That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Works, the Cambridge Public Libraries, the Department of Public Health, and all other relevant departments to provide free menstrual products in all gender bathrooms of the Cambridge Public Library branches

O-2 FIRST IN COUNCIL April 3, 2023 City of Cambridge VICE MAYOR MALLON MAYOR SIDDIQUI COUNCILLOR NOLAN WHEREAS: Access to menstrual products is essential to the welfare and wellbeing for all people; and WHEREAS: The growing unhoused community in Cambridge lacks basic access to these products due to economic factors, unstable access to public restrooms, and more; and WHEREAS: Lack of access to these products leaves individuals in a state of “period poverty,” ultimately resulting in unsanitary conditions that are otherwise preventable with access to pads, tampons, menstrual discs, cups, and more; and WHEREAS: Many states such as California and Maryland already provide access to menstrual products in public female restrooms; and WHEREAS: Cambridge already provides free menstrual products in Cambridge Public School girls’ restrooms, Cambridge youth centers, 5 Western Ave, and Cambridge City Hall; and WHEREAS: Library branches are another key location where members of the unhoused community can use a public restroom; and WHEREAS: The Cambridge Youth Council has advocated for the expanded placement of these products for all people and recognizes the importance of having access to menstrual products; and WHEREAS: Expanding this access to include all gender bathrooms at all branches of the Cambridge Public Library would greatly increase the amount of people who are able to access these products, and in turn provide an essential service to them; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Public Works, the Cambridge Public Libraries, the Department of Public Health, and all other relevant departments to provide free menstrual products in all gender bathrooms of the Cambridge Public Library branches; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on this matter by the April 24, 2023 regular City Council meeting.