CMA 2026-264 · Agenda item attachment · Sep 14 2026

CMA 2026-264 IN CITY COUNCIL September 14, 2026 To the Honorable, the City Council: I am writing to recommend the following person for appointment to the Police Review and Advisory Board (PRAB) for a term of five years, effective September 14, 2026: • David Canavan (appointment) The Police Review and Advisory Board is a volunteer body of five Cambridge residents that provides independent civilian oversight of the Cambridge Police Department. PRAB is responsible for reviewing investigations conducted by the Police Department’s Professional Standards Unit and advising on policies and practices to promote accountability, transparency, and public trust. PRAB currently has one vacancy on its five-member board. Board members must be Cambridge residents and may not hold any other City position, nor may their immediate family members hold another City position while they serve. Members are expected to demonstrate an active interest in public affairs and community service, and to fulfill the goals and objectives of the PRAB Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.74). The City Manager’s Office posted a request for applications for PRAB on the City website and via a news release first on July 21, 2026, with a closing date of August 21, 2026. During that time, Board members conducted outreach through their networks, and the opportunity was also shared through City communication channels. PRAB staff also conducted targeted outreach to community-based organizations and networks, with the goal of ensuring that the applicant pool reflected the City’s racial, social, and economic diversity. There were 17 applicants, 4 of whom were interviewed by a panel consisting of City staff and current PRAB members. Following the interview process, the panel recommends the appointment of the individual listed below. New Appointment:

David Canavan David brings more than 25 years of experience working with law enforcement, first responders, and government agencies in complex public sector and emergency response settings. His work has focused on strengthening systems, improving policy and practice, and building consensus across agencies and communities with differing perspectives. He also previously served as Chair of the Northampton Human Rights Commission, giving him direct experience with issues involving government authority, individual rights, and community trust. His combination of public safety experience, oversight work, and commitment to accountability would make him a strong addition to PRAB. I appreciate David’s willingness to serve the City of Cambridge and, with your approval, look forward to his appointment to the Police Review and Advisory Board. Very truly yours, Yi-An Huang City Manager

City of Cambridge A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of David Canavan to the Police Review and Advisory Board for a term of five years.