City Politics
Community Safety Department Director To Resign Amid Tension With Cambridge Police Department
The director of Cambridge’s Community Safety Department is resigning after more than two years in the role — the latest turn for a department that has found itself embroiled in behind-the-scenes turmoil with the city’s police department.
People’s Forum on Graduation Readiness Held After Vote to Eliminate MCAS
After a November ballot measure eliminated the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System as a state graduation requirement, officials on Beacon Hill are developing new guidelines to define graduation readiness. Cambridge and Somerville residents are working to ensure their voices are heard in the process.
Amid Uncertainties for Boston PILOT, Harvard Fails To Fulfill Payment for 13th Year
Harvard failed to fully make its requested Payment in Lieu of Taxes payment for the 13th year in a row last year, according to City of Boston data released last week.
Behind Closed Doors, A Turf War Over ‘Alternative Response’ to Policing in Cambridge City Hall
The Cambridge Police Department and the city’s Community Safety Department developed parallel ways to reimagine public safety. They’ve struggled to work together since.
CIRC Discusses Increasing Legal Aid Resources for Immigrants, ICE Protocol in Weekly Meeting
The Cambridge Commission for Immigrant Rights and Citizenship met Tuesday to discuss the challenges facing immigrants under the Trump administration.
City Employee Kerry Augustin Declares Candidacy For Boston Mayor
As he vies to become the next mayor of Boston, City Hall employee Kerry Augustin recognizes he faces an uphill battle. But it’s one that he is willing to fight.
Cambridge Housing Authority to Install Solar Panels on Affordable Housing Buildings, Despite Questions Over Federal Funding
The Cambridge Housing Authority will finance a $4.9 million investment to add solar panels to eight CHA properties despite funding uncertainty caused by the federal government.
At IOP, Mayors of Rust Belt Cities Ponder Paths for Renewal
The mayors of three Rust Belt cities across the northern U.S. came to the Institute of Politics to discuss their effort to attract jobs, capital, and people to areas that have shrunk dramatically over an era of deindustrialization, emphasizing the potential of universities and redevelopment efforts to create new growth.
Hundreds Rally to Support International Students, Cheer Harvard’s Rejection of Trump’s Demands
More than 500 Harvard affiliates and Cambridge residents gathered on the steps of Memorial Church on Thursday afternoon to rally in support of international students after the Trump administration threatened to revoke the University’s eligibility to host them.
City Council Proposes Amendments to Update City Charter, While Avoiding Most Contentious Ideas
City councilors approved a draft of amendments to the city charter on Monday as part of Cambridge’s first decennial charter review, even as they avoided some of the most contentious recommendations that emerged.
Cambridge Announces Bike Lane Design Plans for Main Street Safety Improvement Project
The City of Cambridge announced design plans for the Main Street Safety Improvement Project at a virtual community meeting Tuesday evening.
As Wu Seeks Reelection, Residents and Officials Praise Her First Term As Mayor of Boston
Reflecting on Michelle Wu's first term as mayor, former state officials, Boston residents, and former Wu staffers said they supported the Mayor’s first-term accomplishments, and were optimistic about her reelection bid.
Cambridge City Council To Consider Renewing Funding for Transition Wellness Center
The Cambridge City council voted to consider renewing funding for the Transition Wellness Center at Spaulding Hospital in a 5-4 vote at their Monday meeting after a heated debate and hours of public comment.
‘Harvard, We’ve Got Your Back’: Cambridge City Council Cheers On Harvard in Fight Against Trump
The Cambridge City Council voted unanimously to praise Harvard’s decision to defy the Trump administration at a Monday night meeting.
City Leaders Increase Pressure on Harvard To Reject Trump With New Petition
Harvard’s leadership is used to handling demands from its faculty and students. But with the Trump administration’s latest threats, the University is feeling pressure from its hometown, too.
