That the City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to draft for discussion several ordinances to reduce or prohibit campaign donations from donors seeking to enter into a contract, seeking approval for a special permit or up-zoning, seeking to acquire real estate from the city, or seeking financial assistance from the city

City of Cambridge O-9 IN CITY COUNCIL June 10, 2019 COUNCILLOR CARLONE VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN WHEREAS: The perceived influence of money in politics leads to public mistrust of government on a federal, state and local level; and WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is considering several major developments seeking special exemption to the zoning code, and many such developers regularly contribute to political campaigns, creating a perceived conflict of interest, whether real or imagined; and WHEREAS: Many applicants for city contracts do not reside in Cambridge and their sole interest in city government is related to the contracts they seek, yet still contribute to political campaigns; and WHEREAS: The City of Los Angeles recently unanimously approved drafting legislation to ban contributions from developers and others doing business with the city or seeking approval on certain projects; and WHEREAS: The State of New Jersey enacted “pay to play” laws limiting political contributions made by business entities that are party to or are attempting to obtain contracts with New Jersey government entities; and WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council deliberated numerous times on the importance of campaign finance laws with no meaningful legislation adopted; and

WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Charter gives the City Council strong influence over development, and campaign donations from applicants give the perception, whether real or imagined, of favoritism; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to draft for discussion several ordinances to reduce or prohibit campaign donations from donors seeking to enter into a contract, seeking approval for a special permit or up-zoning, seeking to acquire real estate from the city, or seeking financial assistance from the city; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to refer said draft languages to the Ordinance Committee for deliberation and discussion.