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Regular City Council Meeting

August 3, 2026 ·05:30 PM Final
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Agenda — 100 items

  1. 1 Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held on January 26, 2026
  2. 2 Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held on March 3, 2026
  3. 3 Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held on March 30, 2026
  4. 4 Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held on April 13, 2026.
  5. 5 Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held on April 27, 2026.
  6. 6 Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held on May 4, 2026.
  7. 1 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases.
  8. 2 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a response to Awaiting Report 26-22 regarding election workers.
  9. 3 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appropriation of $94,531.00 from the State 911 Department Support and Incentive Grant.
  10. 4 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $24,336.00 from the FY27 State 911 Department Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Grant.
  11. 5 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $9,800.60 from the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Grant.
  12. 6 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $3,606.43 from the State Executive Office of Public Safety Department of Fire Services Grant.
  13. 7 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $30,000.00 from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) Jail Diversion Program Grant.
  14. 8 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $6,823,498.00 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Continuum of Care (CoC) Program Grant.
  15. 9 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $506,088.00 from the Summer Food Service Program for Children Grant.
  16. 10 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $117,000.00 from the GROW Early Childhood Education (ECE) Grant.
  17. 11 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $263,815.00 from the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant.
  18. 12 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $154,491.00 from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Adult and Community Learning Services Grant.
  19. 13 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $161,982.00 from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Grant.
  20. 14 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Police Review & Advisory Board Quarterly Report for the second quarter of 2026.
  21. 15 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $179,500.00 from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission Community Mitigation Fund.
  22. 16 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to awaiting report #26-35 which requested that the City Manager work with relevant departments to review the state bills referenced as well as the previously filed Home Rule Petition and prepare a new Home Rule Petition that would allow Cambridge to install and operate cameras to enforce red light, speeding, or other moving violations.
  23. 17 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to potential alternative methods of curb cut review.
  24. 18 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, regarding the Sixth Annual Cycling Safety Ordinance Progress Report.
  25. 19 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2026 Annual Report of the Affordable Housing Overlay.
  26. 20 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Will MacArthur to the Social Housing Task Force.
  27. 21 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to opportunities to streamline the permitting process.
  28. 22 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to edits to the Massachusetts Avenue Active Use Zoning Petition.
  29. 23 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to edits to the Cambridge Street Active Use Zoning Petition.
  30. 1 That the City Manager is requested to examine how a revived Central Square World’s Fair could build upon the successful partnership between the City, Cambridge Arts, and the Central Square Business Improvement District, including lessons learned from the annual Cambridge Dance Party and other large-scale public events.
  31. 2 That the City Manager is requested to direct the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department and the License Commission to jointly lead the City’s evaluation of a limited pilot program from Fall 2026 through Fall 2027 allowing certain eligible licensed establishments to serve alcohol until 3:00 a.m.
  32. 3 That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Law Department, the Department of Public Works, the Transportation Department, and any other appropriate departments to determine whether the City may require Eversource, and any contractors or subcontractors working on Eversource’s behalf in Cambridge, to submit weekly certified payroll reports or similar payroll documentation for work performed in Cambridge’s public ways.
  33. 4 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the City Solicitor and the License Commission to draft and submit a Home Rule Petition to authorize one additional Section 15 all-alcoholic beverages license not to be drunk on the premises.
  34. 5 That the City Council hold a Roundtable/Working Meeting on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 1:30–3:30 PM, to discuss the City of Cambridge’s ongoing and future work in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve services—including comparative examples—while ensuring any AI use aligns with City values, complies with legal and privacy requirements, and benefits both employees and the public.
  35. 6 That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2026, be and hereby is canceled in observance of Yom Kippur.
  36. 7 That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to explore options for reforming and modernizing the License Commission, including through the home rule petition process.
  37. 8 That the City Council urge Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and the Hildebrand Family Self-Help Center to work collaboratively with St. Paul AME Church to support the continued use of St. Paul AME Church properties as Family Shelter sites.
  38. 9 That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council regarding improved tree loss accounting and reporting systems by October 1, 2026.
  39. 10 That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to take steps to implement as soon as possible a program for automated parking enforcement which could be piloted in targeted areas of the city to evaluate different technologies, different functionalities for various locations, and publicize regulations Implementation of Automated Parking Enforcement.
  40. 11 That the City Council accept M.G.L. Ch. 40U as a method of collecting some fines
  41. 12 Greater Interdepartmental Coordination and Community Information Sharing Relating to Development
  42. 13 City Council support of the SEIU 32BJ facilities workers at MIT and their efforts to secure a fair contract
  43. 14 That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission, the property owner, and other appropriate parties regarding placing a historical marker on 103 Irving Street in recognition of Julia Child’s life, work, and connection to Cambridge.
  44. 15 That the City Manager is requested to explore the feasibility of establishing a citywide digital wayfinding and information kiosk program on public property throughout Cambridge.
  45. 16 That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate staff to work with the Health and Environment Committee to discuss a time-of-sale energy audit and review possible ordinance language, for potential adoption after deliberation and refinement.
  46. 17 That the Cambridge City Council in support of the initiatives in the House and Senate Environmental Bond Bill and the Energy Affordability Bill as priorities for the deliberation of the conference committee and for inclusion in the final bill, in order to support the climate and affordability initiatives of the City of Cambridge.
  47. 1 That the City Manager is requested to take all necessary steps to temporarily restore and reactivate ShotSpotter within the areas of Cambridge previously covered by the system.
  48. 2 That the City Manager is hereby requested to report on progress of the February 2026 report's recommendations, and plans for ensuring appropriate levels of support and staffing for the Community Safety Department, including continued expansion of CSD’s violence prevention program, the number and types of calls handled by the CARE team, and the timeline for more comprehensive staffing for the CARE team emergency response program and is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.
  49. 3 That the City Manager is requested to provide a comprehensive evaluation of violence response and prevention strategies, along with survivor support services, across City departments including CPD, CSD, CHA, and DHSP and come with recommendations before the City Council’s Public Safety Committee and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.
  50. 4 That the City Manager is requested to investigate directing the appropriate City departments to install security cameras overlooking Cambridge public parks, with such cameras operational only between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
  51. 5 Zero Waste Plan Ordinance Amendment.
  52. 1 An application was received from Matt Hayes, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 61 Pleasant Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Response has been received from the neighborhood association.
  53. 2 An application was received from Adam Siegel, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 1740 Massachusetts Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.
  54. 3 An application was received from Patrick Conte, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 55 Fayerweather Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.
  55. 1 A Zoning Petition Has been received from Michelle Lower of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. transmitting a proposed Zoning Ordinance to amend the provisions of Section 13.59.42 if the Zoning Ordinance to allow for the transfer of 250,000 square feet of Gross Floor Area from the PUD-4C Zoning District on the Industry B Zoning District in exchange for the conversion of the existing brick and beam structure at 161 First Street into Affordable Housing. The Petition seeks to amend the Zoning Map by creating the "Technology Square Transfer Receiving District."
  56. 1 Resolution thanking organizers of the 2026 Dance Party.
  57. 2 Resolution on the death of Dr. Charles B. Millstein.
  58. 3 Condolences to the family of Xavier Bautista.
  59. 4 Condolences to the family of Marcia E. Brathwaite.
  60. 5 Resolution on the death of Christopher Anne Affleck.
  61. 6 Congratulations to Glenn Koocher on his retirement.
  62. 8 That the Cambridge City Council go on record thanking Michele Kincaid for her many years of service to the City of Cambridge and wishing her a happy retirement.
  63. 9 Condolences to the family of Patricia Welbourn Lorsch.
  64. 10 Condolences to the family of Vincent “Vince” Lawrence Dixon
  65. 11 Resolution on the death of Mallory Slate.
  66. 12 Condolences to the family of Corey J. Headley.
  67. 1 The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on April 29, 2026 to review the Cambridge Police Department’s use of ShotSpotter technology, also known as SoundThinking, which was referred to the Public Safety Committee through the Annual Surveillance Report, CMA 2026-44, on March 9. 2026.
  68. 2 The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on May 20, 2026 to review specific items from the Annual Surveillance Report as required under Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.128, Section 2.128.060, CMA 2026-44, submitted to the full City Council on March 9, 2026. In addition, the Committee will also be reviewing CMA 2026-120, relative to a Surveillance Technology Impact Report (STIR) for the Open Architects student data platform.
  69. 3 The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on May 26, 2026 to review and discuss implementation of Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP) 2.0, adopted by Council in June 2025, including review of draft ordinance changes as recommended by the ZWMP 2.0.
  70. 4 The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 to discuss possible changes relating to setbacks, stepbacks, open space and wet labs to the recently adopted Cambridge Street Zoning.
  71. 5 The Ordinance Committee held two public hearings on June 16, 2026 and July 7, 2026 on two City Council zoning petitions to amend Article 17.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map regarding active use requirements on North Massachusetts Avenue and Cambridge Street, including a special permit requirement for Formula Businesses on Cambridge Street.
  72. 8 The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 on a Zoning Petition by Douglas P. Brown, et al., to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Articles 2.000, 5.000, 6.000, 11.000, and 19.000 with the intent of amending height, setback, and open space requirements, adding step back and building depth and width requirements, and adding minimum off-street parking requirements for residential uses in Residence C-1 districts, including the Affordable Housing Overlay, as well as reducing the Project Review Special Permit threshold from 75,000 to 20,000 square feet for resident
  73. 1 Minutes of the Round table/Working City Council meeting held on February 2, 2026
  74. 2 Minutes of the Round table/Working City Council meeting held on April 6, 2026.
  75. 1 A communication was received from Interim City Clerk Paula Crane, regarding an update regarding legislative activity.
  76. 2 A Communication from Councillor Nolan Submitting Proposed Amendments to Short Term Rental Zoning Petition
  77. 3 A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding information from the School Committee
  78. 1 Condolences To Family of Dorothy (Tortorici) Paolo
  79. 2 Resolution on the Death of Larry Aaronson
  80. 1 Awaiting Report Status Update 8.3.26
  81. 1 That the City Manager is requested to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to ensure that all city owned parking lots, with a focus on school complexes, including the still under construction parking at Tobin/Darby Vassal school complex, could be made available for after-hours use by residents. Original Awaiting Report Item AR-25-29
  82. 2 That the City Manager conduct a comprehensive review of existing safety and security measures at Cambridge City Hall, including 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.
  83. 3 The City Manager 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 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, or Customs and Border Patrol, and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.
  84. 4 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.
  85. 5 That the City Manager is requested to assess opportunities to improve the consistency of how meeting information is posted and accessed on the City’s website.
  86. 6 That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments as well as the Election Commissioners to review guidance from the IRS and consult with other municipalities in order to simplify our processes for paying election workers.
  87. 7 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.
  88. 8 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.
  89. 9 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.
  90. 10 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested work with relevant City departments to provide a report on how the decision to install artificial turf 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.
  91. 11 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff to review City ordinances regulating the operation of food vendors in City parks.
  92. 12 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.
  93. 13 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments stop using ShotSpotter, including turning off and physically removing the surveillance tools no later than 90 days.
  94. 14 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Mayor’s Office, Law Department, Election Commission, and other relevant City Departments to engage the Collins Center in assisting the City in reviewing policy options for allowing Cambridge voters to directly elect the City’s Mayor.
  95. 15 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ensure that Cambridge City Hall is illuminated with appropriate Pride colors in advance of the City’s June 20th Pride Celebration and report back to the City Council on the status of these efforts in sufficient time to ensure that the work is completed prior to the June 20th celebration.
  96. 16 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments and community organizations to provide the City Council with a comprehensive Food Access Report that includes, but is not limited to, an accounting of existing programs, expenditures, outcomes, and unmet needs to inform a public hearing on food insecurity and related City policies, programs, and expenditures
  97. 17 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department and Law Department to develop and implement a policy requiring the posting of “Know Your Rights” informational and educational materials in all police department facilities.
  98. 18 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission, the Law Department, the Department of Public Works, Inspectional Services, the Cambridge Public Health Department, Community Preservation Act staff, the Harvard Square Business Association, and the owners of properties abutting the Old Stone Wall, for the purpose of developing a practical plan to stabilize, preserve, and restore this historic resource.
  99. 19 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant departments to explore the ability of the City to prohibit, restrict, or otherwise regulate the use of algorithmic price fixing in its rental housing market, including the potential drafting of ordinance language that would regulate algorithmic price fixing.
  100. 20 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Cambridge Police Department to prepare a report for the City Council regarding the causes of the significant decline in traffic enforcement since 2015, current departmental priorities, and recommendations for enforcement.