Foreign Policy Issues in the City Council

POR 2026-101 FIRST IN COUNCIL May 11, 2026 City of Cambridge COUNCILLOR NOLAN COUNCILLOR SIMMONS WHEREAS: At times, the Cambridge City Council submits resolutions or policy orders that do not directly relate to municipal business, but are nevertheless important to note because of the impact on Cambridge residents or the City government; and WHEREAS: Some resolutions, while important morally or symbolically, are not directly related to the impact on Cambridge residents or the City government and can take up valuable City Council business hours on debate and public comment, without ultimately making a significant material impact on residents; and WHEREAS: Previously, the City Council adopted POR 2024 #13, which asked the City Council to discuss the topic of foreign policy resolutions in the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee; and WHEREAS: The question of when it may be appropriate to address foreign policy issues at regular meetings of the City Council and how and when to have such discussions of importance to the community was not brought back to the full city council and that discussion is important; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee and the Civic Unity Committee hold a joint meeting as soon as possible to discuss the topic of including foreign policy resolutions in regular City Council meetings. In City Council May 11, 2026. Adopted by a yea and nay vote:- Yeas 6; Nays 3; Absent 0.- Attest:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane Interim City Clerk