The Rulebook
The CharterChapter — S.2598, Acts of 2025Approved by voters November 4, 2025 (73%). In force. The first new Cambridge charter since 1940. 47 pages.📄 the act as passed (malegislature.gov)sha256 6c4f4f1f4643…
The Code of OrdinancesMunicipal Code — 1,786 sectionsEvery ordinance in force, Titles 1–17: the laws the council makes. Hosted by the city's codifier.📄 the code (Municode)
The Council RulesAdopted June 1, 2026How the council runs its own meetings: holds, deadlines, roll calls, public comment. Re-adopted each term.📄 the adopted rules (City Clerk)sha256 218096a6ff41…
The mechanics this site cites
The charter right Council Rule 19 · M.G.L. c.43 §22
…if any member of the City Council objects, the measure shall be postponed for that meeting (the “Charter Right”) (M.G.L. c.43, §22). At the next regular or special meeting, the item which has been subject to the Charter Right shall come before the body.
The one rule that cannot be suspended (Rule 35A); does not apply to zoning ordinances. Seen on: item timelines, This Monday.
When votes are recorded Council Rule 6
All final votes of the City Council involving the expenditure of fifty dollars or more shall be by yeas and nays and shall be entered on the records. On the request of one member any vote shall be by yeas and nays and be entered upon the records.
Why some adoptions are voice votes with no roll call. Seen on: item vote blocks.
The reconsideration window Council Rule 34
Every ordinance and every order, resolution or vote shall after its passage remain in the possession of the City Clerk for thirty-six (36) hours after the day of the meeting for the purpose of giving any Councillor among those whose votes prevailed an opportunity to file notice of their intention to move reconsideration.
Seen on: item timelines (“Reconsideration filed”).
Agenda deadlines Council Rules 20, 20A, 20B
All matters of whatever description, except Applications and Petitions, which require action by the City Council at its meeting shall be presented to the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on the Thursday preceding the regular meeting. … For a Policy Order or Resolution to be filed and placed on the Council agenda it must have two Councillors sponsoring it.
Applications & petitions: Wednesday 3:00 PM (Rule 20B). Seen on: This Monday.
The ten o'clock rule Council Rule 17A
…shall continue until either the conclusion of all business on the agenda or until the meeting recesses at 10:00 p.m., whichever occurs sooner.
Minutes are mandatory Council Rule 28 · Charter §9-7
Minutes shall be kept of all committee proceedings. — and — Each … multiple-member body shall provide for the keeping of agendas, minutes and related submissions.
Seen on: Missing minutes, our running audit of this duty.
The council's right to answers Charter §2-9
The city council may make inquiry into the affairs of the city and into the conduct and performance of any city department.
The basis of the request pipeline. Seen on: Requests & answers.
The manager's annual review Charter §3-1
Annually, the city council shall prepare and deliver to the city manager a written review of the city manager's performance in a manner provided by ordinance. Such review will include goals and accountability measures.
New in the 2025 charter. A tracked obligation.
Budget priorities, before the budget Charter §6-3
Prior to the end of the calendar year, the city council shall develop and publish budgetary priorities that take into consideration the council's policy guidance and objectives.
A tracked obligation.
The charter reviews itself Charter §9-5
Not later than July 1, in each year ending in a 2, the city council shall provide for a review to be made of the city charter by a special committee to be established by ordinance.
Next due: 2032.
Who enforces the charter Charter §9-14
It shall be the duty of the city manager to see that the charter is faithfully followed and complied with by all city departments and city employees.