City Council — Regular Meeting, August 3, 2026

City Manager's Agenda (33)

• City Manager's report2026 · #211a federal update including an update on relevant court casesSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Manager📖 readCMA 2026-211
• City Manager's report2026 · #212a response to Awaiting Report 26-22 regarding election workersSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City ManagerlaborCMA 2026-212
• City Manager's report2026 · #213the Sixth Annual Cycling Safety Ordinance Progress ReportSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managerbike lanes📖 readCMA 2026-213
• City Manager's report2026 · #214potential alternative methods of curb cut reviewSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managertenants renttransit traffic📖 readCMA 2026-214
• City Manager's report2026 · #214potential alternative methods of curb cut reviewSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managertenants renttransit traffic📖 readCMA 2026-214
• City Manager's report2026 · #214potential alternative methods of curb cut reviewSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managertenants renttransit traffic📖 readCMA 2026-214
• City Manager's report2026 · #215the 2026 Annual Report of the Affordable Housing OverlaySubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Manageraffordable housinghousing generalzoning📖 readCMA 2026-215
• City Manager's report2026 · #218edits to the Massachusetts Avenue Active Use Zoning PetitionSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managerzoning📖 readCMA 2026-218
• City Manager's report2026 · #218edits to the Massachusetts Avenue Active Use Zoning PetitionSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managerzoning📖 readCMA 2026-218
• City Manager's report2026 · #218edits to the Massachusetts Avenue Active Use Zoning PetitionSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managerzoning📖 readCMA 2026-218
• City Manager's report2026 · #218edits to the Massachusetts Avenue Active Use Zoning PetitionSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managerzoning📖 readCMA 2026-218
• City Manager's report2026 · #219edits to the Cambridge Street Active Use Zoning PetitionSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managerzoning📖 readCMA 2026-219
• City Manager's report2026 · #219edits to the Cambridge Street Active Use Zoning PetitionSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managerzoning📖 readCMA 2026-219
• City Manager's report2026 · #219edits to the Cambridge Street Active Use Zoning PetitionSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managerzoning📖 readCMA 2026-219
• City Manager's report2026 · #219edits to the Cambridge Street Active Use Zoning PetitionSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managerzoning📖 readCMA 2026-219
• City Manager's report2026 · #224opportunities to streamline the permitting processSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managerclimatehousing generaltreeszoning📖 readCMA 2026-224
• City Manager's report2026 · #224opportunities to streamline the permitting processSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managerclimatehousing generaltreeszoning📖 readCMA 2026-224
• City Manager's report2026 · #229the appropriation of $117,000.00 from the GROW Early Childhood Education (ECE) GrantSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City ManagerCMA 2026-229
• City Manager's report2026 · #232the appropriation of $161,982.00 from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) GrantSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City ManagerCMA 2026-232
• City Manager's report2026 · #235the appointment of Will MacArthur to the Social Housing Task ForceSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Manageraffordable housinghousing generalCMA 2026-235
• City Manager's report2026 · #216a Police Review & Advisory Board Quarterly Report for the second quarter of 2026Submitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managerpolice safety📖 readCMA 2026-216
• City Manager's report2026 · #216a Police Review & Advisory Board Quarterly Report for the second quarter of 2026Submitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managerpolice safety📖 readCMA 2026-216
• City Manager's report2026 · #220awaiting 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 violationsSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managertransit traffic📖 readCMA 2026-220
• City Manager's report2026 · #221appropriation of $94,531.00 from the State 911 Department Support and Incentive GrantSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City ManagerCMA 2026-221
• City Manager's report2026 · #222the appropriation of $24,336.00 from the FY27 State 911 Department Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) GrantSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City ManagerCMA 2026-222
• City Manager's report2026 · #223the appropriation of $9,800.60 from the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) GrantSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City ManagerCMA 2026-223
• City Manager's report2026 · #225the appropriation of $3,606.43 from the State Executive Office of Public Safety Department of Fire Services GrantSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managerpolice safetyCMA 2026-225
• City Manager's report2026 · #226the appropriation of $30,000.00 from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) Jail Diversion Program GrantSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City ManagerCMA 2026-226
• City Manager's report2026 · #227the appropriation of $6,823,498.00 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Continuum of Care (CoC) Program GrantSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Managerhousing generalCMA 2026-227
• City Manager's report2026 · #228the appropriation of $506,088.00 from the Summer Food Service Program for Children GrantSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City ManagerCMA 2026-228
• City Manager's report2026 · #230the appropriation of $263,815.00 from the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement GrantSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City ManagerCMA 2026-230
• City Manager's report2026 · #231the appropriation of $154,491.00 from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Adult and Community Learning Services GrantSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City ManagerCMA 2026-231
• City Manager's report2026 · #233the appropriation of $179,500.00 from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission Community Mitigation FundSubmitted by Yi-An Huang, City ManagerCMA 2026-233

Communications & Reports from Other City Officers (5)

• City officer's report2026 · #104A Communication from Councillor Nolan Submitting Proposed Amendments to Short Term Rental Zoning Petitionzoning📖 readCOF 2026-104
• City officer's report2026 · #105an update regarding legislative activitySubmitted by Interim City Clerk Paula Cranehousing general📖 readCOF 2026-105
• City officer's report2026 · #105an update regarding legislative activitySubmitted by Interim City Clerk Paula Cranehousing general📖 readCOF 2026-105
• City officer's report2026 · #105an update regarding legislative activitySubmitted by Interim City Clerk Paula Cranehousing general📖 readCOF 2026-105
• City officer's report2026 · #106a memorandum regarding information from the School CommitteeSubmitted by Mayor Siddiquilaborschools📖 readCOF 2026-106

Communications (1)

1 resident communication received for this meeting. Individual letters are summarized in the city's agenda and are not republished here, by policy.

Policy Orders (17)

• Policy order2026 · #133Asks the City Manager 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 eventsCouncil requestartsPOR 2026-133
• Policy order2026 · #141City 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 publicCouncil orderPOR 2026-141
• Policy order2026 · #142regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2026, be and hereby is canceled in observance of Yom KippurCouncil orderPOR 2026-142
• Policy order2026 · #145Asks the City Manager to report back to the City Council regarding improved tree loss accounting and reporting systems by October 1, 2026Council requesttreesPOR 2026-145
• Policy order2026 · #147City Council accept M.G.L. Ch. 40U as a method of collecting some finesCouncil orderPOR 2026-147
• Policy order2026 · #148Greater Interdepartmental Coordination and Community Information Sharing Relating to DevelopmentPOR 2026-148
• Policy order2026 · #149City Council support of the SEIU 32BJ facilities workers at MIT and their efforts to secure a fair contractlaborPOR 2026-149
• Policy order2026 · #152Asks the City Manager 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 refinementCouncil requestPOR 2026-152
• Policy order2026 · #134Asks the City Manager 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.mCouncil requestPOR 2026-134
• Policy order2026 · #135Asks the City Manager 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 waysCouncil requestPOR 2026-135
• Policy order2026 · #140Asks the City Manager 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 premisesCouncil request📖 readPOR 2026-140
• Policy order2026 · #143Asks the City Manager to work with relevant City departments to explore options for reforming and modernizing the License Commission, including through the home rule petition processCouncil requestPOR 2026-143
• Policy order2026 · #144City 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 sitesCouncil orderhomelessnesshousing generaltenants rentPOR 2026-144
• Policy order2026 · #146Asks the City Manager 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 EnforcementCouncil requesttransit trafficPOR 2026-146
• Policy order2026 · #150Asks the City Manager 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 CambridgeCouncil requestPOR 2026-150
• Policy order2026 · #151Asks the City Manager to explore the feasibility of establishing a citywide digital wayfinding and information kiosk program on public property throughout CambridgeCouncil requestPOR 2026-151
• Policy order2026 · #153Cambridge 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 CambridgeCouncil orderclimatePOR 2026-153

Resolutions (12)

• Resolution2026 · #102Resolution thanking organizers of the 2026 Dance PartyRES 2026-102
• Resolution2026 · #103Resolution on the death of Dr. Charles B. MillsteinRES 2026-103
• Resolution2026 · #105Condolences to the family of Xavier BautistaRES 2026-105
• Resolution2026 · #106Condolences to the family of Marcia E. BrathwaiteRES 2026-106
• Resolution2026 · #107Resolution on the death of Christopher Anne AffleckRES 2026-107
• Resolution2026 · #108Congratulations to Glenn Koocher on his retirementRES 2026-108
• Resolution2026 · #109Biosafety Awareness DayRES 2026-109
• Resolution2026 · #111Condolences to the family of Patricia Welbourn LorschRES 2026-111
• Resolution2026 · #112Condolences to the family of Vincent “Vince” Lawrence DixonRES 2026-112
• Resolution2026 · #113Resolution on the death of Mallory SlateRES 2026-113
• Resolution2026 · #114Condolences to the family of Corey J. HeadleyRES 2026-114
• Resolution2026 · #110Cambridge City Council go on record thanking Michele Kincaid for her many years of service to the City of Cambridge and wishing her a happy retirementCouncil orderRES 2026-110

Ordinances (1)

• Ordinance2026 · #8A. A Zoning Petition has been received from Doug Brown to amend the current Article(s) and/or section(s) numbered and entitled Articles 2, 5, 6, 11 and 19 height, setback, parking, open space and design review requirementstransit trafficzoning📖 readORD 2026-8

Applications & Petitions (3)

• Application / petition2026 · #39a 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 associationApplication from Matt Hayestransit traffic📖 readAPP 2026-39
• Application / petition2026 · #41a 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 associationApplication from Adam Siegeltransit traffic📖 readAPP 2026-41
• Application / petition2026 · #43a 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 associationApplication from Patrick Contetransit traffic📖 readAPP 2026-43

Other Business (16)

• AR 2026-44 — 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. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern [housing-general] (assigned by posting date)
• CC 2026-69 — 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. [bike-lanes] 📖 read (assigned by posting date)
• CC 2026-69 — 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. [bike-lanes] 📖 read (assigned by posting date)
• CC 2026-70 — 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. [arts] [zoning] 📖 read (assigned by posting date)
• CC 2026-70 — 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. [arts] [zoning] 📖 read (assigned by posting date)
• CC 2026-71 — 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. [zoning] 📖 read (assigned by posting date)
• CC 2026-71 — 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. [zoning] 📖 read (assigned by posting date)
• CC 2026-81 — Hearing Schedule [zoning] 📖 read (assigned by posting date)
• AR 2026-45 — 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. Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern [bike-lanes] [police-safety] [transit-traffic] 📖 read (assigned by posting date)
• CC 2026-67 — 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. [police-safety] 📖 read (assigned by posting date)
• CC 2026-67 — 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. [police-safety] 📖 read (assigned by posting date)
• CC 2026-68 — 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. [police-safety] [schools] 📖 read (assigned by posting date)
• CC 2026-72 — 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 residential uses in Residence C-1 districts, among other changes. [affordable-housing] [housing-general] [transit-traffic] [zoning] 📖 read (assigned by posting date)
• CC 2026-72 — 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 residential uses in Residence C-1 districts, among other changes. [affordable-housing] [housing-general] [transit-traffic] [zoning] 📖 read (assigned by posting date)
• CC 2026-72 — 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 residential uses in Residence C-1 districts, among other changes. [affordable-housing] [housing-general] [transit-traffic] [zoning] 📖 read (assigned by posting date)
• CC 2026-72 — 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 residential uses in Residence C-1 districts, among other changes. [affordable-housing] [housing-general] [transit-traffic] [zoning] 📖 read (assigned by posting date)