a DRAFT City Council Goals document for discussion

1 | P a g e Cambridge City Council Values Statement and Goals Draft 4/11/24 Introduction The City Council met in February 2024 and discussed setting high-level goals to guide overall priorities and support communicating major areas of work to the community. City Councilors discussed areas of consensus based on their priorities and incorporating the results of the 2023 resident survey, a representative sample of Cambridge residents that was conducted in September 2023. Proposed Values Statement The Cambridge City Council is committed to developing policies that are reflective of the shared values of our community, recognizing the diversity of our city including race, sexual orientation, nationality, income, age and ability. We will conduct our deliberations with transparency, community engagement, and consideration of the financial and social implications on our residents, nonprofits, and businesses. The City of Cambridge continues to be committed to other key areas – including but not limited to public safety and development of public spaces, childcare / afterschool care, childhood education, and mental health and substance use disorders. Proposed City Council Goals 1. Housing and Zoning: Address the housing crisis by making it easier to build more housing of all types with a focus on affordability and protections for low and middle-income residents 2. Economic Opportunity and Equity: Ensure that Cambridge offers economic opportunities to all residents and is taking steps toward greater economic equity 3. Transportation: Improve the safety, efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability of transportation options for all residents and advocate for key transit priorities with the MBTA and other state and regional partners 4. Sustainability and climate resilience: Deepen City of Cambridge commitment to addressing climate change through the sustainable use of energy and strengthening climate resilience 5. Government and council performance: The City Council is committed to close collaboration with the city administration to make better decisions, communicate transparently, and deepen accountability and engagement with the community