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Apply for Vote by Mail by Aug. 25 at 5:00pm; Return mailed ballots by Sept. 1 at 8:00pm.
Early in-person voting runs Aug. 22–28, and polls are open on Election Day from 7am–8pm.
More at camb.ma/4wWREMW.

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You – August 3, 2026 Midsummer Cambridge City Council meeting

Public Comment will most likely be a replay of the DSA misfits and nitwits who were invited to share their misinformation at the July 23 Special City Council meeting. Then again, perhaps some actual residents from Newtowne Court and The Port will show up to provide a few lessons in reality. The recent Special Meeting ended badly with one freshman DSA city councillor imploding when the votes appeared to not be going her way. I hope this one goes better. Here are the agenda items that stood out for me:

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 #14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Police Review & Advisory Board Quarterly Report for the second quarter of 2026. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-35 which requested that the City Manager work with relevant departments to review the state bills referenced as well as the previously filed Home Rule Petition and prepare a new Home Rule Petition that would allow Cambridge to install and operate cameras to enforce red light, speeding, or other moving violations. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to potential alternative methods of curb cut review. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan, Zusy, Flaherty, Azeem; Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, regarding the Sixth Annual Cycling Safety Ordinance Progress Report. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Brooke McKenna, Flaherty, McGovern, Zusy; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2026 Annual Report of the Affordable Housing Overlay. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #20. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Will MacArthur to the Social Housing Task Force. [text of report]
Appointment Confirmed 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #21. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to opportunities to streamline the permitting process. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Melissa Peters (CDD), Jennifer Caira (CDD), Al-Zubi, Zusy, Flaherty; Placed on File 9-0

Zoning and Development
Manager’s Agenda #22. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to edits to the Massachusetts Avenue Active Use Zoning Petition. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; Petition amended 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent) per Committee Report #5; Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent); Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #23. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to edits to the Cambridge Street Active Use Zoning Petition. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; McGovern explains that Cambridge Street currently has no active use requirements, proposed amendment by substitution would require active uses only in Lechmere and Webster Ave. areas, current petition would require active uses on all of Cambridge St. for all buildings greater than 3 stories; Amendment by Substitution Fails 2-7 (Azeem, Sobrinho-Wheeler - Yes); Petition Passed to 2nd Reading 8-1 (Azeem - No); Placed on File 9-0

Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council regarding improved tree loss accounting and reporting systems by Oct 1, 2026.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Zusy for comments; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #12. Greater Interdepartmental Coordination and Community Information Sharing Relating to Development.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, McGovern, Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0

Petition #1. A Zoning Petition has been received from Michelle Lower of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. transmitting a proposed Zoning Ordinance to amend the provisions of Section 13.59.42 if the Zoning Ordinance to allow for the transfer of 250,000 square feet of Gross Floor Area from the PUD-4C Zoning District on the Industry B Zoning District in exchange for the conversion of the existing brick and beam structure at 161 First Street into Affordable Housing. The Petition seeks to amend the Zoning Map by creating the “Technology Square Transfer Receiving District.” (PET26#3) [text of report]
Referred to Planning Board & Ordinance Committee 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on June 2, 2026 to discuss possible changes relating to setbacks, stepbacks, open space and wet labs to the recently adopted Cambridge Street Zoning. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #5. The Ordinance Committee held two public hearings on June 16, 2026 and July 7, 2026 on two City Council zoning petitions to amend Article 17.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map regarding active use requirements on North Massachusetts Avenue and Cambridge Street, including a special permit requirement for Formula Businesses on Cambridge Street. [text of report]
Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent); Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #6. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on July 21, 2026 on a Zoning Petition by Douglas P. Brown, et al., to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Articles 2.000, 5.000, 6.000, 11.000, and 19.000 with the intent of amending height, setback, and open space requirements, adding step back and building depth and width requirements, and adding minimum off-street parking requirements for residential uses in Residence C-1 districts, including the Affordable Housing Overlay, as well as reducing the Project Review Special Permit threshold from 75,000 to 20,000 square feet for residential uses in Residence C-1 districts, among other changes. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler noting that petition received a 2-7 negative recommendation from Ordinance Commitee; Councillor Flaherty unsuccessfully tried to exercise his Charter Right (but this is not New Business), comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Flaherty, Siddiqui; Sobrinho-Wheeler Motion to Adopt Petition Fails 0-9; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to examine how a revived Central Square World’s Fair could build upon the successful partnership between the City, Cambridge Arts, and the Central Square Business Improvement District, including lessons learned from the annual Cambridge Dance Party and other large-scale public events.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

Licensing and License Commission
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department and the License Commission to jointly lead the City’s evaluation of a limited pilot program from Fall 2026 through Fall 2027 allowing certain eligible licensed establishments to serve alcohol until 3:00am.   Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Simmons; Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the City Solicitor and the License Commission to draft and submit a Home Rule Petition to authorize one additional Section 15 all-alcoholic beverages license not to be drunk on the premises.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Zusy; comments by McGovern, Zusy; Order Adopted 8-0-0-1 (Zusy - Present)

Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to explore options for reforming and modernizing the License Commission, including through the home rule petition process.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Flaherty
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Law Department, the Department of Public Works, the Transportation Department, and any other appropriate departments to determine whether the City may require Eversource, and any contractors or subcontractors working on Eversource’s behalf in Cambridge, to submit weekly certified payroll reports or similar payroll documentation for work performed in Cambridge’s public ways.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #5. That the City Council hold a Roundtable/Working Meeting on Thurs, Aug 6, 2026, from 1:30-3:30pm, to discuss the City of Cambridge’s ongoing and future work in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve services – including comparative examples – while ensuring any AI use aligns with City values, complies with legal and privacy requirements, and benefits both employees and the public.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #10. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to take steps to implement as soon as possible a program for automated parking enforcement which could be piloted in targeted areas of the city to evaluate different technologies, different functionalities for various locations, and publicize regulations Implementation of Automated Parking Enforcement.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #11. That the City Council accept M.G.L. Ch. 40U as a method of collecting some fines.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #14. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission, the property owner, and other appropriate parties regarding placing a historical marker on 103 Irving Street in recognition of Julia Child’s life, work, and connection to Cambridge.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #15. That the City Manager is requested to explore the feasibility of establishing a citywide digital wayfinding and information kiosk program on public property throughout Cambridge.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Zusy; comments by Siddiqui, Zusy, Flaherty, Nolan, McGovern, Simmons; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #16. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate staff to work with the Health and Environment Committee to discuss a time-of-sale energy audit and review possible ordinance language, for potential adoption after deliberation and refinement.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Al-Zubi, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Nolan for comments (she ultimately wants mandates); Order Adopted 9-0

Order #17. That the Cambridge City Council in support of the initiatives in the House and Senate Environmental Bond Bill and the Energy Affordability Bill as priorities for the deliberation of the conference committee and for inclusion in the final bill, in order to support the climate and affordability initiatives of the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to take all necessary steps to temporarily restore and reactivate ShotSpotter within the areas of Cambridge previously covered by the system. [Charter Right – Al-Zubi, July 23, 2026]
Comments by Al-Zubi, Siddiqui, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Flaherty, Azeem, Yi-An Huang, Jackson Price, Zusy, Nolan; Amendments proposed by McGovern, Siddiqui Adopted 9-0; Nolan amendment to not allow ShotSpotter to be restored until a full STIR report is made Fails 3-6 (Al-Zubi, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler - Yes); Order Adopted as Amended 6-3 (Al-Zubi, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler - No)
Note: Essentially, the McGovern/Siddiqui amended language to have a “resident assembly” do an evaluation and make recommendations must be viewed as a confession that the current City Council is NOT representative of the residents of Cambridge and that their actions often do not reflect the sentiments of the people of Cambridge - especially those residents living in neighborhoods like The Port and those not affiliated with advocacy groups.

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is hereby requested to report on progress of the February 2026 report’s recommendations, and plans for ensuring appropriate levels of support and staffing for the Community Safety Department, including continued expansion of CSD’s violence prevention program, the number and types of calls handled by the CARE team, and the timeline for more comprehensive staffing for the CARE team emergency response program and is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner. [Charter Right – Simmons, July 23, 2026]
Comments by Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy, Nolan, Flaherty; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Charter Right #3. That the City Manager is requested to provide a comprehensive evaluation of violence response and prevention strategies, along with survivor support services, across City departments including CPD, CSD, CHA, and DHSP and come with recommendations before the City Council’s Public Safety Committee and report back to the City Council in a timely manner. [Charter Right – Simmons, July 23, 2026]
Comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler; Order Adopted 9-0

Charter Right #4. That the City Manager is requested to investigate directing the appropriate City departments to install security cameras overlooking Cambridge public parks, with such cameras operational only between the hours of 8:00pm and 8:00am. [Charter Right – Simmons, July 23, 2026]
Comments by Azeem, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Flaherty, Police Commissioner Pauline Wells; Referred by Azeem 9-0 to City Manager (to be then referred to resident assembly as per ShotSpotter vote)

Committee Report #1. The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Apr 29, 2026 to review the Cambridge Police Department’s use of ShotSpotter technology, also known as SoundThinking, which was referred to the Public Safety Committee through the Annual Surveillance Report, CM26#44, on Mar 9. 2026. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Unfinished Business #5. Zero Waste Plan Ordinance Amendment. [Passed to 2nd Reading June 22, 2026; Eligible To Be Ordained on or after July 13, 2026] (ORD26#7) [text of report]
Comments by Nolan; Ordained 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on May 26, 2026 to review and discuss implementation of Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP) 2.0, adopted by Council in June 2025, including review of draft ordinance changes as recommended by the ZWMP 2.0. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Resolution #3. Condolences to the family of Xavier Bautista.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui

Resolution #6. Congratulations to Glenn Koocher on his retirement.   Councillor Simmons

Resolution #8. That the Cambridge City Council go on record thanking Michele Kincaid for her many years of service to the City of Cambridge and wishing her a happy retirement.   Mayor Siddiqui
Comments by Siddiqui

Resolution #10.   Condolences to the family of Vincent “Vince” Lawrence Dixon.   Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Simmons
Comments by Simmons, Flaherty; Simmons added a sponsor

Communications & Reports #2. A communication from Councillor Nolan Submitting Proposed Amendments to Short Term Rental Zoning Petition. [text of report]
Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0

Communications & Reports #3. A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding information from the School Committee. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Comments and additional details to follow

Cambridge council sees the light on ShotSpotter — for now

But how long will community supporters be able to hold off the ideologues?
By The Editorial Board, Boston Globe, Aug 7, 2026

Would Xavier Bautista be alive today if the Cambridge City Council didn’t cave to activists?

ShotSpotter is not a panacea, nor is it a tool of oppression. It’s just a tool.
By Kevin Cullen, Boston Globe, Aug 2, 2026

July 23, 2026 Special City Council meeting in response to the murder of Xavier Bautista

Call of the Meeting: The City Council shall hold a Special Meeting to receive updates on and discuss the City of Cambridge’s current, planned, and recommended public safety and violence prevention work on Thursday, July 23, at 5:30pm in the Sullivan Chamber, Second Floor, City Hall.

Note: The meeting agenda was revised prior to the meeting.

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City's violence prevention efforts. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Community Safety Department update. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report on 2026 Summer Community Programs. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Violence Prevention Recommendations Report from the Community Safety Department. [text of report (Feb 5, 2026)]
Placed on File 9-0

Though this meeting has been scheduled as a result of demand by attendees at the July 8 community meeting on the murder of Xavier Bautista (a Cambridge City employee working for the Department of Public Works), the only posted agenda item is a generic report on violence prevention produced for the Community Safety Department and reported to the City Council nearly 6 months ago.

I can only hope that some of the current city councillors will refocus the discussion toward more timely matters, including a discussion (and action) on the Council’s recent questionable decision to remove the only gunshot detection system that had been in place in Cambridge. I am not optimistic. This could very easily become little more than a scripted teleplay focused on covering the asses of those councillors (and our current mayor) who were so insistent on the removal of the gunshot detection system based on specious arguments from activists.

We’ll see what transpires at the meeting, but my sense is that the DSA councillors (Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler) won’t budge from their anti-police ideology, and Councillor Nolan has likely already prompted her ACLU activist friends to provide for her political cover. I cannot so easily dismiss the fact that the necessary 5th vote to make Sumbul Siddiqui mayor came with the promise to appoint Ms. Al-Zubi as Chair of the Public Safety Committee, and in that role she dove headlong into her quest to remove our gunshot detection system by inviting a thoroughly one-sided panel of activists and commenters who were not even slightly representative of those residents of Cambridge who would be so negatively affected by the diminution of police protection in their neighborhoods. - Robert Winters

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to take all necessary steps to temporarily restore and reactivate ShotSpotter within the areas of Cambridge previously covered by the system.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
Charter Right – Al-Zubi

Order #2. That the City Manager is hereby requested to report on progress of the February 2026 report's recommendations, and plans for ensuring appropriate levels of support and staffing for the Community Safety Department, including continued expansion of CSD’s violence prevention program, the number and types of calls handled by the CARE team, and the timeline for more comprehensive staffing for the CARE team emergency response program and is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
Charter Right – Simmons

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to provide a comprehensive evaluation of violence response and prevention strategies, along with survivor support services, across City departments including CPD, CSD, CHA, and DHSP and come with recommendations before the City Council’s Public Safety Committee and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Al-Zubi
Charter Right – Simmons

Late Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to investigate directing the appropriate City departments to install security cameras overlooking Cambridge public parks, with such cameras operational only between the hours of 8:00pm and 8:00am. (PO26#139)
Charter Right – Simmons

At some point I’ll have more to say about what transpired at this meeting, but the basic points were:

(a) Al-Zubi and Sobrinho-Wheeler managed to bring in a truckload of DSA characters to recite their idiotic talking points about ShotSpotter.

(b) Several actual long-term Cambridge residents and persons of color expressed their belief that they wanted the additional police protection provided by ShotSpotter.

(c) As Councillor McGovern pointed out, several residents of Newtowne Court who would have spoken in support of restoring ShotSpotter felt very disrespected by the statements by the DSA people and consequently chose not to speak.

(d) After dispensing with the various reports, the Council began discussion of the Simmons/Flaherty Order calling for provisional restoration of the ShotSpotter system. It appeared to be the case that the two councillors (Azeem and Zusy) who had previously voted “Present” were now inclined to vote in favor of the Order to restore ShotSpotter. Councillor McGovern’s remarks also gave some indication that he would support the provisional restoration - especially since the Order called for getting feedback from the broader community (as opposed to just misinformed DSA activists). It was unclear how Councillor Nolan was inclined to vote, but it all became moot when drama queen Councillor Al-Zubi went on a rant when it appeared that she was not going to have her way, and she exercised her Charter Right to delay the matter to the August 3 Midsummer City Council meeting.

(e) In response to Al-Zubi’s hissy fit and Charter Right, Councillor Simmons exercised her Charter Right on the rest of the agenda.

It’s fair to assume that the August 3 meeting will attract the same DSA misfits, so I will likely just skip Public Comment as it will again be little more than recitations of the same talking points over and over and over again. Hopefully it won’t again be just another badly scripted melodrama and maybe, just maybe, the actual residents of Cambridge will be heard. - Robert Winters

PS - The City Council really should insist that Councillor Al-Zubi be removed as Chair of the Public Safety Committee.

Comments?

Members Sought for Cambridge Commercial Parking Control Committee

July 21, 2026 – The Commercial Parking Control Committee is established pursuant to Chapter 10.16.030 of the Cambridge Municipal Code and reviews applications for new commercial parking permits.

Members of the Committee should be able to review and understand the City’s policies, rules, and regulations related to commercial parking; understand issues related to the safety, sustainability, and accessibility of the city’s transportation network and its operations; and, be willing to navigate complex issues related to how parking supports public policy, accessibility, economic development, and other City goals.

The Committee is a five-member board that's appointed by the Cambridge City Council. The initial appointment is for a term of 1-3 years and members are eligible for reappointment. Applicants must be Cambridge residents. No person shall be appointed to the Committee who has a financial interest in commercial parking in Cambridge.

Meetings are held on an as-needed basis (at least biannually) based on submission of applications for Commercial Parking Permits. Members must review applications and application materials prior to each meeting they attend. Recent changes in City regulations establishing Flexible Parking Corridors have lowered barriers to the establishment of Commercial Parking, and we anticipate a renewed interest in Commercial Parking Permits. Learn more about Flexible Parking Corridors.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Adam Shulman at 617-349-4745 or email ashulman@cambridgema.gov.

Applications to serve on this committee can be submitted by Friday, Aug 21, 2026, to City Manager Yi-An Huang using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/Apply. A cover letter and résumé or applicable experience should 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.

Cambridge Seeking Community Members for New Commission Vacancies

July 21, 2026 – 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 for a variety of important matters.

The City of Cambridge is currently seeking to fill vacancies on the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship and Police Review & Advisory Board. The deadline to apply for each vacancy is August 21.

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 on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship (Application Deadline: August 21)
The Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights & Citizenship (CIRC) is dedicated to welcoming, informing, connecting, and supporting Cambridge’s immigrant community. Established under Chapter 2.123 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Commission collaborates with other City departments, community partners, and individuals that support immigrant rights and citizenship.

The Commission consists of 11 members – Cambridge residents who represent the diversity of Cambridge – that are appointed to 3-year terms. Preferred applicants are knowledgeable about immigrant rights and citizenship and/or have lived experience as an immigrant to the United States.

CIRC informs the City Manager and the City Council on issues affecting the equal status of immigrants in education, employment, healthcare, housing, political, social and legal spheres. It also designs and implements programs that promote the equality of all immigrants in the City, while developing recommendations and suggested policy to the City Manager and the City Council to promote and ensure immigrant rights and citizenship. Commissioners are expected to participate and volunteer for outreach and other community events.

Meetings are typically held on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6pm, though the meeting schedule may be reassessed to accommodate Commissioners’ needs.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Carolina Almonte at 617-349-4396 or calmonte@cambridgema.gov.

Police Review & Advisory Board (Application Deadline: August 21)
The Police Review & Advisory Board (PRAB) serves as a fair and impartial body that provides oversight of the Cambridge Police Department. Created by City ordinance in 1984, 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.

Made up of volunteer members, PRAB 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.

The Board currently meets virtually on the last Wednesday of the month at 6pm.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Carolina Almonte at 617-349-4396 or calmonte@cambridgema.gov.

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. Members should be Cambridge residents representing different disabilities, diverse cultures and races, and all areas of Cambridge. Women, persons of color, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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

Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship (Application Deadline: August 21)

Police Review & Advisory Board (Application Deadline: August 21)

Commercial Parking Control Committee (Application Deadline: August 21)