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.

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Violence Prevention Recommendations Report from the Community Safety Department. (CM26#26) [text of report (Feb 5, 2026)]

Comments to follow

Last Call - June 22, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

The real action seems to be with the Cambridge License Commission as it considers some policy changes - especially in regard to alcohol consumption. This will also be the last regular meeting prior to the Summer Break. Here are the items that struck me as at least a bit interesting:

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to reappointments to the Biosafety Committee [Cara Conway, Mary Corrigan, Dan Anderson, Eirini Iliaki reappointed]. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-34 regarding a report on citywide water use and water supply. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update regarding a Boards and Commissions Ordinance Review and Modernization Initiative. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-38 regarding changes to the resident parking permit price. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-7 regarding restrictions to eligibility for on-street resident parking. [text of report]
Referred to the Transportation & Public Utilities Committee 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-4 [AR25-51] regarding updates to the Short-Term Rental Ordinance. [text of report]
Referred to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for Hearing and Report 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #20. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-33 regarding a housing needs study. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #21. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Massachusetts Avenue Active Use Zoning Petition Planning Board report. [text of report]
Referred to Petition 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #22. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Cambridge Street Active Use Zoning Petition Planning Board report. [text of report]
Referred to Petition 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #23. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments and reappointments of members to the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee [Teresa Cardosi (AHT rep.) appointed, and Elaine DeRosa (CHA rep.) reappointed]. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to develop a plan for inclusive and robust engagement on any proposed licensing changes, and to ensure that the City’s licensing framework remains as efficient, accessible, and streamlined as the law allows, without imposing unnecessary barriers or burdens on licensees.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Simmons
Referred to the Economic Development & University Relations Committee as Amended 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant departments to explore the ability of the City to prohibit, restrict, or otherwise regulate the use of algorithmic price fixing in its rental housing market, including the potential drafting of ordinance language that would regulate algorithmic price fixing and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Cambridge Police Department to prepare a report for the City Council regarding the causes of the significant decline in traffic enforcement since 2015, current departmental priorities, and recommendations for enforcement.   Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to evaluate the impacts of the temporary extended last call and public outdoor drinking district measures during the authorization period, consult with the License Commission, Cambridge Police Department, and other relevant stakeholders on the feasibility and desirability of making these measures permanent, and identify any necessary changes or actions required for implementation beyond the current authorization.   Vice Mayor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern
Referred to the Economic Development & University Relations Committee 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Department, the Community Safety Department, the Emergency Communications Department, the Department of Human Service Programs, the Department of Public Works, the Law Department, and any other relevant City departments and community partners to develop a Neighborhood Safety Additions Plan for the areas of the city previously served by ShotSpotter technology. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 8, 2026]
Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to use the Federal Stabilization Fund to provide one-time stabilization payments to Cambridge-based and Cambridge-serving organizations impacted by FY27 MOVA cuts, report back to the City Council with a proposed funding plan, and work with the Mayor’s Office and other relevant City staff to engage with the broader Cambridge nonprofit community to assess the full scope of federal and state funding reductions and their impact on the City’s safety net services. [Charter Right – Al-Zubi, June 8, 2026]
Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

On The Table #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to proposed changes to the City’s Zero Waste Master Plan. [Tabled June 1, 2026]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent); Zero Waste Plan Ordinance Amendment Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Communications & Reports #2. Communication from Councillor Nolan providing a summary of public engagement and ordinance changes under discussion for the Zero Waste Master Plan Update. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Resolution #1. Retirement of Susanne Rasmussen from the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy
Resolution Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Communications & Reports #5. A communication from Councillor Timothy Flaherty relative to City Council Order PO26#115 and Discontinuation of ShotSpotter Technology. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

And the judge ain’t gonna look at the twenty-seven 8x10 color glossy pictures with the circles and arrows and the paragraph on the back of each one.…

Comments?

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. Additionally, the deadline to apply for the LGBTQ+ Commission has been extended until August 1.

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.

LGBTQ+ Commission (Application Deadline Extended: August 1)
The LGBTQ+ Commission was established under Chapter 2.125 of the Cambridge Municipal Code. The function of the Commission is to advocate for a culture of respect and monitor progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Commission also works to promote policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare, and safety of all persons who live, visit, or work in the City, with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Commissioners are expected to be knowledgeable about the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and must live or work in Cambridge.

The Commission consists of up to 20 appointed members, who serve three-year terms. Meetings are typically held on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6pm. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings, as well as participate and volunteer for outreach and other community events.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Shameka Gregory at sgregory@cambridgema.gov or call (617) 349-3355.

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)

LGBTQ+ Commission (Application Deadline Extended: August 1)

Vincent Lawrence Dixon

The Winchester Democratic Town Committee expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Vincent “Vince” Lawrence Dixon, a dedicated public servant, passion-driven civic advocate, and cherished local historian, especially of his beloved Cambridge, whose presence left an indelible mark on our community.

While Vince’s independent spirit often led him to run for various offices under different banners, his deep commitment to the democratic process, civic education, and the town of Winchester was undeniable. Over his thirteen years as a Winchester resident, he was a fixture of local governance and public dialogue. His tenure on the Winchester Finance Committee from 2015 to 2019 demonstrated his rigorous dedication to public service, where he fought tirelessly for practical solutions – including his impactful advocacy for full-day Kindergarten and critical support for municipal services.

Beyond his financial stewardship, Vince was a lifelong educator who held a profound reverence for history, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law. Armed with multiple degrees from Harvard University, he spent his life sharing knowledge. Whether he was presenting to the Winchester Historical Society, collaborating with local forums, or launching The Vince Dixon Show on WinCAM, Vince’s goal was always to bring people together through an understanding of our past and a shared commitment to a civil society.

Vince believed fiercely that government is a shared, volunteer endeavor that works best when neighbors engage with one another honestly and respectfully. His passion, unique perspective, and unrelenting devotion to civic life will be greatly missed in our town meetings and public squares.

We join the rest of Winchester in honoring his memory and extending our heartfelt thoughts to his partner, Emilieanne Koehnlein, his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of engaging in a spirited debate with him.

May he rest in peace.

Winchester resident, local historian Vincent Dixon dies (July 12, Winchester News)

Man Charged for Role in July 4th Fatal Shooting in Cambridge (July 13, 2026)

Canton man charged with killing Cambridge DPW worker on July 4
by John R. Ellement, Globe Staff, July 13, 2026

Boston Globe Editorial
Public safety loses in Cambridge
ShotSpotter gone — a victim of confusion and myths.
by The Editorial Board, July 13, 2026

Man shot to death in Cambridge

July 4, 2026 – Cambridge Police report a man was shot to death at Broadway and Norfolk Street shortly before 5:30am. Paramedics declared the man, found lying on the ground, dead at the scene. [Universal Hub]

Shooting and Death Investigation Underway at Broadway & Norfolk Street (July 4, 2026)

On the pole at Broadway and Norfolk several feet from where the body of the gunshot victim was found:

Statement from City Manager Yi-An Huang and Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui Regarding Death Investigation of Public Works Employee

The City of Cambridge is heartbroken to share that a member of our Public Works Department was tragically shot and killed early this morning in the area of Broadway and Norfolk Street while off-duty.

See here for more.

Xavier Bautista was a valued colleague and beloved by his family and friends. We extend our deepest condolences to those who knew and loved him. This is a tremendous loss, and our entire City grieves alongside his family, friends, and coworkers.

Gun violence has absolutely no place in our community. We are unwavering in our commitment to keeping Cambridge safe, and we will do everything in our power to support the investigation and ensure accountability.

An active investigation is underway, led by the Cambridge Police Department, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, and the Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. The City will continue to deploy every necessary resource and will fully support our law enforcement partners as they work to determine the circumstances associated with the shooting and to bring justice to those affected.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Cambridge Police Department at (617) 349-3300.

Anonymous tips can be shared with the Cambridge Police Department through phone, text or e-mail.

Cambridge police unions say shooting death “directly related” to removal of ShotSpotter technology
by Tammy Mutasa, July 6, 2026, CBS Boston

Xavier Bautista Obituary
Family and friends are invited to gather to remember Xavier and support one another on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 2:00 to 6:00pm at the Rogers Funeral Home, 380 Cambridge Street in Cambridge.

Visiting hours will also be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at St. Mary’s Church, 135 Norfolk Street in Cambridge from 9:00 to 11:00am. A funeral mass will follow in the church at 11:00am.

Xavier will be laid to rest at the Cambridge Cemetery.

Community Meeting on July 8 to Discuss  Fatal Shooting on Broadway/Norfolk
A community meeting has been scheduled to discuss an early morning shooting that took place on July 4 that resulted in Xavier Bautista, a 32-year-old Cambridge resident, being tragically killed in the area of Broadway and Norfolk Street. An active investigation led by the Cambridge Police, Middlesex District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police is ongoing. The meeting will include the latest information on the shooting. Representatives from the Mayor’s Office, City Manager’s Office, Police Department, City Council, Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, along with Public Health providers, will be available to share information, resources, answer questions, and provide support.

Wednesday, July 8
6:30pm - 8pm (In-Person Only)

Cambridge Senior Center
806 Massachusetts Avenue

Food and light refreshments will be available starting at 6pm.