Regular City Council Meeting

September 14, 2026 ·05:30 PM Final

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 98 items

1 Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held on March 2, 2026.
2 Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held on March 9, 2026.
3 Minutes of the City Council Public Hearing held on March 9, 2026, at 6:30 PM.
4 Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held on May 11, 2026.
5 Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on May 18, 2026.
1 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases.
2 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an appropriation, in the amount of $500,000, from the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account, to support a citywide response to federal changes affecting SNAP and MassHealth benefits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3).
3 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Community Preservation Act Appropriations.
4 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments to the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
5 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of five members to the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship for terms of three years.
6 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of David Canavan to the Police Review and Advisory Board for a term of five years.
7 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $24,020.00 from the Local Consumer Aid Fund Grant.
8 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $250.00 in donations in support of the Old Burying Ground.
9 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments to the Fresh Pond Advisory Board.
10 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $600,000.00 from a state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security grant.
11 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, requesting that the City Council amend the City of Cambridge’s Authorized Revolving Fund Ordinance to establish a new revolving fund for the Renewable Energy and Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) Reduction to serve the City’s municipal energy use.
12 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 26-27, requesting that the City Manager direct staff to examine whether the City can enact an ordinance requiring public buildings and places of public accommodation in Cambridge with one or more single-stall restrooms to have at least one single-stall restroom with gender-neutral signage.
13 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,089,817.00 from the Adult Education and Family Literacy Services Grant.
14 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $217,963.00 from a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) / Adult and Community Learning Services grant.
15 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,000.00 from donations to Friends of the Community Learning Center (CLC) .
16 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $302,640.00 from the Massachusetts Formula Grant.
17 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $9,115.00, for the Center for Families program, funded by the Cambridge Public Health Commission, Agenda for Children Literacy Initiative.
18 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2025 Transportation Demand Management Program Report.
19 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 26-45, regarding a review of decline in traffic enforcement.
20 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, regarding Welcoming Community Ordinance Reporting from the Cambridge Police Department
21 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, conveying a response to Awaiting Report 26-15 regarding hiring of former Federal immigration enforcement agents by the Cambridge Police Department.
22 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Federal Fiscal Year 2026 Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) Community Connections Grant, in the amount of $308,364.80 to the Grant Fund Transportation Department Extraordinary Expenditures account.
23 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 26-37, which requested that the City Manager work with the Mayor’s Office, Law Department, Election Commission, and other relevant City departments to engage the Collins Center in reviewing policy options for allowing Cambridge voters to directly elect the City’s Mayor.
24 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, regarding the Cambridge Preschool Program and the establishment of a Task Force charged with identifying policy solutions to expand supports for families with young children.
25 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments to the Joint Childcare Access Task Force.
1 City Council support of 32BJ SEIU Security Officers and Logan Airport Service Workers.
2 That the City Manager is requested to direct the relevant staff to light Cambridge City Hall in purple in recognition of this year’s I Sport Purple for Platelets! Day.
3 City Council support of the UE 256 graduate workers at MIT and their efforts to secure a fair contract.
4 That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Police Department and other relevant departments to develop a coordinated July 4th response plan for the Cherry Street, Harvard Street, and Fletcher Maynard Academy area to ensure that this spot not be utilized for the illegal use of fireworks.
5 Recognize Sunday, November 1, as “Color the World Orange Day,” an initiative to raise awareness for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and that the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to illuminate City Hall in orange on Sunday, November 1, 2026, in honor of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Awareness Month.
6 That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to illuminate City Hall in teal on Monday, November 2, 2026, in honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
7 Proclaim September 14 as Blessed Sacrament Drill Team and Color Guard Day in Cambridge, and that the City Council go on record celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Blessed Sacrament Drill Team and Color Guard and recognizing its artistic achievements, historic contributions, and nine decades of commitment to empowering young people through discipline, teamwork, creativity, and community.
8 Recognize September 2026 as Meet Your Neighbor Month in the City of Cambridge, commending the Peace Commission for its leadership, and encouraging all Cambridge residents to take this opportunity to meet a neighbor, share stories, and build the connections that strengthen our community.
9 That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to develop a coordinated initiative to improve and streamline the permitting and licensing process for small businesses.
10 City Council support of protecting and strengthening Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
11 That the City Solicitor engage the services of a suitable law firm, in consultation with the City’s Chief People Officer and with approval of the City Solicitor, to negotiate an employment contract with Paula M. Crane on behalf of the City Council.
12 That the City Council urge the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts General Court to prioritize the hiring of additional DTA case workers to ensure those eligible for SNAP are able to receive and maintain benefits and taking other steps needed to end the SNAP access crisis.
1 Cambridge Street Active Use Zoning petition
2 Massachusetts Avenue Active Use Zoning petition
1 An application was received from MIT Museum requesting permission for a fourteen temporary banners along Memorial Drive to Sydney Street, Ames Street and the Longfellow Bridge announcing Mind the Gap, Crochet Coral Reef and Essential MIT from August 11, 2026 through April 1, 2027.
2 An application has been received from David Hamming representing TD Bank, requesting permission for a projecting blade sign at the premises numbered 1270 Massachusetts Avenue approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department. Abutter's approval and proof of mailing have been submitted.
3 An application was received from Jessica Quirk, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 202 Garden 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.
4 An application was received from Jason Parillo representing MIT Welcome Center, requesting permission for a projecting blade sign at the premises numbered 292 Main Street approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters proof of mailing.
1 Condolences to the family of Alice Allayne Burke.
2 Condolences to the family of Juliette Love.
3 Congratulations to Jennifer Fang, Yvonne Gittens, Jennie Kwo, Ayesha M. Wilson, and Neveaha King for being honored at YWCA Cambridge’s 31st Annual Tribute to Outstanding Women.
4 Condolences to the family of Timothy E. Murphy.
5 Happy 80th Birthday to Caroline Hunter.
6 Resolution on the death of Sachiko Tanaka Rodes.
7 That the City Council go on record celebrating and honoring Saint Peter’s School on the joyous occasion of its 125th anniversary.
8 Honoring the Blessed Sacrament Drill Team and Color Guard
1 The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on April 28, 2026 to review and discuss the Residential Permit Parking Program, associated costs, and the relationship between the program, the services it provides, and the general use of the public ways in Cambridge.
2 The Finance Committee and Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a joint public hearing on April 30, 2026 with Harvard University to discuss and receive and update on the Harvard University Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement.
3 The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 to convene a roundtable of representatives from the Cambridge and Greater Cambridge startup ecosystem to provide insight into current conditions, emerging needs, and specific ways the City can strengthen its support for startups and enhance the local innovation environment.
4 The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on June 22, 2026 to review and discuss the 5-year update to the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) including recommendations from the analysis and evaluation and feedback from community meetings.
5 The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on June 24, 2026 to discuss micromobility in Cambridge, including current safety trends, the recently filed State legislation “Ride Safe Act,” and next steps for education and enforcement considerations.
1 A communication has been received from Interim City Clerk Paula Crane, regarding an update regarding legislative activity.
2 A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding information from the City of Cambridge participation in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.
3 A communication from Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi and Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler transmitting a memorandum regarding information from the Social Housing Task Force.
4 A Communication from Councillor Nolan Regarding Reconsideration of the Alcohol License Home Rule Policy Order
5 A Communication from Councillors Nolan and Al-Zubi Regarding a Proposed Schedule for Budget Related Finance Committee Hearings
6 A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding information from the School Committee.
1 Late Resolution for Leukemia Awareness Month 2026
2 Resolution for Rindge Alumni Association’s 128th Annual Reunion Dinner
1 Awaiting Report Status Update 9.14.26
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
6 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.
7 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.
8 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.
9 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.
10 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.
11 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.
12 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.
13 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.
14 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
15 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.
16 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.
17 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.
18 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.
19 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with an initial feasibility update no later than December 31, 2026, including possible event models, governance structure, estimated costs, potential funding sources, recommended City and community partners, community engagement opportunities, programming concepts, permitting needs, public safety coordination, logistical considerations, and an implementation timeline for launching the revived Central Square World’s Fair in September 2027.
20 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide a preliminary assessment of the economic effects of Cambridge's 2026 summer program include in the report already requested under Policy Order 2026-130: (1) the preliminary economic assessment described above; (2) an update on state advocacy and the legislative options available to Cambridge; and (3) a preliminary outline of the policy options the City Council could consider if the necessary state authority is granted, including possible program scope, eligibility, safeguards, and timing, with the report due no later than October 1, 2
21 That the City Manager be and hereby 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 and report back to the City Council within 60 days.
22 That the City Manager be and hereby 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 and report back to the Economic Development and University Relations Committee of the City Council in a timely manner.
23 That the City Manager, working in collaboration with the Urban Forestry Department, Inspectional Services and IT, be and hereby is requested to devise a fuller, easier to navigate public accounting system that is searchable by neighborhood and report back to the City Council regarding improved tree loss accounting and reporting systems by October 1, 2026.
24 That the City Manager be and hereby 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, ensuring that all programs are done in the most cost-effective way for the City and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.
25 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to provide a recommendation and outline procedures for implementing Ch. 40U for Short-Term Rental violations, and provide recommendations for any other ordinance violations to enforce with Chapter 40U and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.
26 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene all departments involved in permitting, reviewing, advising on, or overseeing building related activities to develop a coordinated, transparent, and consistently communicated process and report back on progress and preliminary recommendations to the appropriate Council committee at the September 14th Council meeting.
27 That the City Manager be and hereby 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 and report back to the City Council on the available options, necessary permissions, anticipated costs, and proposed next steps in a timely manner.
28 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to explore the feasibility of establishing a citywide digital wayfinding and information kiosk program on publicproperty throughout Cambridge and report back to the City Council with findings and recommendations, including whether the City should proceed with the development and issuance of a competitive Request for Proposals for a citywide digital wayfinding and information kiosk network.

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