City Council Value Statement and Priority Areas for the 2026-2027 term

To: Cambridge City Council From: Sumbul Siddiqui, Mayor Date: February 5, 2026 Subject: City Council Value Statement and Priority Areas for the 2026-2027 term OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Sumbul Siddiqui Mayor (2020-21, 2022-23, 2026-27) To the Honorable, the City Council: I write to share the following statement, updated based on feedback received during the City Council’s public goal-setting session on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Upon placement on file, this document will serve as City Council’s value statement and priority areas for the new term. This update reflects the high-level themes that emerged during the discussion, including the broad nature of the original goals and the need to clearly differentiate between values, areas of focus, and measurable, implementable policy objectives. In response to Council’s input, the term “goals” has been revised to “priority areas.” Additionally, minor language adjustments have been made while preserving the overall intent of the original statement. Thank you for your participation in the goal-setting session and for your thoughtful feedback. I look forward to continuing discussions in the coming weeks on advancing these shared priorities through committee work and other creative, collaborative avenues. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or for additional information. Sincerely, Sumbul Siddiqui Mayor of Cambridge (2020-21, 2022-23, 2026-27)

2026-2027 Cambridge City Council Value Statement and Priority Areas Value Statement The Cambridge City Council is committed to developing policies that reflect the shared values of our community and recognize the diversity of our city — including but not limited to race and ethnicity, nationality and immigration status, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, and socioeconomic status. We will conduct our deliberations with transparency, accountability, and community partnership, thoughtfully considering the financial and social impacts on all who live, work, visit, and do business in Cambridge. City Council Priority Areas 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, middle-income, elderly, and disabled residents. 2. Economic Opportunity and Equity: Ensure the City of Cambridge offers economic opportunities to all residents and businesses and is taking steps toward greater economic equity, especially among our marginalized communities. 3. Transportation: Improve the safety, efficiency, access, and sustainability of transportation options for all, and advocate for key transit priorities with the MBTA and other state and regional partners. 4. Sustainability and Climate Resilience: Deepen the City of Cambridge’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis through the use of sustainable energy and strengthening climate resilience and supporting our residents and businesses through this transition. 5. Government and Council Performance: Uphold high standards of City services, governance, and decision-making by working in close collaboration with each other and City staff, communicating transparently, and engaging with the community.