2026 City Council Agenda Notes: January to June

2026 City Council Agenda Notes - January to June
(transferred from main Council Notes page)

May Day meets the FY2027 Budget – April 27, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

It was only a matter of time before the socialist and anti-capitalist voices on the City Council grew louder. This week they are in full voice. In contrast, this week also marks the release of the FY27 Budget and some very significant loan authorizations which, needless to say, will be funded by those good old capitalist realities like private property ownership and real estate taxes. The contrast of conflicting realities is sheer delight. Here are some of this week’s highlights: Coins

FY2027 Operating Budget: $1,017,855,440 ($1,032,959,502 including the Water Fund)

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to submission of the FY2027 budget and appropriation orders for the General Fund, Water Fund, and Public Investment Fund. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan comments by Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Taha Jennings, Flaherty, Azeem, Simmons, Siddiqui; Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

FY2027 Loan Authorizations: $109,980,000
FY2027 Public Investment Budget: $45,173,083

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $10,000,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of improvements along Massachusetts Avenue and vicinity between Bigelow Street and Sidney Street. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan, comments on #2-13 by Nolan, Flaherty; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $13,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $12,000,000 to provide funds to replace and modernize the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $14,000,000 to provide funds for remediation and improvements at Gold Star Mothers Park. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $28,500,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $12,795,000 to provide funds for financing school building upgrades. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $8,375,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of surface enhancements and sewer and drainage infrastructure improvements in the Baldwin neighborhood. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $500,000 to provide funds for the City’s Climate Change Program to improve protection against flooding and extreme heat. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $7,500,000 to provide funds for the sewer Combined Sewer Overflow Control Program. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,000,000 to provide funds for design and construction of the Harvard Square sewer separation and stormwater management program. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $310,000 to provide funds for the replacement of Ozone generators at the Water Department. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,000,000 to provide funds for water works construction projects for repairs and replacement of water distribution infrastructure. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

FY2027 Budget Summaries

Manager’s Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-20 regarding a report on major capital initiatives at or above $15,000,000 for the period from FY21 to FY26. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Zusy, Huang, Kathy Watkins, McGovern; Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #15. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a response to AR26-23 regarding the Cambridge Preschool Program. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi, Nolan, Siddiqui; Referred to Human Services & Veterans Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointments for the Cambridge Library Board of Trustees. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0

James Roosevelt, Elisabeth Werby, Risa Mednick, Michael Baenen, Karen Kosko reappointed to 3-year terms.

Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Family Policy Council appointment and reappointment. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0

Tracy Rose Tynes appointed, Yoyo Yau reappointed.

Manager’s Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Fiqir Worku to the Human Rights Commission. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Peace Commission Appointments. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan on streamlining and consolidation of boards, Huang, Saffana Anwar (Peace Comm.), Zusy; Appointments Confirmed 9-0

New appointments: Paul Knott, Heather Rivera, Katherine E. Stevenson, Pamela Howard, Muna Kangsen, Karim L. Razzaz, Julie Ayaz
Reappointments: Larry Kim, Elka Kuhlman, Annie Brown, Bonnie Talbert, Sarah DeMott, Kazimiera Fraley

Manager’s Agenda #23. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Mass Ave Active Use zoning petition. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, McGovern, Azeem (noting comments from Cambridge Redevelopment Authority), Zusy (noting that there is a Special Permit option to opt out of 1st floor retail); Adopted as a City Council Zoning Petition and Referred to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for Hearing and Report 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #24. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Cambridge Street Active Use zoning petition. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; Adopted as a City Council Zoning Petition and Referred to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for Hearing and Report 9-0

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council within ninety (90) with a brief written update describing: (a) the updates made to succession-planning and employee-ownership materials; (b) the status of the worker-cooperative technical-assistance referral pipeline; (c) any guidance issued or planned regarding below-threshold quote-seeking from worker-owned cooperatives and related vendor-outreach steps; and (d) any additional low-cost, staff-feasible next steps the City Manager recommends for expanding support for worker-owned cooperatives in Cambridge. Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Workers of the world unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains!
[Is this really something that local government should be doing?]

Order #2. That the City Council go on record endorsing the May Day Strong National Day of Action on May 1, 2026, as an expression of Cambridge’s support for workers’ rights, economic justice, and the tradition of peaceful civic engagement. Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

A great day to go shopping.

Order #3. That the City Council encourage MassDOT to implement infrastructure improvements to the Museum Way and Charles River Dam Road intersection. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct appropriate departments to develop an accessible “Neighbors’ Guide to the MFH Ordinance.” Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, McGovern, Melissa Peters (CDD), Azeem, Flaherty, Nolan, Huang; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant staff to explore options for commissioning a housing needs study through a qualified research institution, to establish a clear evidence-based understanding of existing housing conditions, resident needs, and measurable housing goals to guide future decision-making. Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Azeem, Al-Zubi (w/proposed amendment), McGovern, Melissa Peters (CDD), Huang, Flaherty, Simmons; Charter Right - Simmons
[Note: As I have pointed out before, the mythical target of 12,500 new housing units did not grow out of the Envision Cambridge process. CDD staff simply inserted that number from the MAPC after the fact, and questioning this arbitrary goal is now long overdue. - RW]

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Cambridge Department of Transportation (CDOT) and any other relevant departments to halt any further design, engineering, procurement, or construction activities related to implementing a reconfiguration of Garden Street to restore two-way motor-vehicle traffic. [Charter Right – Flaherty, Apr 13, 2026]
Comments by Siddiqui, Flaherty, Al-Zubi, Nolan (long speech), Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Brooke McKenna (Dept. of Congestion, Obstruction, & Aggravation), Azeem, Zusy (noting that Transportation Dept. intentionally slow-walked the reconfiguration, and a proposed amendment); Simmons comments and motion to Table [Fails 4-5 (Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy - YES; Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui - NO)]; comments by Azeem, Huang, Siddiqui, Flaherty (notes that neighbors overwhelmingly prefer two-way operation), McGovern; Zusy proposed amendment to text of Order [Fails 4-5 (Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy - YES; Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui - NO)]; Nolan comments re: loss of trust; Simmons motion to Refer to Transportation Committee [Fails 3-6 (Flaherty, Simmons, Zusy - YES; Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui - NO)]; Order Adopted 5-4 (Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui - YES; Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy - NO); Reconsideration Fails 4-5 (Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy - YES; Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui - NO)
[Note: This was never about the relative safety of two options. It is now and has from the beginning been purely about catering to political advocacy groups. - RW]

379 Communications - almost all re: whether the current horrible one-way Garden Street configuration should be changed to an equally horrible two-way configuration.

Chances are this will again be the main topic during Public Comment. Garden Street was a perfectly safe and relatively quiet street for all the years prior to the City screwing it up.

Committee Report #1. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Mar 24, 2026 to discuss the 2026 City Manager’s Annual Goals and Review Process. [text of report]
Report Accepted and Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Mon, Mar 30, 2026 to review the Community Benefits Ordinance and discuss potential updates including allowing the allocation of funding to community organizations for capital projects. The Ordinance Committee voted favorably to forward the proposed amendments to the Community Benefits Ordinance to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; Two amendments Adopted and Passed to 2nd Reading 7-0-2 (Azeem, McGovern Absent); Report Accepted and Placed on File 7-0-2 (Azeem, McGovern Absent)

Comments?

In Lieu of Taxes – April 13, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here are a few things of potential interest at this week’s meeting: City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Sara Rivera as an Election Commissioner for a term effective Apr 13, 2026 and expiring Mar 31, 2030. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

There has been chatter in some quarters regarding Tom Stohlman not being reappointed to the Election Commission. These are mostly conspiratorial suggestions that this was due to Tom’s asking important questions in the wake of last November’s kerfuffle in the Preliminary PR Count when test ballot data was inadvertently not cleared prior to the Election Night tabulation. I seriously doubt whether that was a major factor in the appointment process. Any of the three nominated candidates would have been a good choice. Let’s also not dismiss the idea that a majority female City Council might not be thrilled with continuing an all-male Election Commission. I have more issues with those who are questioning the appointment than I do with the appointment itself (and Tom is a long-time friend), and I certainly don’t wish to see Sara Rivera’s arrival on the Election Commission clouded by manufactured controversy.

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Bicycle Committee Appointments. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Pedestrian Committee Appointments. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Speaking of appointments to City boards and commissions, there is a matter worthy of discussion that never gets any attention – namely the process where City staff have effectively become the appointing authority. City staff generally do the vetting of the board applicants and then forward the list of preferred appointees to the City Manager for the formal appointment. In an ideal system, City boards with actual authority should be representative of the residents of the city and not be primarily advocates for policies and preferences espoused by City staff. Issue-specific advisory committees are a somewhat different story, e.g. you wouldn’t expect a member of the Recycling Advisory Committee to be an opponent of recycling or a member of the Bicycle Committee to be hostile to the presence of bicycles on city streets. That said, advisory committees should be just that - advisory. It distresses me whenever I hear of significant actions (such as road configurations) being contingent on the blessing by one-sided boards of activists. Also, in a City with a proportional representation election system, one might think there should be some degree of proportionality and differing perspectives on most City boards and commissions.

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Police Review & Advisory Board Quarterly Report for the period of Fall 2025 through the First Quarter of 2026. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi for comments; Nolan comments; Referred to Public Safety Committee 9-0

The relatively small number of cases that have come before the PRAB certainly lends support to some of the reconfiguration of boards that was viewed by some as controversial late last year.

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, regarding an update on the City Manager Performance Review Process. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Order #1. That the City Council go on the record urging Harvard administration to end the practice of time caps for non-tenure track teaching faculty and urging Harvard administration to acknowledge the labor contribution and employee status of all its researchers, regardless of funding source, and contractually recognize these researchers’ protected right to union representation. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler for comments and minor amendment; Zusy comment; Adopted as Amended 8-0-0-1 (Zusy-Present)

I have mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, as a former Mathematics Preceptor at Harvard it was the 7-year time cap that dictated my exit – though I have continued in the Harvard Extension School and the Harvard Summer School for 25 years after my exit from the teaching faculty in the Mathematics Department. I definitely would have preferred to stay, but I had other options. On the other hand, it has always been my understanding that the time cap was something favored by the faculty to prevent the Harvard administration from tamping down the number of tenured faculty in favor of non-tenured faculty willing to work for significantly less compensation and a greater teaching workload. Some other colleges have found better solutions to this dilemma. For what it’s worth, I was always happy to work for less compensation and a substantial teaching workload. It’s a job, not a country club.

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Cambridge Department of Transportation (CDOT) and any other relevant departments to halt any further design, engineering, procurement, or construction activities related to implementing a reconfiguration of Garden Street to restore two-way motor-vehicle traffic. Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Flaherty; comments by Al-Zubi, Brooke McKenna (wants to keep current configuration), Flaherty (objecting to “repetitive litigation” - bad public policy); Charter Right - Flaherty

This provides yet another illustration of how things can go sideways when elected officials insert themselves into the business of road design and traffic management. The Cycling Safety Ordinance and its inflexible amendments are perhaps the greatest example of bad decisions being forced by incompetent politics. The Garden Street flip-flopping is a corollary to this, but it’s not the case that we should expect better outcomes from our dysfunctional Department of Congestion, Obstruction, and Aggravation. Pick your poison – politics or Kool-Aid. When City policies are dominated by the principle of “solution in search of a problem”, keep your expectations low.

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested work with relevant City departments to provide a report on how the decision to install artificial turf at Ahern Field was made, the rationale for artificial turf, and what process was taken to ensure community concerns and public health considerations were fully addressed, and to ensure that construction will not move forward until a report is delivered. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Al-Zubi
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, McGovern, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Zusy with proposed amendment [to be determined], Flaherty, Azeem, Al-Zubi, Yi-An Huang, Siddiqui; Zusy amendment Adopted 9-0; add’l sponsors added 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

I don’t know what’s best in terms of natural grass vs. more durable artificial turf, and I’m not really sure how PFAS becomes a health concern when you’re not Grazin’ in the Grass. Then again, I once knew a person who wouldn’t allow smoke detectors in her building when she learned that there was a trace amount of radioactive material in the detectors used for ionization.

Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Mar 10, 2026 to review and discuss the Police Department budget for FY27 before it is submitted to the City Manager, as required under Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.74.040. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Mar 11, 2026 to have a conversation regarding zoning recommendations to strengthen active use requirements on Cambridge Street and Mass Ave as a follow-up to the recently adopted zoning petitions following the Our Cambridge Street Planning Study and Mass Ave Planning Study. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Apr 6, 2026 to continue the discussion that was held at the Mar 11, 2026 hearing regarding zoning recommendations to strengthen active use requirements on Cambridge Street and Mass Ave as a follow-up on the recently adopted zoning petitions. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; 3 Orders Adopted 9-0; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

There are three proposed Orders in Report #3 meant to tweak the current zoning. Tweaking is good – especially as an alternative to some of more radical rezoning of recent years upon which political ambition has been built without regard for the potential consequences. - RW

Comments?

Coming Up at the March 30, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Street cleaning starts Wednesday, April 1. If you’re a chronic delinquent, your 2025 Resident Permit Parking sticker expires on Tuesday. I fully expect to see a long line of miscreants at the City Hall Annex on Monday and Tuesday. You are Number 6!

Meanwhile, down the street at City Hall, we have these:

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]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Megan Bayer, Flaherty; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an overview of the City’s initial Artificial Intelligence efforts. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Claire Spinner, Jay Fusco (IT), Siddiqui; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-12 regarding Harvard Square pedestrianization. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Flaherty, Brooke McKenna (Dept. of Congestion, Obstruction, and Aggravation), Al-Zubi; add Flaherty, Al-Zubi as sponsors; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-3 (AR25-48) regarding establishing a formal policy that clearly defines the City’s role and financial responsibilities in supporting large-scale public events hosted by Cambridge-based non-profit and not-for-profit organizations, including criteria for fee waivers. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Simmons, Al-Zubi, Matt Nelson, Siddiqui, Yi-An Huang; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-9 regarding and report back to the Council on (i) legal parameters related to City funding and Tourism Destination Marketing District restrictions, and (ii) oversight and accountability related to the operation of the visitor information kiosk, and related governance expectations, including alignment with City priorities. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Flaherty, McGovern, Simmons, Melissa Peters, Nolan, Al-Zubi, Siddiqui; Placed on File 9-0
Note: There was nearly unanimous dissatisfaction expressed regarding the current vendor (Culture House) that curates the Harvard Square Kiosk.

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-17 regarding proposed updates to the City’s Welcoming Community Ordinance. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Flaherty, Megan Bayer; minor scrivener's error corrected, Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to initiate the planning process for Cambridge 400 and as part of this, to convene a Cambridge 400 Advisory Committee composed of members representing the range of stakeholders whose participation is needed to guide this work. Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy
pulled by Zusy to be added as sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to review the current legal landscape and provide recommendations for how to regulate construction of ~~large~~ data centers in Cambridge. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Al-Zubi
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Azeem, Al-Zubi; minor amendment, add Al-Zubi as sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

On The Table #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to raise the fee of the parking permit program for all residents to $75, consider how to include a self-identified check off option so as not to increase administrative costs for a subsidized fee of $25 for residents who live in affordable housing, are enrolled in a program such as SNAP or are low income, remove the senior exemption for the residential parking permit program and lower the number of cars that individual residents are allowed to get a residential parking permit for from four to two. [Charter Right – Simmons, Feb 9, 2026; Tabled Mar 2, 2026]
Removed from Table (Nolan) 6-1-0-2 (Simmons - No; Al-Zubi, Flaherty - Present) ; comments by Nolan, Simmons, Al-Zubi, McGovern, Flaherty, Azeem, Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler (who asserts that paying anything less than $1000 is a bargain), Siddiqui; Flaherty motion to refer to Transportation Committee; Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler object to referral; McGovern continues to assert that the program loses money; Simmons defends idea of courtesy to seniors and suggests making it opt-in; Flaherty (correctly) questions the claimed cost of the program; Zusy quotes misleading numbers from Brooke McKenna as though factual; Substitute Order (Nolan, Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern) Moved 7-2 (Flaherty, Simmons - No); Flaherty Motion to refer Substitute Order to Transportation Fails 4-5 (Al-Zubi, Azeem, Flaherty, Simmons - Yes; McGovern Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy, Siddiqui - No); Substitute Order Adopted 7-2 (Flaherty, Simmons - No)
Note: The revised Order calls for a $75 fee with a self-identified option to pay $25 if hardship, and with the assertion that there will be no review if anyone opts for $25. There will be no more senior exemption. It is also worth noting that 5 city councillors voted against having any discussion or questioning of the design or the inflated cost of the program or of any alternatives. No documentation of the costs associated with the Resident Permit Parking program have ever been provided.

There seemed to be some movement three weeks ago toward not eliminating the senior exemption - before Mayor Siddiqui intervened by tabling the matter so that any possible amendments could instead be discussed out of public view. We could also use a more honest accounting of the actual costs of administering the permit parking program. As someone comment at last week’s meeting, the Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) charges a registration fee of $50 every two years. How can the City’s Department of Congestion, Obstruction, and Aggravation (a.k.a. Transportation Department) justify triple that cost? Why can’t the fact that a motor vehicle is registered to a Cambridge address suffice? We do, after all, have access to the RMV database. Why must renewal be done every year rather than every two years?

Comments?

Coming Up at the March 23, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here you go:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to recommendations for the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning April 1, 2026 and ending March 31, 2027. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Nolan, Mark Gallagher (Water Dept.), Flaherty; Orders Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Water & Sewer Block Rates: FY17 - FY27
Water and Sewer Rates - FY26

Water & Sewer Rate Increases: FY17-FY27
Water & Sewer increases: FY16-FY26

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $900,000 from the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund and the rescission of funds from two grants in the amount of $2,000,000 and $400,000 respectively to support a new off-road bridge over the Fitchburg Rail Line. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Brooke McKenna (Transportation), Nolan; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

“Funds will be used to support the design costs toward a new off-road bridge over the Fitchburg Rail Line that will connect Danehy Park to the Rindge Avenue neighborhood…”

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a BUEDO Review Board Appointment. [text of report]
Appointment Confirmed 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to classification of the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) Review Board as special municipal employees. [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $5,234,379 from Free Cash to support snow operations. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, John Nardone (DPW), Sobrinho-Wheeler, TJ Shea (DPW), Flaherty, McGovern, Kathy Watkins, George Heinz (DHSP), Zusy, Siddiqui; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $700,000 from Free Cash to support road repairs related to snow operations. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan (taken up with Mgr #5); Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-21 regarding exploration of a potential Snow Corps program. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler (taken up with Mgr #5); Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2025 Town Gown Reports and Presentations discussed by the Planning Board in February. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Nolan, Melissa Peters (CDD), Al-Zubi, City Manager Yi-An Huang; Placed on File 9-0

Order #2. City Council support of H.91 and S.2556, An Act to modernize funding for community media programming. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by McGovern for comments; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department and the Transportation Department to meet with Harvard’s Office of Community Relations and the Longwood Collective (MASCO) to harmonize institutional bus protocols with public-facing commitments. Councillor Al-Zubi, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct relevant City departments and staff to examine and report back on whether the city can require single-stall public bathrooms to be gender-neutral. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem [attachment]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern (w/amendments), Flaherty, Zusy, Nolan, Siddiqui; Amendments Adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Unfinished Business #2. Amend section 4.50 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of permitting the use of land for the following purposes as-of-right in all zoning districts: religious purposes; educational purposes on land owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any of its agencies, subdivisions or bodies politic or by a religious sect or denomination, or by a nonprofit educational corporation; and for a child care center, school-aged child care program, family child care home, or large family child care home as defined in section 1a of Chapter 15d of Massachusetts General Laws. [Passed to 2nd Reading Mar 2, 2026; may be ordained on or after Mar 23, 2026] (ORD26#1)
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan; Ordained 8-1 (Flaherty - No)

Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Feb 25, 2026 to receive a status update on Federal Grants (including ARPA) and the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund, as well as a discussion on establishing future Budget Priorities. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Late Order #5. Support A Federal Earmark to Take Plans for the Boston-Cambridge Riverwalk Construction at Science Park to 25% Design. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Nolan (PO26#63)
Comments by Zusy, Flaherty, Nolan; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Comments?

Coming Up at the March 16, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here are a few items of interest (at least to me) on this week’s agenda: City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #1. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, regarding a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Yi-An Huang, Siddiqui; Placed on File 7-0-2 (PN,CZ-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, regarding the City’s FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. [text of report]
Placed on File 7-0-2 (PN,CZ-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #3. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, regarding a response to Awaiting Report 26-05 relative to streamlining the residential permitting process. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, Melissa Peters (CDD), Jen Caira (CDD), Simmons; Placed on File 7-0-2 (PN,CZ-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #7. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, regarding an update on micromobility regulation. [text of report]
Placed on File 7-0-2 (PN,CZ-Absent)

Unfinished Business #2. Amend section 4.50 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of permitting the use of land for the following purposes as-of-right in all zoning districts: religious purposes; educational purposes on land owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any of its agencies, subdivisions or bodies politic or by a religious sect or denomination, or by a nonprofit educational corporation; and for a child care center, school-aged child care program, family child care home, or large family child care home as defined in section 1a of Chapter 15d of Massachusetts General Laws. [Passed to 2nd Reading Mar 2, 2026; can be ordained on or after Mar 23, 2026] (ORD26#1) [Ordinance Committee report]
No Action Taken

Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee held a public meeting on Feb 3, 2026 to review and discuss the Operating Budget in advance of the FY27 budget season. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (PN,CZ-Absent)

Committee Report #2. The Finance Committee held a public meeting on Feb 11, 2026 to review and discuss the Capital Budget and Public Investment Planning in advance of the FY27 budget season. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (PN,CZ-Absent)

Note: The meeting adjourned at 6:11pm - one of the shortest meetings ever. - RW

Comments?

Springing Forward toward Somewhere – March 9, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here are the notable items this week (or at least what I think is notable) on this relatively short agenda: Daylight Savings Bill passes!

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2025 Annual Surveillance Report concerning City departments’ use of surveillance technology or surveillance data. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi, comments that there will be a Public Safety Committee in late-May on this plus add’l meeting on Shotspotter; Referred to Public Safety Committee 9-0

I’m just glad we no longer have Councillor Zondervan around to raise the issue of surveillance via laryngoscopes. Then again, maybe the new kids will have some of their own entertainment to offer.

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge retaining its Triple A (AAA) rating from the nation’s three major credit rating agencies. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Claire Spinner (Finance), Taha Jennings (Budget), Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Zusy, Flaherty, Azeem, Al-Zubi; Placed on File 9-0

Though this is clearly a good thing, I always expect some kind of claptrap about how this somehow means that we’re not focusing enough on “the community”. I also wouldn’t be at all surprised if at least one councillor saw this as a signal that the City should borrow a huge sum to fund the latest fashionable priority such as “social housing”. Don’t forget about those rainy days, kids!

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to 2026-2027 Housing and Zoning priorities. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi (focus on “social housing”), Melissa Peters (CDD), Yi-An Huang (thinking about 30-40% Inclusionary requirement - seriously?), Chris Cotter, Azeem, Siddiqui, Nolan, McGovern, Zusy, Flaherty; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Committee Report #1. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on Dec 16, 2025 to begin a discussion around social housing as referenced in PO25#131. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #6. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, regarding a free cash appropriation in the amount of $400,000 to the General Fund Law Dept Travel and Training (Judgement and Damages) account for the settlement payment relating to Ahern v. Sig Sauer, Inc. and City of Cambridge (United States District Court District of Massachusetts, Docket No. 1:21-cv11007-DJC). [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler (explaining why he will vote against this appropriation, other anti-police sentiments, viewpoint that police officers should not have guns); comments by Azeem (expressing view that settlement would save money - disagreeing with JSW), Flaherty (on fiduciary responsibilities and fact that the firearm in question has been subject of many lawsuits across the country), Simmons (on wisdom of settlement), Nolan, Siddiqui (agrees with JSW); Order Adopted 6-2-1 (JSW,SS-No; AAZ-Absent)

Suffice to say that I do not agree with Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler on this, and it is noteworthy that Mayor Siddiqui is in the same camp as him. I am also quite certain that Councillor Al-Zubi would also have been in this camp had she been present and voting. - RW

Charter Right #1. Include discussion of other changes to the Cambridge Street zoning at the upcoming Ordinance Committee meeting about active ground floor use. [Charter Right – Al-Zubi, Mar 2, 2026]
procedural comments by Siddiqui; comments by Simmons, Zusy (wants this discussed at Ordinance Committee, but will schedule a meeting of NLTP committee, proposes to withdraw this Order); McGovern (will not permit discussion of this at Ordinance Committee), Azeem; Order Withdrawn by Unanimous Consent 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

On The Table #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to raise the fee of the parking permit program for all residents to $75, consider how to include a self-identified check off option so as not to increase administrative costs for a subsidized fee of $25 for residents who live in affordable housing, are enrolled in a program such as SNAP or are low income, remove the senior exemption for the residential parking permit program and lower the number of cars that individual residents are allowed to get a residential parking permit for from four to two. [Charter Right – Simmons, Feb 9, 2026; Tabled Mar 2, 2026]
No Action Taken

There seemed to be some movement last week toward not eliminating the senior exemption - before Mayor Siddiqui intervened by tabling the matter so that any possible amendments could instead be discussed out of public view.

On The Table #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a plan to align all housing and homeless services and programs into a unified Housing Department. [Tabled Feb 9, 2026] [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent) as part of Public Hearing

6:30pm Public Hearing The City Council will hold a public hearing pursuant to Article 5, Section 5-1 of the Charter of the City of Cambridge, to consider the recommendation of the City Manager Yi-An Huang, on the reorganization of the Housing Department to consolidate City housing and homeless service programs currently provided across three City departments into one City department.
comments by Siddiqui on Charter provisions; presentation by Yi-An Huang w/Chris Cotter, Maura Pensak, Maria Melo, Cassie Arnaud, Anna Dolmatch, Alexis Buckley; comments by Cotter, Pensak; comments by Nolan, McGovern, Zusy, Flaherty, Al-Zubi (esp. re: whether Housing should be under CDD or be independent of CDD), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui; Reorganization Approved 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent); Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Committee Report #2. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Jan 29, 2026 to discuss City Council Rules for the 2026-2027 term. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)

Resolution #3. Condolences to the family of Joseph Sater. Councillor Simmons

Joseph and his entire family have been good friends to everyone associated with Central Square for many decades and I will miss him greatly. - RW

Comments?

Bluesky, Nothin’ but Bluesky from now on – March 2, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

With apologies to Irving Berlin and Al Jolson. This week has some choice agenda items, but I’m especially amused by the Order calling for the City of Cambridge to never again post anything on X, a.k.a. Twitter. News silos smiling at me, nothing but news silos do I see. City Hall

Anyway, here’s my first pass at the interesting stuff:

Manager’s Agenda #1. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Azeem, Deputy City Solicitor Elliott Veloso; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, regarding appropriation of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Recycling Dividends Program (RDP) grant, in the amount of $84,500, to the Grant Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance Account. [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (McGovern Absent)

My interest in this item is primarily based on this: “Funds will help pay for supplies for the new location of the Recycle Center…” Do tell! This is the first I’m hearing about a possible relocation of the Recycle Center (now in the DPW Yard).

Manager’s Agenda #8. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, relative to AR26#13, regarding an update on the establishment of a municipal supportive housing voucher program. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Al-Zubi, Housing Liaison Maura Pensak (+1), Flaherty; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #9. Transmitting a communication from City Solicitor Megan Bayer regarding amendments to the transfer fee home rule petition. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; taken up with On The Table #3; comments by Zusy, Flaherty, Elliot Veloso, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Al-Zubi, Nolan, Chris Cotter, Siddiqui; Amended 8-0-0-1 (Al-Zubi Present); Home Rule Petition Adopted as Amended 9-0

On The Table #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR25-69, regarding a review of the previous home rule petition and prepare a new petition that would allow Cambridge to enact a Real Estate Transfer Fee to be sent to the state legislature. [Charter Right – Nolan, Jan 26, 2026; Tabled as Amended Feb 9, 2026]
taken up with Mgr #9; Amended 8-0-0-1 (Al-Zubi Present); Home Rule Petition Adopted as Amended 9-0

I’ll repeat my comments from January 26: It is worth noting that there already are taxes on the sale of real estate in Massachusetts. The Mass. real estate transfer tax (also known as stamp tax) is $4.56 per $1,000 of the property’s value, plus the newer “millionaire’s tax” on sales over $1 million - due at closing to the Registry of Deeds. The Affordable Care Act also has its 3.8% “Net Investment Income Tax” that applies to individuals, estates and trusts that have certain investment income above certain threshold amounts. A local Real Estate Transfer Fee would be on top of those other taxes.

This proposed additional transfer tax would be 2% of the portion of the purchase price exceeding $1,000,000. This was before the City Council on Feb 26, 2024, and the Council at that time adopted the Order on a 6-2-1 vote with Joan Pickett and Paul Toner voting No, and Burhan Azeem Absent. The most recent call to re-file the home rule petition was on Dec 8, 2025, and it passed 8-1 with Paul Toner voting No. I would be inclined to vote against this – or at least demand a full accounting of the total fees and taxes associated with a real estate sale. There is also the larger question that should be asked about what fraction of a city’s housing stock should be taken out of private ownership and moved into government or government-related ownership. The socialists certainly have made their preferences clear.

Order #1. Order in support of transparency and consistent publication of meeting agendas and materials. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Simmons for comments; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #2. Order re: capital budget lifecycle reconciliation prior to FY27 approval. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Zusy, Nolan, Siddiqui; Nolan amendments Adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct all City departments, boards, commissions, and offices to discontinue all official posting and engagement on X within 60 days; and to include an explanation of why the City will no longer use X. Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan; comments by Al-Zubi, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler (noting oligarchs, billionaires a la Sanders - also would prefer to discontinue use of Facebook in favor of Bluesky, Mastodon, Reddit), Zusy, Flaherty, Azeem, Siddiqui; Sobrinho-Wheeler amendments adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
[Note - The City of Cambridge currently has approximately 21,200 followers on Twitter/X and 20,000 on Facebook. In comparison, they have only 985 on Bluesky. The Cambridge Police Department currently has approximately 35,900 followers on Twitter/X and 20,000 on Facebook. The Cambridge Fire Department currently has approximately 17,600 followers on Twitter/X and 19,000 on Facebook. The Cambridge Office of Tourism currently has approximately 10,500 followers on Twitter/X and 16,000 on Facebook.]

The Cambridge City Council can be endlessly amusing when it’s not being aggravating. This Order is in the “amusement” category.

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back with information as the first step in the exploration of a potential Cambridge Snow Corps Program. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan, McGovern, Azeem, Flaherty, Simmons, Siddiqui; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #5. That the Cambridge City Council supports House Bill H.3754, and Senate Bill S.2344, “An Act Relative To Traffic Regulation Using Road Safety Cameras”; and that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to 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 as outlined in H.3754 and S.2344 and the prior home rule. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Nolan, (who objects to police making traffic stops), Al-Zubi (who wants the Transportation Department to be the enforcing agency rather than the Police Department), Zusy (concerns about surveillance); Order Adopted 8-0-0-1 (Zusy - Present)

Perhaps one day the Cambridge City Council will see fit to have a consistent viewpoint on cameras and surveillance.

Order #7. That the Regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, Apr 6, 2026 be a roundtable/working meeting to discuss the best future uses of City-owned properties and associated redevelopment processes, as requested in PO26#5. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #10. City Council support of S.2726/H.3594: “An Act Regarding Free Expression”. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #12. City Council support of S.428/H.4207: “An Act Relative to School Libraries”. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi
pulled by Flaherty; comments by McGovern, Flaherty; add Flaherty as sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Does this include a prohibition on banning any particular books by Dr. Seuss or Mark Twain?

Order #13. Include discussion of other changes to the Cambridge Street zoning at the upcoming Ordinance Committee meeting about active ground floor use. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan; comments by Zusy, Nolan, McGovern, Melissa Peters (CDD), Al-Zubi; Charter Right - Al-Zubi

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to raise the fee of the parking permit program for all residents to $75, consider how to include a self-identified check off option so as not to increase administrative costs for a subsidized fee of $25 for residents who live in affordable housing, are enrolled in a program such as SNAP or are low income, remove the senior exemption for the residential parking permit program and lower the number of cars that individual residents are allowed to get a residential parking permit for from four to two. [Charter Right – Simmons, Feb 9, 2026]
comments by Nolan (wants everyone to pay $75, no exceptions), Simmons (w/amendments to exempt seniors), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Flaherty (proposes that this be sent to Transportation Committee for further discussion), McGovern, Siddiqui (improperly and arrogantly overrides debate w/motion to Table so that she can personally broker any modifications to the Order rather than refer to committee - Simmons objects to the ruling of the Chair); Tabled 8-0-0-1 (Al-Zubi - Present); A further proposed amendment by Al-Zubi was not introduced prior to tabling

I would love to see an honest audit of the actual costs of the Resident Permit Parking program - and not just a made-to-order job from the Department of Congestion, Obstruction, and Aggravation. It’s also worth noting that many of the public communications submitted this week came from known members of the anti-car, bike-only brigade. Is this really about revenue or is this more about politics? Methinks it’s the latter and not the former. A $75 junk fee won’t break me, but I wish they would restrict their changes to simply limiting the number of permits per household.

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the City Council and relevant City departments on the process by which Cambridge can expand free early child care offerings, including models for means-tested programming, and exploration of non-City funding sources, from the state or foundations. [Charter Right – Simmons, Feb 9, 2026]
comments by Nolan, Simmons w/amendments), McGovern, Zusy, Siddiqui, Azeem; Simmons amendments Adopted 8-1 (Zusy - No); Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-0-1 (Zusy - Present)

On The Table #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a plan to align all housing and homeless services and programs into a unified Housing Department. [Tabled – Feb 9, 2026]

A Public Hearing on this is now scheduled as part of the March 9 City Council meeting.

Committee Report #1-#4. Special Meetings of the Cambridge City Council’s City Clerk Preliminary Screening Committee were held on Sept 9, Sept 19, Sept 24, and Oct 10, 2025. The committee moved to executive session to consider applicants for the position of City Clerk, because doing so in open session would have detrimental effect in obtaining qualified applicants. [Sept 9 report][Sept 19 report][Sept 24 report][Oct 10 report]
Reports Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

These reports are from last year’s process that did not yield a result. Announcement of the new committee appointments was on the Feb 9 meeting agenda.

Committee Report #5. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Dec 16, 2025 with the Office of Tourism to provide an update on the Tourism Office’s efforts as it relates to destination marketing, visitor services, as well as an update on the tourism destination marketing district program. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #6. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Feb 10, 2026 on a zoning petition by the Cambridge City Council. The petition proposes changes to section 4.50 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to allow as of right in all zoning districts, religious and educational uses, and childcare uses (CM25#288). The committee voted favorably to forward the petition to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation to pass to a Second Reading. [text of report]
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Communications & Reports #2. Communicating information from the School Committee. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Notable in this report is this: Educator & Stakeholder Engagement (Motion #26-017): This motion recognizes that educators and key stakeholders need more structured opportunities to engage beyond standard public comment. It directs the Governance Subcommittee to research options such as designated educator presentations, non-voting membership, or other mechanisms, and to consider structured parent and caregiver input.

Several new members of the School Committee flew into their seats on the wings of endorsements by the Cambridge Education Association (formerly the Cambridge Teachers Union) and a well-funded campaign by the Massachusetts Teachers Association with several conditions associated with the endorsement. Prominent among these was that, if elected, their endorsed candidates would move to give the Teachers Union a non-voting seat on the School Committee with the right to engage in all of their deliberations. Personally, I think this a dreadful idea. The School Committee represents the voters and the parents of children in the Cambridge Public Schools - and not the union leadership.

Comments?

Cold Comfort – February 9, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

It didn’t take long for things to get weird. Featured this week are: (a) a proposal to practice job discrimination against anyone who chose to work for ICE or a similar federal agency; (b) a proposal to more than double the Resident Permit Parking fee and to eliminate the senior exemption; and (c) in spite of last week’s Finance Committee hearing detailing the need to curtail spending, fresh new proposals to expand the costly pre-K program and other child care programs. There’s also a pseudo-scholarly report on the erstwhile Rise Up Cambridge initiative that comes to the shocking conclusion that getting free money enables people to buy more stuff. Peoples Republic of Cambridge

Here are a few notables on this week’s agenda:

Fighting the Feds

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]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Yi-An Huang, Nolan, Megan Bayer, Flaherty; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting communication from Police Commissioner, Christine Elow, regarding a Federal immigration enforcement tracker. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Nolan, Christine Elow; Referred to Public Safety 9-0

Order #1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the relevant City staff and departments to examine if and how the City may prevent the hiring by the Cambridge Police Department of any sworn officer who was hired on or after January 20, 2025 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, or Customs and Border Patrol, and report back to the City Council in a timely manner. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Al-Zubi
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; speech by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by McGovern, Al-Zubi (w/amendment), Flaherty, Nolan (who thinks that if you’re trained in one way, that cannot be changed), Azeem, Zusy; explanations by City Solicitor Megan Bayer and Asst. City Solicitor Kate Kleimola re: conflict w/state law and civil service system; Amended 9-0 to delete date of hire, add Al-Zubi as sponsor; Adopted 9-0 as Amended

Any other brilliant ideas of jobs, hobbies, beliefs, or other activities that should permanently disqualify people from employment opportunities? Have these councillors considered the possibility that someone just needed a job and this was an available opportunity?

Order #2. Protecting Academic Freedom and Condemning Attacks on Higher Education. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan; speech by Al-Zubi; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is hereby requested to direct the Law Department to draft ordinance language restricting the use of City-owned or City-controlled property, facilities, resources, and personnel for the purposes of federal civil immigration enforcement, and that the Law Department evaluate whether these protections should be adopted as an amendment to the Welcoming Community Ordinance. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Siddiqui, McGovern, Nolan, Al-Zubi (w/amendments), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Megan Bayer, Azeem, Zusy; Al-Zubi amendments Adopted 9-0; add Al-Zubi, Azeem, Zusy as sponsors 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. Transmitting a Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to proposed changes to Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 8.28, Regulation on Youth Access and Sale of Tobacco Products and on Smoking (“Chapter 8.28”). [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan; Referred to Health & Environment 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Violence Prevention Recommendations Report from the Community Safety Department. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi, Marie Mathieu, Zusy, Siddiqui, Nico Emack, Flaherty, Yi-An Huang, McGovern, Nolan; Referred to Public Safety 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a plan to align all housing and homeless services and programs into a unified Housing Department. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, Simmons; Tabled 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication was received from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, transmitting Planning Board recommendations on the Institutional Use Zoning Petition. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Nolan, McGovern; Referred to Petition 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the final research report on Rise Up Cambridge, the City’s citywide cash assistance program. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern, Siddiqui; Referred to Human Services & Veterans 9-0

Free money enables people to buy more stuff. Some of us already knew that.

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department (CDD) to examine the feasibility, legal considerations, and administrative requirements of permitting qualified third-party guarantors or co-signers for applicants to Inclusionary Housing units and provide recommendations as to whether such a policy could responsibly expand access to these units. Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Simmons
pulled by Zusy; comments by Azeem, Zusy; Order Adopted 8-0-0-1 (Zusy - Present)

They really do hate car owners - no matter what their age

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to raise the fee of the parking permit program for all residents to $75, consider how to include a self-identified check off option so as not to increase administrative costs for a subsidized fee of $25 for residents who live in affordable housing, are enrolled in a program such as SNAP or are low income, remove the senior exemption for the residential parking permit program and lower the number of cars that individual residents are allowed to get a residential parking permit for from four to two. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Nolan (who wants the fee to be even higher), McGovern, Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Al-Zubi (who wants the fee to be $0 for low-income), Simmons; Charter Right - Simmons

Responding to decreased revenue by proposing expanded programs and more spending

Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to work with the City Council and relevant City departments on the process by which Cambridge can expand free early child care offerings, including models for means-tested programming, and exploration of non-City funding sources, from the state or foundations. Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Zusy; comments by Nolan, McGovern, Zusy, Al-Zubi, Azeem; Charter Right - Simmons

Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to begin discussions with MIT, CASPAR, the co-chairs of the Human Services and Veterans Committee, all relevant city departments and the shelter residents to develop a plan to renovate and expand 240 Albany Street in order to provide additional low threshold shelter, housing and day time services, while accommodating shelter residents impacted by the construction closure with housing and support, including low threshold options. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern, Al-Zubi, Zusy, Simmons, McGovern; Order Adopted 9-0

I remember when the CASPAR “wet shelter” consisted of trailers which were upgraded to a permanent structure by MIT in exchange for several streets in Kendall Square. The alternative proposal at that time was to move the facility to 380 Green St. in the heart of Central Square.

Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-69, regarding a review of the previous home rule petition and prepare a new petition that would allow Cambridge to enact a Real Estate Transfer Fee to be sent to the state legislature. [Charter Right – Nolan, Jan 26, 2026]
Comments by Nolan (w/amendment), Megan Bayer, Azeem, Al-Zubi, Flaherty (wants to change so that fee charged to buyer rather than to seller), Chris Cotter, Zusy, Siddiqui; Amended 8-0-0-1 (Al-Zubi - Present) to change “equal to 2%” to “up to 2%”; Tabled 6-3 (Al-Zubi, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler - No)

See my comments from the previous meeting.

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager ask the appropriate departments to review the city’s digital equity work to date, including the study’s recommendations and all steps taken since the study conclusion in order to update the evaluation of existing internet access programs, assessing whether residents’ digital needs are or could be better provided for and to propose how we can better meet their needs and to report back to the Council by June 2026 on internet access programs. [Charter Right – Al-Zubi, Jan 26, 2026]
Comments and amendments by Al-Zubi; Amendments Adopted 9-0; Add Al-Zubi as sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Resolution #2. Condolences on the passing of Robert K. Patterson, Sr. Councillor Flaherty
Comments by Flaherty

Resolution #3. Resolution on the Retirement of Kate Joyce. Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui
Comments by Simmons, Siddiqui, McGovern, Flaherty, Nolan, Naomie Stephen

Resolution #9. Resolution in Recognition of Michael J. Johnston, Esq., on his Retirement. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons
Add Simmons as sponsor

Communications & Reports #2. Announcement of appointments to the City Clerk Preliminary Screening Committee. (COF26#10) [text of report]
Appointed: Councillor Marc McGovern; Councillor E. Denise Simmons; Councillor Catherine Zusy; Megan Bayer, City Solicitor; Raecia Catchings, Chief People Officer; Matt Nelson, Director of Administration & Operations, Executive Office; Melissa Peters, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Naomie Stephen, Executive Assistant to the City Council
Placed on File 9-0

Communications & Reports #3. City Council Value Statement and Priority Areas for the 2026-2027 term (COF26#11) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Comments?

Winter Carnival - January 26, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting (remote only due to snow emergency)

After several mild winters, we’re getting a taste this week of what we’ve been missing. Having migrated to Cambridge 48 years ago as soon as the roads were reopened after the Blizzard of '78, this is for me a mixture of nostalgia and terror. That said, life goes on at City Hall and the Peoples Republic of Cambridge. There’s even a new system for public meeting notices (complete with the expected glitches). Here’s what’s on tap this week:

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]
pulled by Siddiqui; statement by Yi-An Huang; comments by Siddiqui, Al-Zubi (wants to revise Welcoming City Ordinance), Flaherty, Nolan, City Solicitor Megan Bayer, McGovern; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR25#69, regarding a review of the previous home rule petition and prepare a new petition that would allow Cambridge to enact a Real Estate Transfer Fee to be sent to the state legislature. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan re: impact on rents, etc.; Charter Right - Nolan

It is worth noting that there already are taxes on the sale of real estate in Massachusetts. The Mass. real estate transfer tax (also known as stamp tax) is $4.56 per $1,000 of the property’s value, plus the newer “millionaire’s tax” on sales over $1 million - due at closing to the Registry of Deeds. The Affordable Care Act also has its 3.8% “Net Investment Income Tax” that applies to individuals, estates and trusts that have certain investment income above certain threshold amounts. A local Real Estate Transfer Fee would be on top of those other taxes.

Order #1. That the City Manager ask the appropriate departments to review the city’s digital equity work to date, including the study’s recommendations and all steps taken since the study conclusion in order to update the evaluation of existing internet access programs, assessing whether residents’ digital needs are or could be better provided for and to propose how we can better meet their needs and to report back to the Council by June 2026 on internet access programs. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Zusy (w/cost concerns); Charter Right - Al-Zubi

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments regarding incorporating plant-based solutions into the Sustainable Cambridge initiative, incorporating plant-based purchasing practices in City-operated events, and using municipal communications channels to promote sustainable and affordable food and drink practices throughout the city. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy
pulled by Zusy; comments by Nolan, McGovern, Zusy (add as sponsor); Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Resolutions like this one give me an appetite for a double cheeseburger.

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prioritize pilot projects in 2026 without the use of a consultant for an extensive pedestrianization study, and in the medium-term consider how additional pedestrianization of a section of Brattle Street by restoring two-way traffic to JFK Street could enhance the Square. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Nolan, Simmons, Al-Zubi (thinks 2-way JFK St. would be dangerous - not aware that it was previously a 2-way street); Order Adopted 9-0

I’m sure the newly rebranded Department of Congestion, Obstruction, and Aggravation (a.k.a. Department of Transportation, formerly the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department before they chose to remove all references to motor vehicles) will have a few ideas to share about this proposal.

Order #8. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide an update regarding PO25#69 FY26 Operating Budget a continued commitment to Emergency Housing Vouchers for Permanent Supportive Housing and Mixed Status Families, and the Transition Wellness Center. Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

An update on this initiative is overdue, but let’s be clear that the Transition Wellness Center was never meant to be a permanent program.

Order #9. That the Mayor hereby appoints a committee, to screen applicants for the position of City Clerk. Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Zusy; taken up with Comm. & Reports #4; comments by Siddiqui, Simmons (re: prior process), Zusy (thanks to Paula Crane), Flaherty (will find no one better than Paula Crane); Order Adopted 9-0

Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information about the search process for a permanent City Clerk. [text of report]
Taken up w/Order #9; Placed on File 9-0

I look forward to the process for this crucially important position, but at this point I have little confidence in Mayor Siddiqui’s committee appointments.

Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for the Nathaniel Stickney House at 45 Mt. Auburn Street. [Charter Right – Al-Zubi, Jan 12, 2026]
Comments by Al-Zubi (will vote for landmarking, wanted more “community members” in the conversation), Azeem (not in favor, calls report “vindictive”), Sobrinho-Wheeler (wants “community use” preserved - based on what exactly?, feels that City should be providing these spaces), Flaherty (was in the building before the Democracy Center was there, notes that entire area is an historical district, will not support landmarking), Zusy, Kathy Watkins, Charles Sullivan (Historical Commission), Nolan, McGovern, Simmons, Flaherty; Order Failed of Adoption 2-7 (Al-Zubi, Zusy - Yes)

But first we have to hear from the activists.....

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to conduct a comprehensive review of existing safety and security measures at Cambridge City Hall, which shall include an assessment of physical access controls, visitor screening practices, on-site security staffing and training, emergency response and evacuation protocols, and the use of security technologies such as surveillance systems and alarm monitoring. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern (PO26#3) [Charter Right - Simmons, Jan 12, 2026]
Comments by Simmons; add McGovern as sponsor 9-0; comments by McGovern, Flaherty (notes that there are metal detectors in buildings across the Commonwealth), Azeem (notes that measures now in place in State House and Boston City Hall and they are still welcoming, says he has received threats), Nolan (can support this depending on what measures are suggested), Simmons, Al-Zubi (with alternate amendment w/JSW), Yi-An Huang (notes challenges due to layout of the building with two entrances, would be helpful to discuss this with a subset of councillors, real concern would be gun weapons - what problem are we trying to solve?, solutions could be costly, this will take some time to consider), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Simmons, Zusy (would support an assessment as proposed by Simmons, suggests this might be the subject of an Executive Session), Siddiqui, Al-Zubi; Al-Zubi amendment fails 4-5 (AAZ,PN,JSW,SS - Yes; BA,TF,MM,DS,CZ - No); Order Adopted as Amended 7-1-0-1 (Sobrinho-Wheeler - No; Al-Zubi - Present)

On the Table #3. An Ordinance has been received from Interim City Clerk Paula M. Crane, relative to amend the Zoning Map and Articles 3.000, 17.000, and 19.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of establishing four new zoning districts for the Cambridge Street corridor. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Dec 8, 2025; Eligible to be Ordained Dec 22, 2025; Expires Jan 28, 2026] (ORD25#17) [Revised][Published]
Removed from Table 9-0; Taken up with Mgr #12, Comm. & Reports #2; Ordained as Amended 6-3 (see Mgr #12)

Communications & Reports #2. Proposed Amendments to Cambridge Street Zoning Petition. [text of report]
Taken up with Mgr #12, On The Table #3; Placed on File 9-0

(Late) Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Cambridge Street Zoning Petition. (CM26#15) [text of report]
motion of McGovern to take up this item, Communications & Reports #2, On The Table #3; comments by Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Azeem (will support amendments, but not excited about it), Sobrinho-Wheeler (will oppose amendments), Zusy, Melissa Peters (CDD), Al-Zubi (will abstain on amendments, will vote No on overall petition, only wants “working class” people to benefit, notes that future Nexus study will likely reduce inclusionary requirements, says 20% inclusionary is minimum she would accept, talks about race and class, wants social housing, decommodification instead), McGovern (says this is NOT being rushed, objects to any requirements that slow down housing development, would prefer 8 stories on Cambridge St., concerns about middle-income residents, notes that we can’t get 6 votes w/o these amendments), Flaherty (would prefer that petition expire, will not support the amendments, notes that housing shortage is a regional issue, notes that last year entire city was upzoned with inevitable demolitions and no affordability requirement, prefers that Cambridge remain a sustainable city for families, does support upzoning on Webster St. area, would prefer Special Permit requirements), Siddiqui (re: amendments, not rushed, potential impacts, possibility of social housing), Azeem (contradicts Flaherty saying that this is effectively only changing Webster Ave. area, sees social housing as weakening AHO, leading to more market-rate housing and less affordable housing), Simmons (wants to vote); McGovern moves to amend Cambridge St. Petition by substitution; Amendments Pass 6-2-0-1 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy, Siddiqui - Yes; Flaherty, Sobrinho-Wheeler - No; Al-Zubi - Present); Petition Ordained as Amended 6-3 (BA,MM,PN,DS,JSW,SS - Yes; AAZ,TF,CZ - No); Communication Placed on File 9-0; after procedural questions of Al-Zubi, Simmons, Flaherty, Zusy, McGovern, Rules Suspended for the Purpose of Reconsideration 7-2 (Flaherty, Zusy - No); Reconsideration Fails 1-8 (Zusy - Yes)

The ABC (A Bigger Cambridge) insiders are apparently pulling out the stops to rush this one through – regardless whether it is reflective of the goals of the Our Cambridge Street community process (a planning study for Cambridge Street between Inman Square and Lechmere Station) that supposedly led to the current rezoning petition.

Resolution #1. That the City Council formally go on record in extending its deepest condolences to the family of Donald Williams for their tremendous loss. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons; Sadly, Don passed away on Saturday, Jan 24, 2026 - a true friend of Central Square; Amended Resolution Adopted 9-0

Resolution #5. Speedy Recovery wishes to Mr. Hatch Sterrett. Councillor Al-Zubi
Note: Hatch’s full name is Henry Hatch Dent Sterrett, III.

Committee Report #1. The Housing Committee and Finance Committee held a joint public hearing on Dec 3, 2025 to discuss the feasibility and potential impacts of implementing residential development incentives - such as tax incentives, public equity financing, and reduced fees and requirements - on housing production and city finances. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Human Services and Veterans Committee held a public hearing on Dec 4, 2025 to review and discuss the Executive Summary from the Community Benefits Advisory Committee which was presented to the full City Council on May 19, 2025, CM25#128. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Dec 9, 2025 to further discuss the implications of deploying automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) and to discuss whether adjustments should be made related to the deployment of ALPRs since approval in February of this year, CM25#257, which was in City Council on Oct 20, 2025. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Health and Environment Committee and Housing Committee held a joint public hearing on Dec 11, 2025 to review and discuss PO25#137, which asks the Community Development Department to draft zoning language to reduce the impact on solar energy systems, based on the recommendations discussed in the Sept 16, 2025 Health and Environment Committee meeting. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Late Order #10. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the relevant City staff and departments to order that the flag at Cambridge City Hall, the main administrative municipal building, be flown at half-staff as soon as practicable in somber remembrance of and sympathy with Renee Good and Alex Pretti and their friends and families, the dozens of individuals who have lost their lives at the hands of federal immigration enforcers, and the people enduring the brutality of the Trump Administration’s illegal and violent efforts for at least seven days. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Al-Zubi, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem
Comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Nolan, Azeem; Order Adopted 9-0

Comments?

Circle the Wagons - January 12, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

City Hall It didn’t take long for the newly inaugurated City Council and its chosen Mayor to reveal themselves. We will now have a Finance Committee Co-Chaired by someone who advocates dramatic new spending on so-called “social housing” a la Mamdani - regardless of property tax implications. Government Operations will be Chaired by someone who has consistently voted against keeping a city manager form of government. Most notably, the Public Safety Committee will be Chaired by someone who has repeatedly referred to Cambridge Police as murderers. This is going to be two years of circling the wagons to prevent our local government from confiscating property, making travel as difficult as possible, and obstructing law enforcement whenever and however possible. I can just feel that warmth of collectivism creeping in.

Here are a few agenda items of interest:

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]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Al-Zubi, City Solicitor Megan Bayer, Nolan, and Flaherty; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following members to the Police Review and Advisory Board. [text of report]
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, PRAB Exec. Director Carolina Almonte, Nolan, Huang; Appointments Approved 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following members to the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission. [text of report]
pulled by Azeem to note that though the City Council now has the power to review all appointments, he has a different point of view from all of these appointees - “That’s democracy.”; Appointments Approved 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for the Nathaniel Stickney House at 45 Mt. Auburn Street. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Al-Zubi; Charter Right - Al-Zubi (who wants to hear more from “the organizers”)

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to conduct a comprehensive review of existing safety and security measures at Cambridge City Hall, which shall include an assessment of physical access controls, visitor screening practices, on-site security staffing and training, emergency response and evacuation protocols, and the use of security technologies such as surveillance systems and alarm monitoring. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Simmons for comments; Charter Right - Simmons

I have very mixed feelings about this Order. There are serious trade-offs between security vs. accessibility and having a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in a building like City Hall.

Order #4. That the City Council go on record acknowledging 2026 as the Centennial Celebration of Negro History Week, and recognizing its enduring contribution to the nation’s understanding of itself. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Flaherty (noting the contributions of Marvin Gilmore), Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0

I am 100% in agreement with this Order. [Ref: The Cambridge African American History Trail]

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to prepare for a Council discussion on best future uses for City-owned properties and the processes for redevelopment. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Al-Zubi
pulled by Zusy; comments by Nolan, Zusy, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Al-Zubi; Al-Zubi added as sponsor 8-0-1 (MM Absent); Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Charter Right #2. Restricting Eligibility for On-Street Resident Parking Permits in New Transit-Oriented Developments. [Charter Right – Simmons, Dec 22, 2025]
comments by Simmons, Zusy, Azeem, Flaherty; Order Adopted 9-0

This is not a new proposal. The response from the City Solicitor has always (correctly) been that this is not a legal restriction that can be imposed by the City, though a property owner may be able to make this a requirement in a lease. That said, I am told that Somerville has imposed such a restriction, but I suppose that will last right up until the point that someone takes it to court.

On The Table #3. An Ordinance has been received from Interim City Clerk Paula M. Crane, relative to amend the Zoning Map and Articles 3.000, 17.000, and 19.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of establishing four new zoning districts for the Cambridge Street corridor. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Dec 8, 2025; Eligible to be Ordained Dec 22, 2025; Expires Jan 28, 2026] (ORD25#17) [Revised][Published]
No Action Taken

We’ll have to see where this one lands. The parallel zoning change for Mass. Ave. was ordained 6-3 at the last regular meeting, but it’s anyone’s guess how the replacement of two councillors for this term will affect this one.

Committee Report #1. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Thurs, Dec 4, 2025 to discuss the organizational changes to the Equity & Inclusion Department. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

This was a most interesting committee meeting - and I even testified at the meeting about my long-held view that all non-regulatory City boards should have sunset clauses and that they should only be reauthorized if they can demonstrate a clear need for continuation. That said, the most notable aspect of this meeting was that the City Manager deferred to his chosen “Chief of Equity and Inclusion” and “Chief People Officer” to answer all of the hard questions. The irony that the entire staff of the Women’s Commission was jettisoned by the Chief of Equity and Inclusion was more than a little interesting.

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting an announcement of Cambridge City Council Committee Appointments for the 2026-2027 term. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

I just hope we can survive the next two years with this lineup.

Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Though I appreciate these reports from the School Committee front, I’m really most interested to see how the MTA and CEA inflict their agendas via their newly elected members of the School Committee.

Late Resolution #2. Resolution on the death of Robert S. Hurlbut Jr. Councillor McGovern, (Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui)
comments by McGovern, Zusy, Nolan, Siddiqui, Flaherty

Comments?

City Council subcommittees for 2026-2027
Committee	Members
Ordinance	McGovern (Co-Chair), Sobrinho-Wheeler (Co-Chair), Al-Zubi, Azeem, Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy, Siddiqui (committee of the whole - mayor ex-officio)
Finance	Al-Zubi (Co-Chair), Nolan (Co-Chair), Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy, Siddiqui (committee of the whole - mayor ex-officio)
Government Operations, Rules, and Claims	Sobrinho-Wheeler (Chair), Azeem, Simmons, McGovern, Nolan
Housing	Azeem (Co-Chair), Sobrinho-Wheeler (Co-Chair), Al-Zubi, Simmons, Zusy
Economic Development and University Relations	Flaherty (Co-Chair), Zusy (Co-Chair), Al-Zubi, McGovern, Nolan
Human Services & Veterans	Al-Zubi (Co-Chair), McGovern (Co-Chair), Flaherty, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler
Health & Environment	Nolan (Chair), Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Zusy
Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Art, and Celebrations	Zusy (Chair), Al-Zubi, Azeem, Flaherty, Nolan
Transportation & Public Utilities	Azeem (Co-Chair), Flaherty (Co-Chair), Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy
Civic Unity	Simmons (Chair), Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Zusy
Public Safety	Al-Zubi (Chair), McGovern, Nolan, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler

Councillor	Vote for Mayor (1st Ballot)	Vote for Vice Mayor (1st Ballot)	Vote for Vice Mayor (2nd Ballot)
Ayah Al-Zubi	Siddiqui	Azeem	Azeem
Burhan Azeem	McGovern → Siddiqui (2)	Azeem	Azeem
Tim Flaherty	Zusy → Siddiqui (4)	Zusy	Zusy → Azeem (1)
Marc McGovern	McGovern → Siddiqui (5)	Azeem	Azeem
Patricia Nolan	Nolan → Siddiqui (1)	Nolan	Nolan → Azeem (3)
Sumbul Siddiqui	Siddiqui	Nolan	Nolan → Azeem (5)
Denise Simmons	McGovern → Siddiqui (6)	Azeem	Azeem
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler	Siddiqui	Sobrinho-Wheeler	Sobrinho-Wheeler → Azeem (2)
Zusy	Nolan → Siddiqui (3)	Nolan	Nolan → Azeem (4)
Result:	Siddiqui - unanimous	Azeem 4, Nolan 3, Sobrinho-Wheeler 1, Zusy 1	Azeem - unanimous

Member	Vote for Chair (1st Ballot)	Vote for Vice Chair (1st Ballot)
Luisa De Paula Santos	Weinstein	Dube
Caitlin Dube	Weinstein	Dube
Richard Harding	Hudson	present
Elizabeth Hudson	Hudson	present
Arjun Jaikumar	Weinstein	Dube
Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui	Weinstein	Dube
David Weinstein	Weinstein	Dube
Result:	Weinstein 5, Hudson 2	Dube 5, Present 2

May Day meets the FY2027 Budget – April 27, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

In Lieu of Taxes – April 13, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Coming Up at the March 30, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Coming Up at the March 23, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Coming Up at the March 16, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Springing Forward toward Somewhere – March 9, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Bluesky, Nothin’ but Bluesky from now on – March 2, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Cold Comfort – February 9, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Winter Carnival - January 26, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting (remote only due to snow emergency)

Circle the Wagons - January 12, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

City Council Committee Assignments: 2026-2027

It’s Mayor Siddiqui again