Cambridge Seeking Community Members for Traffic Board

Apr 15, 2026, updated May 24 – 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 topics.

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

Traffic Board (Application Deadline: May 18, but apparently still open)
The Traffic Board hears petitions brought before it regarding the adoption, alteration, or repeal of rules and regulations relating to vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the City’s streets and the movement, stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles on, and their exclusion from, streets, ways, highways, roads, and parkways under the control of the City. The Traffic Board also provides advice and consultation to the City’s Traffic Director. The board members ideally will bring a range of experience within the Cambridge community and professionally to their new roles.

The length of the term is 3 years. Meetings will be held in person. Ideally, prospective Board members will care how the City’s streets operate and bring a range of experience within the Cambridge community and professionally to their roles. Cambridge residents are preferred.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Jeff Parenti at jparenti@cambridgema.gov.

Cambridge Seeking Community Members for New Commission Vacancies

April 15, 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 topics.

The City of Cambridge is currently seeking to fill vacancies on the Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board, Public Planting Committee, and Traffic Board. The deadline to apply for each vacancy is Monday, May 18.

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

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

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board (Application Deadline: May 18)
The CCPD Advisory Board works to increase access to all aspects of Cambridge community life for people with disabilities. The Commission raises awareness about disability issues and promotes equal opportunities for people with a range of abilities, including physical, mental, and sensory. CCPD also provides information, referrals, guidance, and technical assistance to individuals and their families, employers, public agencies, businesses and private non-profit organizations. CCPD Advisory Board members work with other board members and office staff to carry out the CCPD Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.96).

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

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

Public Planting Committee (Application Deadline: May 18)
This Committee is charged with the responsibility of promoting and improving the quality and diversity of plantings throughout all areas of Cambridge. This includes reviewing planting plans for new public work in the city; advising the city on effective maintenance of public plantings; supporting the role of the Urban Forestry Division of the Cambridge Public Works Department; and encouraging interest in public plantings in all neighborhoods.

The length of the term is 2 years. The Committee holds a hybrid meeting where members and the public have the option to either attend in person or virtually on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7pm. Candidates should be Cambridge residents who have an interest in urban forestry and landscape issues, and, ideally, experience in horticulture.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact David Lefcourt at dlefcourt@cambridgema.gov.

Traffic Board (Application Deadline: May 18)
The Traffic Board hears petitions brought before it regarding the adoption, alteration, or repeal of rules and regulations relating to vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the City’s streets and the movement, stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles on, and their exclusion from, streets, ways, highways, roads, and parkways under the control of the City. The Traffic Board also provides advice and consultation to the City’s Traffic Director. The board members ideally will bring a range of experience within the Cambridge community and professionally to their new roles.

The length of the term is 3 years. Meetings will be held in person. Ideally, prospective Board members will care how the City’s streets operate and bring a range of experience within the Cambridge community and professionally to their roles. Cambridge residents are preferred.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Jeff Parenti at jparenti@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.

Joseph Sater, co-founder of the Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub, has died

Mar 3, 2026 - Boston Globe – Joseph Sater, co-founder and former manager of the Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub, died yesterday in his Hollywood, Fla., home. The Globe confirmed the news Tuesday with the Cambridge venue’s publicist and former general manager, Clay Fernald. The Sater family believes that Joseph died of a heart attack, but no cause of death has been confirmed. Sater was 73.

Cambridge Seeking Community Members for New Commission Vacancies: February-March 2026

Feb 24, 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 topics.

The City of Cambridge is currently seeking to fill vacancies on the new Combined Sewer Overflow Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee, Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board, and Peace Commission.

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:

Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee (Application Deadline March 23)

This new advisory committee will help guide the City of Cambridge in its multifaceted work to mitigate flooding and improve the water quality of our nearby rivers and streams. This volunteer committee will advise on the planning and implementation of programs, infrastructure projects, and other initiatives related to stormwater quantity, stormwater quality, sewer separation, wastewater, and more.

The term length is five years. Meetings may be held in person, virtually, and/or hybrid. In-person meetings will be held at the Department of Public Works, 147 Hampshire Street, Cambridge. Ideally, the Committee will be comprised of residents, technical experts and representatives from key stakeholder groups. Cambridge residents are preferred.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Kristen Kelleher at kkelleher@cambridgema.gov.

Learn more at Members Sought for New CSO Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee.

Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board (Application Deadline: March 23)

The Advisory Board is responsible for the implementation of the updated Fresh Reservation Pond Master Plan, a long-term plan for Fresh Pond Reservation lands, including resource management and usage policies for repair and protection of the Reservation's natural water and upland resources.

Completed in 2000 and adopted by the Cambridge City Council in 2001, the Fresh Pond Reservation Master Plan was the culmination of over two years of work by the original advisory committee made up of citizens of Cambridge and City officials.

The term length is three years. Meetings are quarterly and held in person at the Walter J. Sullivan Water Treatment Facility, which is located at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway in Cambridge. Cambridge residents are preferred.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact David Kaplan at dkaplan@cambridgema.gov.

Peace Commission (Application Deadline March 23)

The Peace Commission promotes peace and social justice within Cambridge and in the wider world. It links peace groups, social justice efforts, anti-violence coalitions and the municipal government. The Commission builds community by celebrating local people and efforts with programs and events, and by organizing community forums on issues affecting the community.

The term length is three years. Meetings may be held in-person, virtually, and/or hybrid. In-person meetings will be held at 689 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge. Cambridge residents are preferred.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Saffana Anwar at sanwar@cambridgema.gov.

City of Cambridge to Lift Snow Emergency Parking Ban Tuesday at 5pm

Feb 23, 2026 – The City of Cambridge has announced that the Snow Emergency Parking Ban currently in effect will be lifted as of 5pm on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Tow operations will continue until the ban is lifted. Service and program impacts will continue through Tuesday.

City of Cambridge Declares Snow Emergency Parking Ban Starting at 9am on Sunday, February 22
Residents strongly encouraged to check signs prior to parking; Vehicles remaining on streets signed “No Parking During Snow Emergency” will be towed and ticketed

Feb 21, 2026 – A Snow Emergency Parking Ban will go into effect in the City of Cambridge beginning at 9am on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Vehicles parked on streets that are signed “No Parking During Snow Emergency” will be towed and ticketed until the ban is lifted.

To assist residents in parking their vehicles, free parking is provided at a number of off-street parking facilities beginning at 6am on Sunday, February 22, 2026. To find off-street parking facilities that provide free parking during snow emergencies, visit www.CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow.

This free parking program is available only to Cambridge residents with Resident Parking Permits issued by the Department of Transportation. Advanced notification is being provided by the City to ensure improved compliance. More than 300 vehicles were ticketed and/or towed during the late January 2026 snowstorm.

Vehicles must exit the off-street parking facilities within 2 hours of the snow emergency parking ban being lifted.

To receive snow emergency parking ban alerts via email, text message, and/or phone announcement, please subscribe to the City’s CodeRED system.

The City will announce service or program impacts on Sunday, February 22. Visit www.CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow for the latest information.

If travel is required during or after the winter storm, please clear all snow from vehicles, including the roof, prior to driving, use extra caution, and leave additional distance between other vehicles and snow crews. As a reminder, property owners should remove snow from sidewalks next to their property or business per City Ordinance which requires sidewalks to be cleared of snow within 12 hours of daytime snowfall and before 1pm when it has fallen overnight. Property owners must also remove or melt all ice within 6 hours of the time it forms. There is a $50 fine for each day of non-compliance. Residents and property owners are asked to promptly clear snow and remove ice next to their property, and corner properties are reminder that they are required to shovel and clear ramps at corners near their properties to help make crossing safer for all. Uncleared sidewalks can be reported online at  https://www.cambridgema.gov/seeclickfix or by using the SeeClickFix app for iPhone/Android. Additionally, the City is encouraging residents and businesses to clear snow from the nearest fire hydrants and catch basins.

Property owners are asked that when shoveling their sidewalks to please maintain a minimum of 36 inches clear width, so that people who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices (also parents using strollers, etc.) can navigate the sidewalk.  The Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) requests that a 48 inch clear width be created when possible – this gives an extra measure of safety. Additionally, CCPD urges residents and businesses to pay particular attention to the corners, where one sidewalk meets another – shovel the full length and width of curb ramps, so that pedestrians with disabilities can get to the crosswalks. Business owners are requested, if there is a disability parking space on the street near your storefront, to please take the extra time to shovel a clear path to that space, so that your customers with disabilities can visit your establishment. In particular, shovel a space wide enough so that vans with lifts can deploy the lift onto the sidewalk.

Power outages should be directly reported to Eversource at 800-592-2000, and downed wires in Cambridge should be reported to 911.

Updated information will be available at CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow throughout the storm. In addition, the public is encouraged to follow updates on X at @CambMA, Bluesky at @CambridgeMass, and Facebook at facebook.com/CambridgeMass.gov.

• All City of Cambridge administrative offices will be closed on Monday, February 23.
• Cambridge Public Library branches will be closed on Monday, February 23. All programs and events are cancelled.
• Cambridge Public Schools will be closed on Monday, February 23.
• All Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) programs and locations, including the War Memorial Recreation Center, Center for Families, Afterschool and Preschool programs, Cambridge Community Learning Center, Multi-Service Center, Senior Centers, and Youth Centers, will be closed on Monday, February 23.
• Curbside trash and recycling collection is cancelled on Monday, February 23, and will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.
• The February 23 Joint Roundtable Working meeting with the City Council and the School Committee will be rescheduled.

Cambridge Seeking Community Members for the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women

Dec 3, 2025 (updated Feb 20) – 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) works to advance equity for women and girls in Cambridge by assessing the shifting needs of women in our community and working collaboratively to find creative solutions through advocacy, programs, and community engagement. CCSW often works in partnership and collaborates with other City departments, local organizations, and the various communities that make up Cambridge.

CCSW currently meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm in person. Members must attend monthly meetings and take part in projects, events, and programs as needed. CCSW is committed to accommodating applicants with scheduling conflicts, including single parents, those with evening work commitments, etc.

The members of the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women serve as volunteers for one, two, or three-year terms.

The deadline to apply is Friday, January 9, 2026 (but it is apparently still open).

For more information, contact womenscommission@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-3290. Learn more about the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women at https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/womenscommission.

Applications to serve can be submitted using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

Members Sought for New CSO Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee

Feb 19, 2026 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang seeks volunteers to serve on a new Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee. This new advisory committee will help guide the City in its multifaceted work to mitigate flooding and improve the water quality of our nearby rivers and streams. This volunteer committee will advise on the planning and implementation of programs, infrastructure projects, and other initiatives related to stormwater quantity, stormwater quality, sewer separation, wastewater, and more.

Role of the CSO Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee:

• Serve as an informed group of community stakeholders to advise on capital improvement investments specific to the City’s wastewater and stormwater systems.
• Assist the City with reporting back to the Cambridge community on ongoing and future planning, design, design, construction, operation and maintenance of infrastructure projects related to stormwater management, combined sewer overflow control, and flood mitigation.
• Seeking feedback from local experts to guide significant infrastructure projects and financial investments for decades to come.

What is the term of appointment?

• Members will be appointed for a 5-year term and may be reappointed for a maximum of two (2) terms.

When will the advisory committee meet?

• It is anticipated that the group will meet at least quarterly starting in early 2026, with the option to meet more frequently as needed for specific work and projects.
• Committee meetings may be held in-person, virtually, and/or hybrid; with most meetings anticipated to be in-person. All meetings will be open to the public. The date and time of the meetings will be established in collaboration with selected applicants.
• Members are expected to attend most meetings, and to engage in any committee-related work required between meetings.

What is the advisory committee composition?

• The Committee will consist of 11 to 15 members appointed by the City Manager, representing a diverse set of interests and specific subject matter expertise. This will help ensure that a range of perspectives are heard and provide multiple channels for reporting back to the larger community.
• The Committee will be comprised of residents, technical experts, and representatives from stakeholder groups.

What kind of skills and abilities do you need to effectively serve on the CSO Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee?

• Cambridge residents with subject matter expertise in the following areas preferred:
  • Finance, particularly an understanding of municipal financing and/or debt servicing
  • Hydrology and hydraulics
  • Water quality
  • Public health
  • Construction
  • Community relations, outreach, and engagement
  • Environmental law
  • Project management or strategic planning
  • Systems thinking

How to Apply. Use the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting it in the list of Current Vacancies. A letter of interest summarizing your expertise and how you will contribute to the Committee should 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 March 23, 2026.

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, Black, Indigenous and other people of color, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The Harvard Crimson looks at the triple-decker (Feb 14, 2026)

War Chests - 2025 City Council Candidates (and Political Action Committees)

These are end-of-month Bank Reports. Some of the very large mailing expenses may not yet be included.

Total Receipts: Jan 1, 2024 - Jan 6, 2026

Percent Cambridge Receipts: Jan 1, 2024 - Jan 6, 2026

Percent Union Receipts: Jan 1, 2024 - Jan 6, 2026

Total Expenditures: Jan 1, 2024 - Jan 6, 2026

Cost Per $1 Vote - 2025 Cambridge City Council Election

School Committee Campaign Finance Reports – Jan 2024 through Dec 2025

Cambridge Snow Center

• A Snow Emergency Parking Ban will go into effect in the City of Cambridge beginning at 10am on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Vehicles parked on streets that are signed “No Parking During Snow Emergency” will be ticketed and towed until the ban is lifted. [Update: The parking ban has been lifted as of 5:00pm Tuesday, January 27.

• All City of Cambridge administrative offices will be closed on Monday, January 26.

• The January 26 Regular City Council Meeting will be a fully remote meeting. More information can be found on the City’s calendar.

Cambridge Seeking Community Members for New Board and Commission Vacancies

Jan 12, 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 topics.

The City of Cambridge is currently seeking to fill vacancies on the Cambridge Bicycle Committee, Pedestrian Committee, Human Rights Commission and Open Data Review Board.

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

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

Bicycle Committee (Application Deadline: February 13)

The Bicycle Committee provides feedback to City staff on bicycle-related projects. City staff use this advice to inform city and state projects in Cambridge.

The Bicycle Committee also works in the community to encourage biking through events and publicity. The Bicycle Committee also works with other bike organizations in area on these goals.

The Bicycle Committee is made up of people who live or work in Cambridge, and have an interest in bicycle issues. Members include commuters, people with disabilities, parents, seniors, youth, students, and low-income neighborhood residents.

The term length is two years, and Bicycle Committee generally meets for two hours on the second Wednesday of every month and, as needed, for up to two hours on the third Wednesday of every month as part of combined meetings of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Advisory Committees. Most meetings are hybrid. Members can join remotely or in-person at the City Hall Annex (344 Broadway).

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Nick Schmidt at nschmidt@cambridgema.gov.

Pedestrian Committee (Application Deadline: February 13)

The Pedestrian Committee works to improve walking in Cambridge. This means making walking or rolling safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. The Committee does this by providing input to City staff on projects related to walking and rolling. These can be City, state, or development projects in Cambridge. The Pedestrian Committee gives input on designs, plans, policies, programs, and events.

The Pedestrian Committee is made up of people who live or work in Cambridge, and have an interest in pedestrian issues. Members include commuters, people with disabilities, parents, seniors, youth, students, and low-income neighborhood residents.

The term length is two years and the Committee generally meets for two hours on the last Thursday of every month and, as needed, for up to two hours on the third Wednesday of every month as part of combined meetings of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Advisory Committees. Members can join remotely or in-person at the City Hall Annex (344 Broadway). If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Nick Schmidt at nschmidt@cambridgema.gov.

Human Rights Commission (Application Deadline: February 13)

The Cambridge Human Rights Commission (CHRC) is dedicated to upholding and safeguarding the fundamental human rights of residents and visitors to the City. CHRC works to eradicate discrimination through an investigative process, proactive community outreach, and collaborations with City and community partners. CHRC aims to create an environment where people of diverse backgrounds can live without fear of discrimination based on the following protected classes: race; color; sex; age; religious creed; disability; national origin or ancestry; sexual orientation; gender identity or gender expression; marital status; family status; military status; source of income; family structure, and relationship status.

Commissioners support staff by working to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission Ordinance, Chapter 2.76 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, which covers discrimination in employment, in places of public accommodation, and in education, and the Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinance, Chapter 14.04 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, which covers discrimination in housing.

The term length is three years and meetings are typically held on the first Thursday of most months from 6-8pm. Members can join remotely or in-person at 689 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor.

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

Open Data Review Board (Application Deadline: February 13)

The Open Data Review Board makes recommendations to the City Manager and the Data Analytics & Open Data Program Manager on policies, rules, and standards related to Cambridge’s Open Data Program, including methods for determining the appropriate level of accessibility for new datasets and timelines for making new datasets available.

The Review Board will help answer questions such as what privacy and security standards should Cambridge adopt as it assesses potential open datasets, what data quality and standards should be in place to ensure the accuracy of its own open datasets in order to improve city operations, how might Cambridge align open data initiatives with the city's other strategic initiatives, and how should Cambridge engage and educate the broader community.

The term length is two years and meetings are usually hybrid and held quarterly on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 5:30-8pm in the Ackermann Room of Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Reinhard Engels, Data Analytics & Open Data Program Manager, rengels@cambridgema.gov.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the Cambridge Open Data Strategic Plan for 2026-2028 to learn more about the program’s goals and priorities.

City Council Committee Assignments: 2026-2027

Jan 8, 2025 – This is going to take some time to digest – especially the decision to appoint as Chair of the Public Safety Committee someone who has repeatedly called Cambridge Police murderers. Then again, this same Mayor Siddiqui appointed Mr. Zondervan to that position in both 2020 and 2022. - RW

It’s Mayor Siddiqui again

Jan 5, 2026 – At its Inaugural Meeting this morning, the Cambridge City Council unanimously elected Sumbul Siddiqui as Mayor and Burhan Azeem as Vice Mayor.

There had been rumors on social media and elsewhere that a protest was planned to disrupt the Inaugural Meeting, but this never materialized - even though there appeared to be several audience members dressed for the part.

Later in the day, the new Cambridge School Committee was inaugurated and, as its first official order of business, voted who would be the Chair of the School Committee - as specified in the newly adopted Cambridge City Charter in which the Mayor now sits as just an ordinary member of the School Committee. The vote went as follows:

There’s some kind of story behind the non-unanimous vote to elect David Weinstein as School Committee Chair, what kinds of deals were struck in exchange for the votes, and the two “Present” votes for the largely symbolic choice of Caitlin Dube as Vice Chair. Perhaps most interesting in this unfolding story is what role the teachers union (Cambridge Education Association - CEA) played in the vote and in what may unfold in the weeks and months to come. Apparently, there is a plan to install the current head of the CEA as a non-voting ex-officio member of the School Committee who may chime in at any point in their meetings - just like an elected member. It is my understanding that this was a condition for candidates receiving the endorsement of the CEA and its funding/campaign partner, the Mass. Teachers Association (MTA) - an organization that has been advocating that the right to strike be made legal in Massachusetts. - RW