City Politics
Harvard Agrees to a 1-Year $6 Million PILOT Agreement With the City of Cambridge
Harvard University has agreed to voluntarily pay the City of Cambridge $6 million without committing to a long-term amount for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, citing federal funding uncertainties.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Criticizes Trump Administration in State of the City Address
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu ’07 fiercely defended the city against pressure from the Trump administration in her State of the City address last week — a move that Harvard professor Jacqueline Bhabha praised as the “right decision.”
Boston Launches Anti-Displacement Plan for Residents, Small Businesses
The City of Boston released a 41-part Anti-Displacement Action Plan last week after Mayor Michelle Wu ’07 first announced the plan at her State of the City address.
Toner Resists Calls To Resign in First Statement From City Hall
Cambridge City Councilor Paul F. Toner resisted calls to resign in a statement at the beginning of Monday’s Cambridge City Council meeting. Toner was charged with sexual conduct for a fee on Friday after allegedly patronizing a brothel network.
Cambridge Police Begin ‘Phased Rollout’ of Officer Body Cameras
The Cambridge Police Department announced on Tuesday that it is beginning to deploy body worn cameras in a “phased rollout” after years of debate over the technology’s implementation. Training is expected to begin this week, and all officers — including command staff, supervisors, detectives, and patrol officers — are expected to be equipped with body cameras by early April.
Cambridge Pilots Resident Bike Lottery Program
The program allows qualifying residents to apply for vouchers, which range from $800 to $3000 dollars, to fund the purchase of bikes. Residents with disabilities can also apply for a customized adaptive bike or electric wheelchair attachment.
Cambridge Has $1 Million to Spend on City Projects. Harvard Students Can Help Decide Where The Money Goes.
Since 2014, Cambridge residents have spent nearly $10 million of the city’s money on 72 initiatives of their choice through the Participatory Budgeting system.
Developers Announce Proposed Affordable Development Size Will Not Be Reduced Despite Backlash
Non-profit developers in charge of a proposed eight-story affordable housing project in the Baldwin neighborhood announced Thursday that they will not be reducing the size of the building any further despite backlash from residents who believe the complex will be too large.
Cambridge City Clerk Retires, Will Not Seek Another Term
In an interview, LeBlanc said she will be retiring in May but is thankful for the opportunity to serve Cambridge since her tenure began in May 2022.
CPS Will Continue Collecting Data on Transgender Students’ Identities, Despite Federal Changes
As the Trump administration rolls back protections for LGBTQ individuals, CPS Interim Superintendent David G. Murphy said district surveys will continue to recognize transgender and LGBTQ identities.
‘What’s the Hold Up?’: Cambridge City Councilors Disagree on Whether Central Square is Ready for Rezoning
Cambridge City Councilors voted to prioritize the rezoning of northern Massachusetts Avenue and of Cambridge Street over that of Central in a committee meeting on Tuesday amid disagreement on whether Central Square is ready for rezoning.
Eversource and Cambridge City Council to Hold Public Meeting About Energy Rates
The Cambridge City Council plans to hold a public meeting with the city’s energy provider, Eversource, to allow residents to hear from company representatives about high energy costs this winter.
DPU Cuts MassSave Funding by $500 Million, Approves Gas Bill Reductions
The Department of Public Utilities ordered a reduction of the total three-year budget for the MassSave energy efficiency program by $500 million on Friday to reduce gas bills.