Reliance on big companies over small businesses adds to dearth of minority vendors for Cambridge
A hearing on racial and gender disparities in how Cambridge awards contracts could be held before April, after a report found that minority-owned professional-services firms accounted for 1.3 percent of vendors.
City prevails again in second suit on bike lanes, ruled as markings, not regulations by a judge
Middlesex Superior Court Judge Maureen B. Hogan ruled for the City of Cambridge and dismissed a second lawsuit against the city that had argued bicycle lanes were an improper use of taxpayer funds and broke the law.
Cambridge is adding jobs, feeling some optimism even as hybrid staff and space demands challenge
Cambridge officials are largely optimistic about the city’s economy and where it’s headed in 2024, though some issues complicate the long-term outlook.
Attend meetings Feb. 23 to March 1 in Cambridge about adding more housing faster and Porter labs
Public meetings this week look at making more housing and making it more affordable, a decision on a plan to reclaim the fenced-off Jerry’s Pond, room for small tech at Porter Square and planning for the Massachusetts Avenue of 2040.
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.
Unarmed responders will start with day calls only upon launch in March; Heart program is set aside
The city’s new emergency response team that will serve as an alternative to police will start taking calls through 911 next month but without expected night and weekend coverage; meanwhile, chances have dimmed for a long-sought city contract with a homegrown police alternative.
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.
There will be a strategy in place for Central Square by the fall, city manager tells Cambridge’s council
Cambridge is getting ready to implement a plan for Central Square … from 13 years ago. It’s also preparing to act on one from 11 years ago. And six years ago.
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.
