up of 15-20 members, representing a diverse set of interests along the Mass Ave corridor to ensure that each perspective is heard and that there is adequate representation reporting back to the larger community. The Working Group will include residents, business owners, institutional representatives, and a variety of people that use the corridor to live, work, walk, bike or take the bus.

It is anticipated that the group will meet eight to ten times between January 2023 and December 2023. Meetings of the Working Group will be open to the public.

Working Group members will have two overall responsibilities:

• Serve as a community representative to advise the City Manager and staff on key issues related to the design of improvements on Mass Ave;
• Help communicate the process and design of the project back to the larger community.

There are several key elements where the Working Group will be asked to help shape the design of the Mass Ave corridor:

• Design of separated bicycle lanes;
• Evaluation of existing crossing locations for pedestrians and recommendations for additional crossing opportunities;
• Curb use regulations (i.e., understand where parking/stopping/loading is possible and not possible, and advise on curb use regulations);
• Options for bus priority.

How to Apply
Individuals interested in being considered should apply by using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting “MassAve Partial Construction Working Group” in the list of Current Vacancies. A letter of interest can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, December 12, 2022.

Cambridge Seeking Members for the Black, Indigenous, People of Color-Owned Business Advisory Committee

Nov 8, 2022 – The City of Cambridge is looking for volunteers to serve on the Black, Indigenous, People of Color-Owned (BIPOC) Business Advisory Committee for a two (2) year term. The goal of this group is to work with City staff to build policies and programs to better assist BIPOC-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.

The Committee has 13 members representing a range of business sectors (e.g. retail, restaurant, non-profit organizations, and personal and professional services) and the full diversity of the Cambridge BIPOC business community. There are five (5) vacant seats.

Who should apply?

• Any Cambridge small business owner identifying as Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian, Asian Pacific Islander, Latinx, or other historically marginalized group
  • Especially residents who have never served on a board or committee
• Organizations serving Cambridge whose principal mission is to represent BIPOC businesses

Why should I apply?
Joining the BIPOC Business advisory committee will allow you to:

• Advise the City on ways to uplift BIPOC-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in Cambridge
• Help spread information about resources for businesses in Cambridge
• Network with other Cambridge BIPOC business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as City staff

What’s involved?

• Attend monthly meetings
• Provide feedback and ideas about improving:
  • Business programs
  • Policies
  • Outreach efforts
  • The City’s overall relationship with BIPOC-owned businesses

How to apply

• Submit a cover letter and resume by Monday, December 5, 2022 at 5:00pm
• Apply online at: www.cambridgema.gov/apply

Questions?
Contact Allyson Allen at AAllen@CambridgeMA.gov or 617-349-9122.

Members Sought for City of Cambridge Recycling Advisory Committee

Nov 8, 2022 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking Cambridge residents, business owners, and local professionals interested in serving on the Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) beginning in January 2023.

The RAC is a volunteer committee which provides advice, recommendations, and assistance to the Department of Public Works (DPW) regarding recycling, composting, reuse, and waste reduction. The RAC does this through research, feedback, public outreach, and event planning. The RAC has helped the city implement the Zero Waste Master Plan, curbside composting, Fix-It Clinics, marketing and education, and other important initiatives that have made Cambridge a national leader in waste reduction.

About Recycling in Cambridge
Recycling in Cambridge began in 1989 with a few volunteers dedicated to beginning a recycling program. Today, the city recovers more than 10,000 tons/year of recyclables from more than 44,000 households and 200 small businesses. Approximately 32,000 households and 64 businesses have access to curbside composting, reducing the city’s trash and helping control rodents. More than 7,000 tons of food waste has been collected since the city began a pilot compost program in 2014.

The City of Cambridge has goals to reduce trash 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. As of 2021, the city has reduced trash by 26% since 2008.

About RAC Members and Terms
The Committee has been active for more than 30 years and consists of at least nine members with an interest in the topics listed above. Members serve a three-year term and are expected to attend most meetings. Meetings are held monthly, except in July and August. The city seeks members that represent local businesses and property managers, Cambridge residents, and users of the Recycling Center, universities, non-profit organizations, and social service agencies whose goals overlap with waste reduction.

Duties, Responsibilities, and Minimum Requirements include:

• Attend and participate in monthly meetings, held the second Wednesday of the month (September-June);
• Participate in creating committee direction and implementation of ideas;
• Take a leadership role in projects, such as doing research, organizing, and attending events, and advocacy;
• Work with the Public Works Recycling Division, the Climate Protection Action Committee, and other appropriate city staff to provide feedback on city initiatives;
• Research different approaches to communication, education, and best practices for recycling, composting, reuse, and waste reduction programs;
• Disseminate outreach materials and help educate the community;
• Initiate, plan, attend, and run events to promote recycling, composting, reuse, and waste reduction;
• Participate in at least 2-3 events, such as Danehy Park Family Day, Public Works Week events, Fresh Pond Day, May Fair, block parties.

Helpful Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Marketing
• Outreach and community engagement
• Article writing for newspapers or blogs to promote recycling
• Project Management
• Advocacy for state policies
• Familiarity with the Cambridge Public Schools

The city is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Meetings
The RAC currently meets virtually on the second Wednesday of the month at 8 a.m.To learn more about the committee’s work, please consider attending an upcoming virtual RAC meeting on December 14 at 8:00am, via Zoom: https://cambridgema.zoom.us/j/88399786374. Additionally, interested applicants may attend a virtual information session to learn more the city’s waste reduction efforts on Monday, December 5 at 4:00pm, via Zoom: https://cambridgema.zoom.us/j/81687152054.

For more information, contact Michael Orr, Recycling Director, at 617-349-4815 or morr@cambridgema.gov or visit www.CambridgeMA.Gov/Recycle.

How to Apply
Applications can be submitted to the City Manager’s Office using the City’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter, resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process.  Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.  The deadline to submit an application is December 19, 2022.

Members Sought for the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women

Nov 8, 2022 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women.

The Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women (CCSW) recognizes, supports, and advocates for all who self-identify as women or with womanhood, including transgender, gender fluid, and non-binary persons.

The Commission stands with and for all women and girls, regardless of immigration status, sexuality, race, ethnicity, ability or religion. Commissioners support staff in their mission to promote equity for all women and girls, and advocate on their behalf with other City departments, officials, and local organizations to increase their opportunities through policy recommendations and program development.

Commissioners also help staff create and promote programs and services that:

• Foster the advancement of women and girls within the city;
• Create and promote programs that increase public awareness and understanding of multiple issue areas, including but not limited to gender-based violence, women’s history, women’s health, racism, and workplace equity;
• Provide technical assistance, information, and referral to individuals, community organizations, businesses, and other City departments related to women’s and girls’ services;
• Work with community organizations and coalitions to promote the advancement of Cambridge women and girls.

Experience
While experience working with women and girls is not a requirement, a commitment to and an interest in principles of anti-racism, equity, anti-oppression, autonomy, and dignity for women and girls is required. Additionally, all Commissioners must be Cambridge residents.

The City is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Commissioners should be able to:

• Participate in a collaborative process;
• Consider diverse ideas and perspectives;
• Represent the Commission at community meetings;
• Bring the needs and issues of the communities you connect with back to the Commission;
• Be aware of your own privilege and power; how you use it and how it influences your experiences in the world.

Meetings
Under the provisions of the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, meetings are usually required to be in person. However, the Women’s Commission has been meeting remotely under the temporary Open Meeting Law provisions established during the COVID-19 pandemic and will likely continue to meet remotely through March 2023. Currently, the Women’s Commission meetings are held virtually on the second Wednesday of every month, at 6:00pm for two hours. Commissioners are expected to attend these monthly meetings, in addition to community events, programs, and meetings as needed and as able. The position is a three-year term.

Women who may have a harder time meeting these time commitments – single parents, jobs requiring evening hours, unstable computer access, etc. are also encouraged to apply and we will work to accommodate as best we can.

How to Apply
Individuals interested in being considered should apply by using the City’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting “Commission on the Status of Women” in the list of Current Vacancies. A cover letter and résumé or summary of applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. The deadline for submitting applications is December 12, 2022.

City of Cambridge Seeking Volunteers to Serve on Foundry Advisory Committee

Nov 8, 2022 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking volunteers to serve on the Foundry Advisory Committee (FAC). Help the City of Cambridge ensure that the Foundry located at 101 Rogers Street, remains a community space for arts, technology, and workforce development.

Foundry Advisory Committee Role
The FAC serves in an advisory capacity to the City of Cambridge and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA), to help ensure that the Foundry building’s redevelopment and ongoing operation remains consistent with the Vision and Objectives established in the Demonstration Plan that grew out of an extensive community planning process. The Foundry’s nonprofit operator, the Foundry Consortium, is managing the building and stewarding community activities in the various community spaces, including the performance space, maker workshops, dance studio, art class rooms, and multi-purpose rooms. Learn more about upcoming events and available spaces at Cambridgefoundry.org. Additional information regarding the Foundry building is available on the project webpage, Cambridgeredevelopment.org/foundry.

As a member of The FAC, duties may include:

• Provide regular updates to the City Manager and to the CRA Executive Director on anticipated building operations;
• Review performance metrics to assess how the building is meeting its mission;
• Review any proposals for significant capital changes, to assess how they affect the community objectives;
• Provide annual updates to the CRA Board at regular Board meetings, which provides an additional forum for public input.

The City Manager seeks persons with demonstrated ability to work effectively on a team with diverse perspectives to craft consensus recommendations. Ideal candidates will have experience and expertise in visual and performing arts, technology, maker-spaces, entrepreneurship, and workforce development, as well as representation from various neighborhoods within the city, and local non-profit and community organizations.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Membership and Meetings
The Committee is made up of seven community members who serve three-year terms. Meetings are held quarterly and are open to the public. Meetings are currently held in-person at the Foundry and have accommodations for online participation.

How to Apply
The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, December 12, 2022. Applications can be submitted to City Manager Yi-An Huang using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume, or an overview of relevant experience, can also be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang Seeks New Members for the Cambridge Traffic Board
Application Deadline is 11-21-22

Oct 24, 2022 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking new members for the Cambridge Traffic Board, a three-member board established to review petitions regarding the adoption, alteration, and repeal of the city’s Traffic Rules and Regulations and to provide advice and consultation to the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department.

Board members are appointed by the City Manager; a chairperson will be designated by the City Manager each year from among the three members. Members serve a three-year term and are eligible for reappointment.

The Traffic Board was established pursuant to Chapter 455, Acts of 1961, an Act establishing a Department of Traffic and Parking in the City of Cambridge as amended by Section 7 of Chapter 786 of the Acts of 1962, Chapter 340 of the Acts of 1972, Chapter 239 of the Acts of 1977, Chapters 166, 424, and 585 of the Acts of 1981 and Chapter 441 of the Acts of 1991.

Applicants must be Cambridge residents. Persons holding public office in Cambridge and salaried employees of the City of Cambridge are not eligible for appointment.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Members of the Traffic Board should be able to:

• Participate in a collaborative process with other Board members;
• Consider diverse ideas and perspectives with empathy and respect;
• Willingness to Work with the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department;
• Review and understand the city’s policies, rules, and regulations related to the regulation of the city’s streets and wider transportation network;
• Understand issues related to the safety, sustainability, and accessibility of the city’s transportation network and its operations;
• Demonstrate strong attentiveness and listening skills to complex presentations and discussions.

The Traffic Board meets on an as-needed basis based on submission, if any, of petitions and for necessary consultation with Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department leadership. Under the provisions of the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, meetings are usually required to be in person, although the Traffic Board may meet remotely under the temporary Open Meeting Law provisions established during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members must review petitions and petition materials prior to each meeting they attend.

Individuals interested in being considered should apply by using the city’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting “Traffic Board” in the list of Current Vacancies. A cover letter and résumé or summary of applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, November 21, 2022.

City Manager Yi-An Huang Seeks New Members for the Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal

Oct 14, 2022 (updated Nov 3) – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal. Beginning in January 2023, BZA members will receive an annual stipend of $3,500, and Associate BZA Members will receive an annual stipend of $2,000. The BZA application deadline has been extended to Monday, November 14.

The Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA) has an important role in decisions that help shape the use and appearance of buildings in our community. Under the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, certain uses and types of development may require a variance, special permit, or a comprehensive permit from the BZA, a quasi-judicial body that conducts public hearings on all applications and appeals before it and issues decisions. The Board also hears appeals of Zoning Determinations made by the Commissioner of Inspectional Services.

The BZA is made up of five members and up to seven associate members. The members are appointed by the City Manager, and then approved by the City Council. Regular members generally serve a 5-year term, while associates serve a 2-year term. While board and commission members in Cambridge do not receive compensation for their time, the city is exploring offering a stipend for high time commitment boards such as the BZA.

The BZA meets twice each month on Thursday evenings for approximately 3-4 hours. Members are expected to attend all meetings, and associate members attend on an as-needed basis. Under the provisions of the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, meetings are usually required to be in person; although the BZA has been meeting remotely under the temporary Open Meeting Law provisions established during the COVID-19 pandemic and may continue to meet remotely through March 2023.

Members must review application and petition materials prior to each meeting they attend. Materials may include development plans and specifications, narrative descriptions, analyses of the applicability of provisions of the Zoning Ordinance to applications, petitions, and appeals before the Board, information from city departments, written comments from the public, and other documents.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. All BZA members must be Cambridge residents. While there is no requirement for a technical background to serve on the BZA, an interest and understanding of development, architecture, urban design, and zoning law is desirable. Additionally, members of the BZA should be able to:

• Participate in a collaborative process with other Board members;
• Consider diverse ideas and perspectives;
• Apply the provisions of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and the state’s Zoning Act to the facts presented in applications and petitions to the Board in quasi-judicial proceedings;
• Demonstrate strong attentiveness and listening skills to long and complicated presentations and discussions.

Individuals interested in being considered should apply by using the city’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting “Board of Zoning Appeal” in the list of Current Vacancies. A cover letter and résumé or summary of applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. The deadline for submitting applications is November 7, 2022. The deadline for submitting applications has been extended to Monday, November 14, 2022.

A word or two about Cambridge property tax increases

There’s a phrase that the Cambridge City Administration has been including in its annual “Dear Residents and Taxpayers of Cambridge” mailing for years that goes something like this: “For FY23, 80% of residential taxpayers will see a reduction, no increase, or an increase of less than $250.” This phrase used to end with “or an increase of less than $100”, but I suppose the percentages are much more appealing with the change. One might actually be led to believe that the tax levy is going down based on the initial reading of this annual message. In fact, this year (FY23) the tax levy went up by 7.4%, and the increases in recent years were 4.7%, 7.85%, 6.9%, 5.3%, and 3.8% (reverse chronologically). Much of the tax increases were picked up by commercial properties due to tax classification and City’s tax policy decisions, but the residential tax burden has certainly been on the rise.

One major source of confusion in the competing narratives of “80% of residential taxpayers will see a reduction…” and the “the tax levy went up by 7.4%” comes down to the fact that condominiums now comprise a very large percentage of residential tax bills, and condo owners have been getting a pretty sweet deal while much of the burden has shifted onto two- and three-family property owners (as well as new residential buildings). Here’s a chart showing the median annual changes in residential tax bills (including the residential exemption) over the last 15 years:

As you can see from these figures, it’s the large number of condominiums (nearly 15,000) that enables the City to declare that “80% of residential taxpayers will see a reduction, no increase, or an increase of less than $250.” For owners of single-, two-, and three-family homes, the story is quite different - especially during the last 5 years. Indeed, this year is the sweetest deal of all for condo owners. This year’s median change for condo owners is a reduction of $107, while it’s increases of $419 for a single-family, $269 for a two-family, and $379 for a three-family.

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