The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 on the City and School budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.

1 MINUTES OF THE CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Councillor Nolan, Co-Chair Councillor Al-Zubi, Co-Chair Vice Mayor Azeem Councillor Flaherty Councillor McGovern McGovern Councillor Simmons Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler Councillor Zusy Mayor Siddiqui A public meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s Finance Committee was held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The meeting was Called to Order at 9:00 a.m. by the Co-Chair, Councillor Nolan. Pursuant to Chapter 20 of the Acts of 2025 adopted by Massachusetts General Assembly and approved by the Governor, this public meeting was hybrid, allowing participation in person, in the Sullivan Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA and by remote participation via Zoom. At the request of the Co-Chair, Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Vice Mayor Azeem – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Councillor Flaherty – Absent* Councillor McGovern – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Councillor Nolan – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Councillor Simmons – Absent* Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Councillor Zusy – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Mayor Siddiqui – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Present – 7, Absent – 2. Quorum established. *Councillor Flaherty was present in the Sullivan Chamber at 12:08p.m. *Councillor Simmons was present and remote at 10:03a.m. Co-Chair Councillor Nolan offered opening remarks and noted that the call of the meeting was to discuss the City budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Present at the meeting was City Manager Yi-An Huang, Deputy City Manager, Kathy Watkins, Assistant City Manager for Finance, Claire Spinner, Assistance Finance Director, Michele Kincaid, Budget Director, Taha Jennings, Principal Budget Analysis, Daniel Liss, and Melissa Liu, Participatory Budget and Engagement Coordinator. Also present was City Auditor, Joe McCann and Director of Administration and Operations, Matt Nelson.

2 Co-Chair Nolan recognized City Manager Huang who offered opening remarks and thanked the Finance and Budget teams for their hard work preparing the FY27 budget and shared that he looks forward to the conversations regarding the goals and priorities of the City Council and the City as they are reflected through the budget. Co-Chair Nolan provided a brief overview of what was expected of the meeting and noted that there were FY27 Budget Finance Committee meetings that were held in advance of the Budget Hearings. reviewed the list of Departments that have been pulled by Councillors for questions (Attachment A) regarding the budget. The Departments that were pulled were, Arts Council, Community Development (CDD), Housing, Human Services (DHSP), Finance Administration, Auditing, Budget, Information Technology (IT), Cable TV, Communications and Community Engagement, Election Commission, Executive Office, Human Resources (HR), Employee Benefits, Law, and Equity and Inclusion. Co-Chair Nolan made a motion to forward the Purchasing, Treasury/Revenue, City Clerk, City Council, Assessing, Mayor’s Office, and Tourism proposed budgets to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Absent Councillor McGovern – Yes Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Absent Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 7, No – 0, Absent – 2. Motion passed. ARTS COUNICL Co-Chair Nolan recognized Councillor Zusy for comments and questions related to the three- year regional study. Jason Weeks, Executive Director, provided a detailed overview of the study and how it benefited the arts in Cambridge. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Mayor Siddiqui and Co- Chair Al-Zubi for questions related to the upcoming Porch Fest and the artists in residency program. Jason Weeks responded by sharing an update on Porch Fest and explained that the Arts Council coordinates with partners to make the Artist in Residency program a creative opportunity for people, as well as reviewing how the program is funded. Councillor McGovern asked for an update regarding restorations to the Gift of the Wind in Porter Square. Jason Weeks shared information related to discussions happening with the MBTA on how to move forward with the restorations. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Councillor Zusy who made a motion to forward the Arts Council FY27 proposed budget to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes

3 Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Absent Councillor McGovern – Yes Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Absent Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 7, No – 0, Absent – 2. Motion passed. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Co-Chair Nolan recognized the team from Community Development which included Melissa Peters, Assistant City Manager, Jen Caira, Deputy Chief of Planning, Sandra Clarke, Deputy Director, Jeff Roberts, Director of Zoning and Development, and Pardis Saffari, Director of Economic Development. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Councillor Zusy and Co-Chair Al-Zubi for questions and comments related to the budget increase, grant money, and social housing. Melissa Peters responded to questions and explained that the budget increase reflects Department reorganization within CDD and provided an overview of the factors that contributed to fewer businesses receiving grants. Melissa Peters shared her excitement for future discussions with the City Council related to social housing and shared information on how that City Council goal reflects in the budget, adding that the Department may need outside consultants to help guide the task force when it’s created. Additionally, Melissa Peters responded to questions from Co-Chair Nolan and Mayor Siddiqui related to the use of AI within CDD and how the community is being made aware of the reorganization within the Department. Co-Chair Nolan made a motion to forward the Community Development Department proposed FY27 budget to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Absent Councillor McGovern – Yes Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Absent Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 7, No – 0, Absent – 2. Motion passed. HOUSING Housing 9:46 Chris Cotter, Maura Pensak Co-Chair Nolan introduced Chris Cotter, Housing Director and Maura Pensak, Housing Liaison.

4 Co-Chair Nolan recognized Councillor Zusy for questions related to the proposed budget. Chris Cotter explained how the budget reflects the range of work the Housing Department is doing and provided information related to the HIP program and Block grants. Chris Cotter and Maura Pensak responded to Councillor McGovern’s questions and concerns related to naturally occurring affordable units and the Tenant Right Task Force. Co-Chair Al-Zubi asked for more information related to housing vouchers and case management support. Maura Pensak responded and shared how all the 20 vouchers have been used and shared information related case management efforts. Co-Chair Nolan asked how the Housing budget works with other Departments for long-term housing support. Chris Cotter reviewed information related to stabilization support services and other services and partnerships that offer supportive housing, while Maura Pensak reviewed how the Housing Department works with other City services for housing support. Councillor Zusy asked additional questions related to the Housing budget and program administration. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Mayor Siddiqui who made a motion to forward the Housing Department proposed FY27 budget to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Absent Councillor McGovern – Yes Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Yes Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 8, No – 0, Absent – 1. Motion passed. HUMAN SERVICES Co-Chair Nolan recognized Joseph Corazzani, Assistant City Manager for DHSP for opening remarks. Jospeh Corazzani introduced his team which included Manisha Tibrewal, Assistant Director of Administration, Michelle Farnum, Assistant Director of Child, Youth, and Family Services, Sue Walsh, Assistant Director of Adult and Family Services, and Cheryl Ohlson, Executive Director Office of Early Childhood. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Councillor Zusy, Councillor McGovern, Co-Chair Al-Zubi, and Mayor Siddiqui for questions and comments related to the budget, which included Workforce Development, collaboration with RSTA Programs, lottery programs, the Fresh Pond Golf Course, and after school. Co-Chair Nolan followed up with questions related to preschool and out of school time, and adult and senior services. The entire team was available to respond to questions and provided detailed information on the essential programs that are run by DHSP across the city and how the budget helps to support those programs.

5 Co-Chair Nolan recognized Councillor McGovern who made a motion to forward the Department of Human Services proposed FY27 budget to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Absent Councillor McGovern – Yes Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Yes Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 8, No – 0, Absent – 1. Motion passed. FINANCE ADMINISTRATION Co-Chair Nolan recognized Claire Spinner who gave opening remarks and acknowledged the other City departments she and the Budget team worked with during the budget season, as well as the City Council. Claire Spinner was joined by Michele Kincaid and Taha Jennings. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Councillor Zusy for questions related to health insurance, salary and wages, and ordinary maintenance. Claire Spinner provided information related to employee health insurance contributions and the Health Care Trust and how it funds the health cost in the general budget. Claire Spinner provided information related to predicted salary increases and wages and Michele Kincaid reviewed ordinary maintenance. Councillor McGovern thanked the Finance team for all their work. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Co-Chair Al-Zubi who made a motion to forward Finance Administration proposed FY27 budget to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Absent Councillor Flaherty – Absent Councillor McGovern – Yes Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Absent Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 6, No – 0, Absent – 3. Motion passed. AUDITING Co-Chair Nolan asked clarifying question related to the addition of one FTE within the Department. Claire Spinner responded and noted that there was an error last year in the budget

6 book and that this is not an increase in staffing numbers, these numbers reflect the correct number of staff within the Auditing Department. Co-Chair Nolan made a motion to forward the Auditing Department proposed FY27 budget to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Absent Councillor McGovern – Yes Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Absent Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 7, No – 0, Absent – 2. Motion passed. BUDGET Co-Chair Nolan recognized Taha Jennings, Claire Spinner, Michele Kincaid, Kathy Watkins, and Melissa Liu who were available to respond to budget related questions on Community Budget Walkthrough events and the utilization of office space and renting space brought forward by Co-Chair Nolan. Co-Chair Nolan made a motion to forward the Budget Department proposed FY27 budget to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Absent Councillor McGovern – Yes Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Absent Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 7, No – 0, Absent – 2. Motion passed. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Co-Chair Nolan recognized Jay Fusco, Chief Information Officer, who was joined by Eric Belford, Deputy Director of Digital Services, Raecia Catching, Chief People Officer, and Claire Spinner. Jay Fusco offered opening remarks and responded to questions from Co-Chair Nolan and Councillor Zusy. Co-Chair Nolan had questions on the increase in the software license and the five-year investment being made to shift the City into a new system. Jay Fusco explained that the department’s budget increase is largely related to higher software subscription and licensing costs and shared that vendors are moving more features into higher-priced costs. Claire Spinner

7 and Raecia Catchings reviewed the City’s planned ERP system replacement and explained that the project is expected to be a multi-year effort and how the new system will be easily accessible and beneficial for employees., Councillor Zusy asked whether the annual NIST cybersecurity framework maturity score of 5.3 was out of 6, and staff confirmed that it was and explained that the score helps guide future cybersecurity investments. Staff added that Cambridge has a strong cybersecurity program, but continues to look for ways to improve and reviews vendor cybersecurity practices when choosing or continuing technology systems. Co-Chair Nolan made a motion to forward the Information Technology Departments proposed FY27 budget to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Absent Councillor McGovern – Yes Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Absent Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 7, No – 0, Absent – 2. Motion passed. CABLE TV Co-Chair Nolan recognized Calvin Lindsay, Director of 22-City View. Calvin Lindsay responded to questions brought forward by Councillor Zusy, Co-Chair Al-Zubi, and Co-Chair Nolan related to ordinary maintenance, the relationship between 22 City-View and CCTV, a new combined playback system, and how the City assesses viewership of 22-City View. Calvin Lindsay explained the relationship between 22 City-View and CCTV is a result of a funding agreement with Comcast and provided a brief overview of what the playback system is as it relates to broadcasting and why it is an important tool for both 22 City-View and CCTV. Calvin Lindsay shared information related to viewership and noted that the Department is in early stages of discussing how to provide a broader service to residents of Cambridge. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Councillor Zusy who made a motion to forward the Cable TV proposed FY27 budget to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Absent Councillor McGovern – Absent Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Absent Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes

8 Yes – 6, No – 0, Absent – 3. Motion passed. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT Co-Chair Nolan recognized Lee Gianetti, Director of Communications and Community Engagement, Jeremy Warnick, Director of Media Relations and Content Strategy, Crystal Rosa, Language Access Manager, and Jackson Price, Director of Community Engagement. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy, Councillor McGovern, and Co-Chair Al- Zubi for questions and comments related to the Civic Outreach Squad, open positions within the Department, Boards and Commissions, having the City website be more consistent, accessible, and user friendly for all residents, and outreach tools. Jackson Price provided a detailed overview of the Outreach Squad, their structure and initiatives, and how they are being used to benefit the City. Lee Gianetti provided the Committee with an update on the vacant positions within the Department and how they are planning on being filled, as well as information on how the Department has been running without the support of those positions. Lee Gianetti also provided an update on how the Department has been working with Boards and Commissions and being more hands-on to be successful with the changes that are being made, both internally and externally. Lee Gianetti explained how the Department is working with other Departments, such as IT, to work towards making updates and improvements to the City website. The team provided an overview of the outreach tools that they are utilizing to get information to residents. Co-Chair Nolan echoed comments made by Councillor McGovern related to updating and improving the City’s website and offered suggestions on how the Civic Outreach Squad could be utilized. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Councillor McGovern who made a motion to forward the Communications and Community Outreach Department proposed FY27 budget to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Yes Councillor McGovern – Yes Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Absent Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 8, No – 0, Absent – 1. Motion passed. Co-Chair Nolan made a motion for the Committee to go into recess. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Yes Councillor McGovern – Yes Councillor Nolan – Yes

9 Councillor Simmons – Absent Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 8, No – 0, Absent – 1. Motion passed. The Finance Committee went into recess at 12:35p.m. and reconvened at 1:14p.m. At the request of the Co-Chair, Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Vice Mayor Azeem – Present/Remote Councillor Flaherty – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Councillor McGovern – Absent* Councillor Nolan – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Councillor Simmons – Absent* Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Councillor Zusy – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Mayor Siddiqui – Present/In Sullivan Chamber Present – 7, Absent – 2. Quorum established. *Councillor McGovern was present in the Sullivan Chamber at 3:13p.m. *Councillor Simmons was present and remote at 2:36p.m. ELECTION COMMISISON Co-Chair Nolan recognized Tanya Ford, Executive Director, Lesley Waxman, Assistant Director, and Charles Marquardt, Election Commissioner. Co-Chair Nolan asked for more information related to the budget increase. Tanya Ford explained that the increase in the budget is to help support the multiple elections that will be occurring during this fiscal year. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Councillor Zusy for questions related to pre-registration for 16- and 17-year- olds and salaries and responsibilities related to Election Commissioners. Charles Marquardt provided an overview of the efforts that are made towards pre-registration and provided examples of how the Election Commission does outreach to teenagers in the community. Charles Marquardt and Tanya Ford provided an overview of the duties and responsibilities of staff as well as an overview of pay scales. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Councillor Flaherty who wanted to confirm that the Election Commission has enough in the budget to operate successfully, which Tanya Ford confirmed they did. Co-Chair Nolan made a motion to forward the Election Commission proposed FY27 budget to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Yes Councillor McGovern – Absent Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Absent Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes

10 Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 7, No – 0, Absent – 2. Motion passed. EXECUTIVE Co-Chair Nolan recognized City Manage Huang, Deputy City Manager Watkins, Matt Nelson, and Jane Licurse, Strategic Initiatives Advisor. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler who had questions related to the use of consultants versus City staff. City Manager Huang explained that the City does prefer to use in-house when possible because City staff have better knowledge of Cambridge, the community, and City operations. Kathy Watkins added that the City is reviewing consultant contracts more carefully to determine how the work can be handled. City Manager Huang and Jane Licurse provided a detailed overview of the Strategy Team and their efforts towards collaboration with Departments and what type of support they can provide. Councillor Zusy had questions related to See-Click-Fix and stipends for members of Boards and Commissions. Kathy Watkins share information related to response times and service level agreements. City Manager Huang provided information on stipends, noting that the Planning Board, Board of Zoning Appeal, Historical Commission, and American Freedman Commissions are ones who receive stipends and why the City provides a stipend for their service. Councillor Zusy had additional questions related to staffing levels within the Executive Office to which the City Manager Huang responded. Co-Chair Nolan followed up by asking for additional information on future saving processes and how the City will continue to identify savings in the upcoming budget years. City Manager Huang explained how the Budget Team worked with City Departments to identify savings for FY27 and will continue to be an ongoing practice, while also ensuring Departments are able to fulfill City Council goals with support from the budget. Co-Chair Nolan made a motion to forward the Executive Office proposed FY27 budget to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Yes Councillor McGovern – Absent Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Absent Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Absent Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 6, No – 0, Absent – 3. Motion passed. HUMAN RESOURCES Co-Chair Nolan recognized Chief People Officer, Raecia Cathings, City Manager Huang, and Deputy City Manager Watkins. Councillor Zusy asked for clarification on how many staff are union versus non-union and more information related to ordinary maintenance in the HR budget.

11 Raecia Catchings shared 45% of staff are union employees. Rae Catchings explained that ordinary maintenance includes contract work, licenses, tuition reimbursement, workers compensations, and other citywide initiatives. Co-Chair Nolan had additional questions related to the Department’s budget increase and where the Department was able to save money. Rae Catchings shared how the Department met savings goals by reducing legal costs and lowering licensing costs. Claire Spinner explained that other costs, such as salaries, union increases, fixed costs, and new centralized responsibilities, can still cause the overall budget to increase, which is why the Department did not meet the 2.1% in savings. Co-Chair Nolan provided additional comments related to the Compensation Study and that the City should be transparent and responsible with public dollars. Co-Chair Nolan made a motion to forward the Human Resources Department proposed FY27 budget to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Yes Councillor McGovern – Absent Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Absent Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Absent Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 6, No – 0, Absent – 3. Motion passed. EMPLOYEE BENFITS Co-Chair Nolan recognized Raecia Cathings, City Manager Huang, Deputy City Manger Watkins, Claire Spinner, and Taha Jennings. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Co-Chair Al-Zubi, Mayor Siddiqui, and Councillor Flaherty for questions related to minimum wage, the travel and training budget, health costs, and employee pensions. Co-Chair Nolan had questions related to healthcare costs. Raecai Catching explained she would be able to get more information back to the City Council related to the City’s living wage later and City Manager Huang shared that the City does not pay the state minimum wage because it follows the City’s Living Wage Ordinance. Claire Spinner reviewed the travel and training, and budget and explained that although that is the name of the budget category, the increase reflects medical bills and costs related to employees who are injured on the job. Joe McCann added that it is not necessarily a new cost, but more of a shift in where the cost is budgeted. Raecia Catchings reviewed the efforts that were made towards savings related to health benefits. Staff explained that depending on when an employee began working for the City, some employees may be eligible for pension plans that they do not contribute to, and the City budgets for those costs. Co-Chair Nolan had follow up questions related to the City’s healthcare costs and pension. Raecia Catchings further reviewed healthcare costs for active employees and retirees and explained pension liability. Co-Chair Nolan made a motion to forward the Employee Benefits Departments proposed FY27 budget to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation.

12 Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Yes Councillor McGovern – Absent Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Absent Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 7, No – 0, Absent – 2. Motion passed. LAW Co-Chair Nolan recognized City Solicitor, Megan Bayer, Deputy City Solicitor, Elliot Veloso, and Office Manager, Kelsey McGuffie. Solicitor Bayer offered opening remarks. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Mayor Siddiqui who asked questions related to the two new positions being added to the department. City Solicitor Bayer explained that additional positions are needed because the department’s workload already exceeds current capacity. Mayor Siddiqui also asked about outside counsel, and City Solicitor Bayer shared that the Department has spent approximately $312,000 on outside counsel so far this year and is trying to keep as much work in-house as possible. Councillor Zusy and Co-Chair Al-Zubi asked questions related to the number of public records requests and whether more information could be made available online to reduce the need for requests. Elliott Veloso explained that the increase is due to public awareness, better tracking, and more requests to the Police Department related to body camera footage. He also reviewed ways the City is looking to improve access to records. Councillor Flaherty commented on the amount of work handled by the Law Department and stated that the budget seemed low based on the department’s responsibilities. Co-Chair Nolan asked about legal work related to federal actions, the use of technology and AI, and future ordinance review work. City Solicitor Bayer explained that federal related legal work is ongoing, the department is using technology to improve efficiency, and AI can help with research but cannot replace attorneys because legal work still needs to be carefully reviewed and verified. Co-Chair Nolan made a motion to forward the Law Departments proposed FY27 budget to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Yes Councillor McGovern – Absent Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Absent Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 7, No – 0, Absent – 2. Motion passed.

13 EQUITY AND INCLUSION Co-Chair Nolan recognized Chief of Equity and Inclusion, Deidre Travis Brown, Executive Director of Human Rights, Carolina Almonte, Executive Director of Peace Commission, Saffana Anwar, and Executive Director for the Commission on the Status of Women and LGBTQ+, Shameka Gregory. Joining remotely was Executive Director of the Disability Commission, Rachel Tanenhaus. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Co-Chair Al-Zubi, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Flaherty, and Councillor Simmons who asked questions related to the American Freedmen Commission, the Police Review and Advisory Board, immigration legal aid, SMART goals, the Commission on the Status of Women, girls’ programming, domestic and gender-based violence work, and community engagement. Deidre Travis Brown and her team were available to respond. Deidre Travis Brown provided an updated to the American Freedmen Commission. Staff also explained that the decrease in the Police Review and Advisory Board budget will not impact its work and shared that legal aid services will continue to be supported. Additionally, staff reviewed how SMART goals have been developed for the Department and can share them with the City Council soon. Staff highlighted how community engagement is being coordinated across the different Commissions to help support outreach and communication with residents. Co-Chair Nolan made a motion to forward the Equity and Inclusion Department proposed FY27 budget to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Yes Councillor McGovern – Yes Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Yes Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 9. Motion passed. Co-Chair Nolan recognized Mayor Siddiqui who made a motion to adjourn the meeting Interim City Clerk Crane called the roll. Councillor Al-Zubi – Yes Vice Mayor Azeem – Yes Councillor Flaherty – Yes Councillor McGovern – Yes Councillor Nolan – Yes Councillor Simmons – Yes Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes Councillor Zusy – Yes Mayor Siddiqui – Yes Yes – 9. Motion passed.

14 The Finance Committee adjourned at approximately 3:49p.m. Attachment A – Questions from Committee members Clerk’s Note: The City of Cambridge/22 City View records every City Council meeting and every City Council Committee meeting. The video for this meeting can be viewed at: May 05, 2026 Finance Committee - Cambridge, MA In City Council June 1, 2026. Adopted by a yea and nay vote:- Yeas 8; Nays 0; Absent 1.- Attest:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane Interim City Clerk