Cambridge, MA

Library Board of Trustees Monthly Meeting

The Cambridge Library Board of Trustees holds its regular monthly meeting on October 5, 2026, with public comment, approval of the September 8, 2026 minutes, strategic planning with Joy Kim and Maria McCauley, and library updates on programs, events, and department highlights. The agenda is largely procedural and does not list specific votes, contracts, or dollar amounts. Note: the agenda lists the meeting time as 3:00 PM but the access information section says 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

• Public comment period
• Approval of minutes from the September 8, 2026 meeting
• Strategic planning session with Joy Kim and Maria McCauley
• Library updates on programs, events, and department highlights
• Meeting held via Zoom

Special Events Presentation of the Cambridge City Council

The Cambridge City Council will hold a Special Events Presentation on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave. During the event, the City will randomly select the 40 Cambridge residents who will participate in the Civic Assembly. The presentation is scheduled under Rule 16 of the City Council Rules and will conclude at 5:30 p.m.; no quorum of the City Council is required.

• Random lottery selection of 40 Cambridge residents to participate in the Civic Assembly
• Held in the Sullivan Chamber, Second Floor, Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave
• Scheduled under Rule 16 of the Rules of the City Council via the Mayor's Office
• Event runs 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; no City Council quorum required

Regular City Council Meeting

This is the agenda for the Cambridge City Council regular meeting on October 5, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Sullivan Chamber. The agenda contains only procedural boilerplate with no specific items listed.

Half Crown-Marsh NCD Commission Meeting

The Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission meets online on October 5, 2026 at 5:30 PM with remote participation only. The sole substantive agenda item is reviewing an addendum to the district's Preliminary Decennial Review Report and making a recommendation on it. The agenda otherwise contains only general business and adjournment, with no public hearing or dollar items listed.

• Review of Addendum to Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD) Preliminary Decennial Review Report
• Commission to make a recommendation on the addendum
• Meeting held online only via Zoom (Webinar ID 823 3118 2867) or by phone at (301) 715-8592
• No public hearing, contracts, or fee changes listed on the agenda

Mid Cambridge NCD Commmission meeting

The Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission will hold a public hearing on October 5, 2026, to consider three applications: a porch alteration, a new 4-story residential building, and a revised addition. The meeting will be held online with remote participation, and the public can comment. The commission will also review draft meeting minutes.

• 78 Kirkland Street: remove semi-enclosed porch, install PVC railings
• 69R Dana Street: construct 4-story residential building on rear lot
• 1 Myrtle Avenue: revise and enlarge addition under construction
• Public hearing under M.G.L. Ch. 40C and City Code Ch. 2.78

Committee on Public Planting - Outreach Subcommittee Meeting

Cambridge's Committee on Public Planting Outreach Subcommittee meets virtually at 8:30 AM on October 6, 2026. Members will review themes and topics developed in May 2026 and decide on one to three priorities to focus on. They will discuss a high-priority topic and decide whether to research it or bring a proposal to the full committee, and will choose a date for the next subcommittee meeting (October 20 or 27). The agenda is largely procedural and does not list specific projects, contracts, or dollar amounts.

• Quorum check: 50% attendance, or 4 Outreach subcommittee members
• Volunteer notetaker requested
• Review of subcommittee themes and topics from May 2026; select top 1-3 priorities
• Decide next steps: research or proposal to the full Public Planting Committee
• Set next meeting date: October 20 or 27 at 8:30 a.m.

Committee on Public Planting - Policy & Planning Subcommittee Meeting

The Policy & Planning Subcommittee of Cambridge's Public Planting Committee meets virtually on October 6, 2026. Members will check quorum, review themes and topics developed in May 2026, and decide on one to three priorities to focus on. They will then discuss the top priority and decide next steps, which could include research or a proposal to the full committee. The agenda is largely procedural and does not list specific plantings, contracts, or dollar amounts.

• Review of subcommittee themes and topics from May 2026, with selection of 1-3 current priorities
• Discussion of the top priority and decision on next steps (research or proposal to full CPP)
• Next steps to be recorded in notes for the next Policy Subcommittee and/or full CPP agenda
• Decision on date of next Policy Subcommittee meeting (Oct. 20 or 27)
• Quorum requires 3 Policy subcommittee members (50% attendance); a notetaker volunteer is sought

Planning Board Meeting

The Ordinance Committee - CANCELLED

The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on a zoning petition from Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. The petition proposes amending the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map to allow transferring 250,000 square feet of Gross Floor Area from the PUD-4C Zoning District to the Industry B Zoning District, in exchange for converting the existing brick and beam structure at 161 First Street into Affordable Housing. It also seeks to create a 'Technology Square Transfer Receiving District' on the Zoning Map. The petition was referred to the committee and Planning Board on August 3, 2026.

• Zoning petition to transfer 250,000 sq ft of Gross Floor Area from PUD-4C to Industry B Zoning District
• Conversion of existing brick and beam structure at 161 First Street into Affordable Housing
• Creation of 'Technology Square Transfer Receiving District' on the Zoning Map
• Public hearing scheduled for October 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM in Sullivan Chamber

Board of Assessors Meeting

The Cambridge Board of Assessors meets October 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM via Zoom. The agenda includes roll call, review of the September 30, 2026 minutes, and general business. No reports, abatements, or omit/revise/re-bill items are listed for real or personal property. The meeting is scheduled to end with an executive session to review Residential Exemptions and Personal Exemptions under G.L. c.30, §21, Exemption 7 and G.L. c.59, §60.

• Review of September 30, 2026 meeting minutes
• General Business: no report approvals, abatements, or omit/revise/re-bill items listed for real or personal property
• Executive session to review Residential Exemptions and Personal Exemptions under G.L. c.30, §21, Exemption 7 and G.L. c.59, §60
• Meeting held via Zoom; called to order by Gayle Willett
• No public comment solicited during General Business discussion

BEUDO Review Board

Cambridge Social Housing Joint Task Force

The Cambridge Social Housing Task Force will hold a regular meeting to conduct business. The agenda contains no specific items for decision or discussion beyond the scheduled session and public comment.

Board of Election Commissioners

The Cambridge Board of Election Commissioners meets remotely on October 7, 2026, to review minutes from September 23 and hear updates on the 2026 elections. New business focuses on preparations for the November 3, 2026 state election, including election worker training, vote-by-mail updates, ballot question communications, commissioner schedules, and designated health care facilities. The agenda also includes public comment and commissioner reports, including any address checks.

• Review of September 23, 2026 meeting minutes
• Executive Director's and Assistant Director's reports on 2026 elections
• November 3, 2026 State Election: election worker training
• November 3, 2026 State Election: vote-by-mail update and ballot question communications
• Commissioner schedules and designated health care facilities for the state election

Bicycle Committee Meeting October 2026

The Cambridge Bicycle Committee meets remotely on October 7, 2026, to discuss its work program, Memorial Drive conditions including a recent fatal crash at Memorial Drive and Massachusetts Avenue, and a city staff presentation on the newly launched Intersection Safety Program. The committee will also vote to approve a prior meeting summary, prioritize future agenda topics, and take public comment. The agenda is otherwise procedural and does not list specific votes on projects, contracts, or dollar amounts.

• Discussion of a recent fatal crash at the Memorial Drive and Massachusetts Avenue intersection
• City staff presentation introducing the Intersection Safety Program, including how intersections are selected and safety strategies
• Vote to approve the meeting summary
• Discussion to prioritize topics for future Bicycle Committee meetings
• Public comment with up to 3 minutes per speaker

Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities Meeting

Board of Zoning Appeal BZA Agenda

The Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal holds a virtual public hearing on October 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM with five scheduled cases. The first is an appeal by abutters seeking to annul Building Permit Record No. 1196760 issued August 21, 2026 for 90 Lexington Avenue, citing Green Factor, bicycle parking, open space, yard, and inclusionary housing provisions. The remaining cases are requests for special permits or a variance at 131 Raymond Street, 3 Michael Way, 14 Bowdoin Street, and 263 Monsignor O'Brien Highway. The Board will hear these cases and then adjourn.

• Appeal (BZA-1230378) to annul Building Permit Record No. 1196760 for 90 Lexington Avenue, issued August 21, 2026, filed by direct abutters
• Special Permit (BZA-1229438) at 131 Raymond Street to enclose a pre-existing non-conforming front porch within the front yard setback
• Variance (BZA-1230918) at 3 Michael Way for parking within the front yard setback, non-conforming parking space dimensions, and an oversized curb cut
• Special Permit (BZA-1230992) at 14 Bowdoin Street to remove and reconstruct a slightly enlarged non-conforming carport
• Special Permit (BZA-1231728) at 263 Monsignor O'Brien Highway for a 145-room hotel (40 rooms in Cambridge) in the SD-1 district, plus parking within five feet of the rear property line; a 2023 special permit (BZA Case No. 230010) for a different footprint has lapsed

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council will hold a regular meeting on October 19, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Sullivan Chamber. The provided agenda text contains only the meeting time, location, and publication details.

The Health and Environment Committee

The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing on October 20, 2026. The session will review the landscape of Thermal Energy Network (TEN) planning and results from a networked geothermal feasibility study.

• Public hearing on Thermal Energy Network (TEN) planning
• Review of Cambridge networked geothermal feasibility study

The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee

Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

The Affordable Housing Trust Board will hold its regular monthly meeting on October 22, 2026, at 4 p.m., in person at City Hall (795 Massachusetts Ave, Ackermann Room) and via Zoom. The agenda is procedural only, with no specific items listed in the provided text.

• Monthly meeting scheduled for October 22, 2026 at 4 p.m.
• In-person location: City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave, Ackermann Room
• Remote access via Zoom webinar (registration required)

City Council Joint Roundtable/Working Meeting with the Cambridge School Committee

The Cambridge City Council is holding a joint roundtable/working meeting with the Cambridge School Committee on October 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM in the Sullivan Chamber at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave. The stated purpose is to discuss the FY28 budget planning process and ongoing macro-economic trends in Cambridge. The agenda as provided contains no other listed items besides the meeting notice and adjournment, so no specific votes, contracts, or dollar figures are set out in this document.

• Joint City Council/School Committee roundtable on the FY28 budget planning process
• Discussion of ongoing macro-economic trends in Cambridge
• Meeting held at Sullivan Chamber, Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave
• Agenda published October 1, 2026; meeting scheduled for 4:00 PM on October 26, 2026

Regular City Council Meeting-CANCELLED

The Cambridge City Council is scheduled to hold a regular meeting at 5:30 PM in the Sullivan Chamber at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave. The supplied agenda text contains only the meeting header, date, time, and location; it lists no specific items, votes, or public hearings. Because the agenda as provided is procedural boilerplate, no substantive decisions or discussions can be reported from it.

Draft Updated Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Plan

The City of Cambridge, City of Somerville, and Massachusetts Water Resources Authority are holding a hybrid public hearing on October 28, 2026, to present and accept public comment on the Draft Updated Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Plan. The plan proposes a $1.3 billion investment to reduce and eliminate CSOs in the Alewife Brook, Mystic River, and Charles River by 2050, with funding shared among 43 sewer service area communities.

• Draft Updated CSO Control Plan with $1.3B estimated investment
• Public hearing on October 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Somerville City Hall Council Chambers (93 Highland Ave)
• Three public hearings scheduled in Fall 2026 (Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 28)
• Comments accepted via online portal, email, or mail through project website
• Plan aims to eliminate CSOs in a 2050 Typical Year despite climate change impacts

Family Policy Council Meeting

Regular City Council Meeting

The Cambridge City Council is scheduled to hold a regular meeting at 5:30 PM in the Sullivan Chamber at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave. The supplied agenda text contains only the meeting header, date, time, and location, with no listed items, so no decisions, contracts, ordinances, or public hearings can be reported from it. The agenda was published September 29, 2026.

Regular City Council Meeting

The Cambridge City Council is scheduled to hold a regular meeting at 5:30 PM in the Sullivan Chamber at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave. The supplied agenda text contains only the meeting header, date, time, and location, with no listed items, so no decisions, contracts, or public hearings can be reported from it. The agenda was published September 29, 2026 at 11:15 AM.

The Public Safety Committee

The Cambridge Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing on November 10, 2026, on the Police Review and Advisory Board (PRAB) quarterly report covering Fall 2025 through the first quarter of 2026, item CMA 2026-85. The item is a communication from City Manager Yi-An Huang, referred to the committee by the Council on April 13, 2026. The agenda lists only roll call, this single agenda item, and adjournment; no votes or decisions are scheduled in the text provided.

• Public hearing on the Police Review and Advisory Board (PRAB) quarterly report, CMA 2026-85, covering Fall 2025 through Q1 2026
• Communication from City Manager Yi-An Huang on the PRAB report, referred to committee April 13, 2026
• Meeting at 12:00 PM in the Sullivan Chamber, Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave

Planning Board Meeting

Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities Meeting

Regular City Council Meeting

Regular City Council Meeting

The Cambridge City Council is scheduled to hold a Regular Meeting on November 23, 2026 at 5:30 PM in the Sullivan Chamber at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139. The agenda text provided contains only this meeting notice and no substantive items. No decisions, contracts, ordinances, or public hearings are described in the supplied document.

Roundtable/Working Meeting City Council Meeting

The Cambridge City Council is holding a Roundtable/Working Meeting on November 30, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Sullivan Chamber at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave. The stated purpose is to discuss the future uses of City-owned properties. The agenda as provided contains no specific properties, proposals, votes, or dollar amounts, and lists only the meeting notice and adjournment.

• Roundtable/Working Meeting on future uses of City-owned properties
• Meeting at Sullivan Chamber, Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
• Scheduled for 4:00 PM on November 30, 2026
• Agenda published October 1, 2026

Regular City Council Meeting-CANCELLED

The Cambridge City Council is scheduled to hold a Regular Meeting on November 30, 2026 at 5:30 PM in the Sullivan Chamber at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave. The agenda text provided contains only the meeting header, date, time, and location, with no listed items of business. No decisions, contracts, ordinances, or public hearings can be reported from this document.

Family Policy Council Meeting

Regular City Council Meeting

This is the published agenda for a Regular City Council meeting of the City of Cambridge, MA, scheduled for December 07, 2026 at 5:30 PM in the Sullivan Chamber at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave. The supplied text contains only the meeting header, publication timestamp, and location — no items, motions, ordinances, contracts, or public hearings are listed. As provided, the agenda is procedural boilerplate, so no substantive decisions or discussions can be reported.

Regular City Council Meeting

The Cambridge City Council is scheduled to hold a regular meeting at 5:30 PM in the Sullivan Chamber at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave. The supplied agenda text contains only meeting logistics — date, time, and location — and lists no items, votes, or public hearings. No substantive business can be reported from this document.

Regular City Council Meeting

The Cambridge City Council is scheduled to hold a regular meeting at 5:30 PM in the Sullivan Chamber at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave. The supplied agenda text lists only the meeting time, location, and publication date, with no items of business included. No decisions, contracts, ordinances, or public hearings are described in the available text.

Regular City Council Meeting

The supplied agenda for the Cambridge, MA City Council regular meeting on December 28, 2026 lists only the meeting details: a regular meeting at 5:30 PM in the Sullivan Chamber at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave. No items of business, votes, contracts, or public hearings are included in the text provided. The agenda was published September 29, 2026.

Cambridge Childcare Access Joint Task Force

The Cambridge Childcare Access Joint Task Force is holding its regular meeting to review the city's early childhood programming, current supports, and identified gaps. The agenda includes an overview of the task force's work, a presentation on the landscape analysis, and open discussion. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Review of Cambridge's early childhood programming history and evolution
• Overview of current city supports for childcare
• Introduction to gaps in current supports
• Discussion of previous stakeholder engagement efforts

Human Rights Commission October Meeting

The Housing Committee

The Cambridge Housing Committee is holding a regular meeting to facilitate a roundtable discussion with arts and cultural institutions in Central Square. The focus is on planning and cultural preservation in the area. The agenda includes only roll call and adjournment, with the roundtable as the main item.

• Roundtable discussion with arts and cultural institutions on Central Square planning and cultural preservation

October 2026 Transit Advisory Committee Meeting

The Cambridge Transit Advisory Committee holds a hybrid regular meeting on October 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Members will hear an MBTA presentation on its Bus Lane and Stop Automated Camera Enforcement program and may vote to finalize a TAC-endorsed implementation plan. They will also discuss a fall 2026 committee site visit and city and state project updates. The agenda includes routine roll call, approval of the September 2026 meeting summary, announcements, and public comment.

• MBTA staff presentation on the Automated Camera Enforcement program for bus lanes and stops (30 minutes)
• Possible vote to finalize the TAC-endorsed implementation plan
• Discussion of location and agenda for a committee site visit in October-November 2026
• Discussion of city and state project updates for October 2026
• Public comment, with each speaker allowed up to 3 minutes

Board of Assessors Meeting

The Cambridge Board of Assessors is holding a routine public meeting via Zoom. The agenda includes roll call, review of the September 23, 2026 minutes, and general business, but there are no abatements, omit/revise/re-bill items, or report approvals scheduled. The board will also enter an executive session to review residential and personal exemptions.

• No abatements (real & personal property) on agenda
• No omit/revise/re-bill items (real & personal property)
• Executive session to review residential and personal exemptions
• Review of September 23, 2026 minutes

Police Review Advisory Board September Meeting

Community Benefits Advisory Committee: Grant Review Sub-comittee

The Grant Review Sub-committee of Cambridge's Community Benefits Advisory Committee meets remotely on September 30, 2026. Staff will present an analysis of individual review results, and the sub-committee will discuss the summary and a funding recommendation. The agenda also includes roll call, public comment, and adjournment. No specific dollar amounts, grant recipients, or award decisions appear in the agenda text.

• Staff presentation of analysis of individual review results
• Sub-committee discussion of a summary and a funding recommendation
• Public comment period
• Meeting held remotely via Zoom webinar under Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023

Community Benefits Advisory Committee: Small Grant Review Subcommittee

The Community Benefits Advisory Committee's Small Grant Review Subcommittee meets remotely on September 29, 2026. Staff will present analysis of individual review results, and the subcommittee will discuss that summary and set a strategy for crafting funding recommendations. The agenda also includes roll call, public comment, and adjournment. No specific grants, dollar amounts, or funding decisions are listed in the agenda.

• Staff presentation on analysis of individual review results
• Subcommittee discussion to set strategy for crafting funding recommendations
• Public comment period
• Meeting held remotely via Zoom webinar

Half Crown-Marsh NCD Commission Meeting

The Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission is holding a regular public meeting to review an addendum to the district's Preliminary Decennial Review Report and make a recommendation. The meeting is remote-only via Zoom. The single agenda item is a general business review of the addendum.

• Review of Addendum to Half Crown-Marsh NCD Preliminary Decennial Review Report

Conservation Commission

Regular City Council Meeting

This is the agenda for the Cambridge City Council regular meeting on September 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Sullivan Chamber. The agenda contains only procedural boilerplate with no specific items listed for decision or discussion.

City Council Public Hearing - Property Tax Rate Classification

The Cambridge City Council is holding a public hearing to review and vote on proposed property tax rates and classifications for Fiscal Year 2027, as recommended by the City Manager and Board of Assessors. The votes will set tax rates for residential and commercial/industrial properties and decide on the residential exemption. Residents can comment in person or via Zoom.

• Review of proposed FY2027 property tax rates and classifications
• Vote on residential vs. commercial/industrial tax rate split
• Decision on granting the residential exemption
• Public comments accepted from interested citizens and taxpayers

Board of Zoning Appeal Continued Agenda

The Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal will hold a virtual continued hearing on September 24, 2026, to consider two cases. One is a six-month extension request for a special permit at 47 Granite Street. The other is a request to reduce front yard setbacks and increase commercial side setbacks on a building at Mt. Auburn and Story Street to accommodate hotel use.

• Six-month extension request for special permit BZA-273148 at 47 Granite Street (Luke & Julie Mitchell) to add square footage to existing interior space, increasing non-conforming floor area ratio.
• Case BZA-1225403 (Mt. Auburn Street, Tory LLC, Janet Jiang) to reduce front yard setbacks along Mt. Auburn and Story Street.
• Proposal to increase commercial side setback on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors to normalize footprint of allowed hotel use and add residential square footage.

Draft Updated Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Plan

The City of Cambridge, City of Somerville, and Massachusetts Water Resources Authority hold a virtual public hearing regarding the Draft Updated Combined Sewer Overflow Control Plan. The $1.3 billion plan aims to reduce combined sewer overflows across Alewife Brook, the Mystic River, and the Charles River. Residents have the opportunity to provide oral and written comments on the draft plan during the hearing.

• Virtual public hearing on the Draft Updated Combined Sewer Overflow Control Plan on September 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM
• Presentation of the $1.3 billion Draft Updated Combined Sewer Overflow Control Plan

LGBTQ+ Commission Monthly Meeting

The Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission is meeting to discuss and vote on several proposals, including hosting a community information session on Section 530A accounts, approving a multi-community potluck at Joan Lorentz Park, and considering a blood drive with the American Red Cross. The commission will also receive updates on the Fair Housing Ordinance definition change, which is paused pending city-wide ordinance review, and on new commissioner appointments. The agenda includes routine items like approving minutes and project updates.

• Vote on hosting a community-wide info session on Section 530A accounts (October 2026)
• Vote on approving a multi-community potluck at Joan Lorentz Park on Oct. 25
• Proposal from American Red Cross to host a community blood drive
• Update: Fair Housing Ordinance definition of sexual orientation paused for city-wide ordinance review
• New commissioners selected: Bridget Kiley, Christine Moad, Dana Gauthier, Jo Quest Neubert, Joshua Samuels

Board of Zoning Appeal Agenda

The Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal will hold a virtual public hearing on September 24, 2026, to decide three residential zoning cases involving special permits and variances for non-conforming structures in C-1 zones.

• Special Permit for 86 Sciarappa St: replace nonconforming side landing/stair in side setback
• Variance for 200 Auburn St: new residential construction relief from pre-existing nonconforming front yard setback
• Special Permit for 1 Myrtle Ave: add one floor to pre-existing nonconforming two-family corner lot to add one unit

Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

The Affordable Housing Trust Board is holding its regular monthly meeting in person and via Zoom. The agenda is procedural, with no specific items listed; meeting materials will be posted at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting.

• Meeting scheduled for September 27, 2026 at 4 p.m.
• In-person location: City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave, Ackermann Room
• Virtual access via Zoom webinar

Pedestrian Committee Meeting September 2026

The Cambridge Pedestrian Committee is holding a regular meeting to approve its meeting summary, discuss and prioritize projects for its work program, plan tabling at events, and prioritize future agenda topics. The meeting also includes a public comment period. The agenda is largely procedural and planning-focused, with no specific projects or dollar amounts listed.

• Discussion to identify and prioritize projects for the work plan
• Discussion on tabling at community events
• Discussion on prioritizing future agenda topics
• Public comment period (3 minutes per speaker)

Board of Election Commissioners

The Cambridge Board of Election Commissioners is meeting to review minutes, receive staff reports on the 2026 elections, and discuss old business including recount follow-up. New business covers planning for the November 3, 2026 state election, including staffing, ballot questions, early voting, and processing schedules. The agenda is largely procedural and administrative.

• Review of September 1, 2, and 10 meeting minutes
• Executive Director's and Assistant Director's reports on 2026 elections
• Recount follow-up discussion
• November 3, 2026 state election planning: staffing, ballot questions, early voting, advance/post processing, drop box schedule
• Designated health care facility voting

Board of Assessors Public Meeting

The Cambridge Board of Assessors is holding a public meeting with a routine agenda: roll call, review of prior meeting minutes, and general business. No abatements, omit/revise/re-bill items, or report approvals are listed. The board will also enter an executive session to review residential and personal exemptions.

• No abatements (real & personal property) reported
• No omit/revise/re-bill items (real & personal property) reported
• Executive session to review residential and personal exemptions under G.L. c.59, §60

The Board of Assessors met on September 16, 2026, but took no substantive actions. The meeting was procedural, covering roll call, review of prior minutes, and a report that there were no abatements or omit/revise/re-bill items. The board then adjourned to executive session to review residential and personal exemptions.

• No abatements for real or personal property were approved
• No omit/revise/re-bill items for real or personal property were approved
• Adjourned to executive session for residential and personal exemption review

City Council Executive Session

The Cambridge City Council will meet in open session and then move into executive session to discuss strategy regarding two civil lawsuits: Columbia St LLC v. City (Land Court, Docket 25 MISC 0007469) and OND 1740 Investors, LLC v. City (Middlesex Superior Court, Docket 26CV02295). The agenda states that discussing these matters in open session may harm the city's litigating position. No other business is listed.

• Executive session discussion of litigation strategy for Columbia St LLC v. City (Land Court, Docket 25 MISC 0007469)
• Executive session discussion of litigation strategy for OND 1740 Investors, LLC v. City (Middlesex Superior Court, Docket 26CV02295)

Planning Board Meeting

The Cambridge Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a zoning petition by Alexandria Real Estate Equities to amend Article 13.000 and the Zoning Map, allowing transfer of 250,000 square feet of Gross Floor Area from the PUD-4C District to the Industry B District in exchange for converting the brick-and-beam structure at 161 First Street into affordable housing. The board will also consider a special permit extension for 57 JFK Street and review a BZA variance case for 127 Mount Auburn Street.

• Public hearing on zoning petition PET 2026-03 to create 'Technology Square Transfer Receiving District' and transfer 250,000 sq ft of GFA
• Conversion of existing structure at 161 First Street into Affordable Housing as part of the petition
• Special permit extension for 57 JFK Street (PB-390)
• BZA case 127 Mount Auburn Street: variance to reduce front yard setbacks and increase commercial side setback

Open Data Review Board Meeting Q3 2026

The Cambridge Open Data Review Board is meeting to review feedback from a July public workshop, discuss balancing its Strategic Plan metrics dashboard, and hear a staff presentation on privacy risks in municipal open data, including peer-city practices like Seattle's. No final privacy-policy action is anticipated at this meeting. The board will also identify follow-up research and future agenda topics. This is the first meeting using Microsoft Teams webinar and the OneMeeting system.

• Review of July 21 'Vibe Coding Cambridge Open Data' workshop with 60 attendees
• Discussion of Strategic Plan metrics dashboard balance across 2026-2028 priorities
• Staff presentation on privacy risks, including re-identification and Seattle's privacy program
• No final privacy-policy action anticipated at this meeting
• First meeting using Microsoft Teams webinar and OneMeeting system

The Open Data Review Board met on September 22, 2026, and discussed the Open Data Program's metrics dashboard, privacy approaches, and public comments on data usability. No formal motions or votes were recorded, and no policy changes, procurements, or working-group appointments were made. Staff reported on workshops and educational partnerships, and follow-ups were noted, including a review of meeting notes and sharing of resources.

• No formal motions or votes recorded
• No policy change, procurement, or working-group appointment recorded
• No change to data access requirements adopted
• No common definition or new disclosure policy adopted
• No system purchase for Open Checkbook-style view decided
• No schedule change for public comment adopted

Commision on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship

Regular City Council Meeting-CANCELLED

This regular City Council meeting scheduled for September 21, 2026, has been cancelled. The agenda contains no items for discussion or decision.

Department of Public Works testing meeting

This is a testing meeting of the Cambridge Department of Public Works, with no substantive agenda items listed. It is procedural only.

Draft Updated Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Plan

The City of Cambridge, Somerville, and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority are presenting the Draft Updated Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Plan. The plan proposes a $1.3 billion investment to reduce CSOs in the Alewife Brook, Mystic River, and Charles River, aiming to eliminate overflows by 2050. Three public hearings are scheduled in September and October 2026 for residents to provide oral or written feedback.

• $1.3 billion investment to reduce CSOs across Alewife Brook, Mystic River, and Charles River
• Public hearing on September 17, 2026, at Cambridge City Hall (Sullivan Chamber, 795 Massachusetts Ave)
• Projected elimination of CSOs in a 2050 Typical Year despite climate change
• Three hybrid/virtual public hearings scheduled in September and October 2026
• Comments accepted via online portal, email, or mail

Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee Meeting

The committee will hear a presentation from the Kiosk Programming Operator regarding recent and upcoming content. Members will also discuss a new programming framework and provide feedback.

• Overview of recent programming
• Review of upcoming programming
• Discussion of new programming framework

Family Policy Council Meeting

Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board - Quarterly Meeting

The Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board will hold a quarterly meeting to review minutes, discuss FY27 budgeting and potential funding sources for master plan projects, and receive updates from the Watershed Manager on various reservation projects. The board will also discuss beekeeping at Fresh Pond Reservation and hear a report on Fresh Pond Day. Public comment is scheduled.

• Discussion of FY27 budgeting and potential funding sources including Water Dept. Capital, CPA, and Open Space funds
• Beekeeping at Fresh Pond Reservation
• Huron Forest Pilot Project status and next steps
• Black's Nook aquatic plant management plan
• Removal of invasive trees, especially ailanthus (tree of heaven) and spotted lanternfly