Cambridge has $30 billion in real estate at stake from flooding, and atop that are the tens of thousands of jobs and residents within the vulnerable areas.

Cambridge residents’ water and sewer bills are rising – though by less than $100 on average – for reasons ranging from inflation to the war in Ukraine.

Levels of a worrisome group of chemicals that have been linked to health problems have risen in Cambridge drinking water despite new filters in the city’s water treatment plant installed to lower the concentration.

Public meetings this week look at resolving conflicts in Ball and Magoun squares and South Medford where parcels split at city lines and zoning districts; the future of the Armory arts building; a Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination backlog; and more.

A program to replace broken water meters in Somerville has been changed to avoid more residents seeing surging bills, but councilors want more.

Public meetings this week look at buildings proposed by Foss Park and Trum Field, a Highland Avenue overhaul, municipal broadband and more.

Water bills for some Somerville residents have seen increases since the installation of new meters, and city councilors are asking for Water and Sewer to better explain the increases and consider a forgiveness period for unexpected surges resulting from inaccuracies.

Communities owe it to their residents to stem At the very least, they can find a better way to tell people when their local park is flooded with untreated sewage.

Public meetings this week look at building repairs, separating sewage form storm water, keeping the arts thriving, a Somernova expansion and more.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, plant a Miyawaki Forest in Somerville, take in a “Dark Exhalation” of sci-fi opera or Sleeping Weazel’s Experimental Cabaret, celebrate Yuck Fest, eat a foraged banquet, hear the “Confessions of a Candy Snatcher” and gasp at Cirque of the Dead.