Officials move deliberately before they deliberate, asking expert opinions on changes to governing
It’s not clear when officials and voters will decide changes to Cambridge’s governing charter – from letting 16-year-olds cast ballots in city elections to adding a way for residents to take part in policy decisions via yearly “assemblies” or even eliminating the city manager.
Attend meetings in Cambridge from Feb. 16-23 about The Foundry and plans at Margaret Fuller
Public meetings this week look back at the years experienced at The Foundry community building in East Cambridge and the work of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, including its upcoming development in partnership with the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House nonprofit.
MBTA readies its new $1B fare collection system, rolling ahead over questions of equity and value
The MBTA is preparing to launch its long-delayed, billion-dollar fare collection system – and with it, a crew of “fare engagement officials” who will check whether subway and bus riders have paid their fares and cite those who have not.
Councillors will consider whether to limit scope to what happens within the borders of Cambridge
City councillors will explore whether they should eliminate “foreign policy resolutions” from their scope of responsibilities or find a better process for handling them.
City manager elevates sustainability and housing into new departments, and transportation moves
Cambridge is getting a Sustainability Office that will be led by a chief climate officer – a new role – who will report directly to City Manager Yi-An Huang.
Attend meetings in Cambridge from Feb. 9-16 about micromobility and toll of vacant spaces
Public meetings this week look at making a better Central Square, how to make City Hall contracting more equitable, the economic toll of vacant spaces and the use of “micromobility” devices on city streets.
Attend meetings in Cambridge from Feb. 2-9 about school budgets, labs that pay for homes
Public meetings this week look at License Commission litigation, school budgets, student absenteeism, reclaiming Jerry’s Pond as a public amenity, coping with MBTA red line shutdowns, replacing a hardware store space with pet care and having labs subsidize housing and retail.
In final report, Cambridge’s charter review group doesn’t decide on change in form of government
Among recommendations to Cambridge governing is to let noncitizens and 16- and 17-year-olds vote in city elections – and in even years – and to introduce more council budget controls and citizen-led policy initiatives.
Attend Cambridge meetings from Jan. 26-Feb. 2 about a Middle East cease-fire call, senior homes
Public meetings this week look at the return of a Middle East cease-fire resolution, bike lane installations, Lechmere Park changes and a project to put more units of affordable senior housing in the Cambridge Highlands.
Cambridge Residents Alliance calls to bring back a City Council Middle East cease-fire resolution
Some argue that the Cambridge City Council has no power to change U.S. foreign policy, and therefore it should not consider issues beyond local control. This position ignores a long tradition of council support for global humanitarian causes.
