Extended Deadlines for Board Vacancies

The City of Cambridge encourages and promotes involvement by residents in the decision-making process through participation in a variety of boards and commissions. Serving on a board or commission can be a rewarding experience and an excellent way to contribute to the quality of life of the community in which you live or work. We rely greatly on the interest and involvement of those volunteers who seek a more active role in the functioning of their local government. 

Selection for appointment to one of our boards and commissions is generally based on the following characteristics:

• A broad perspective and concern for the welfare and progress of the City
• A familiarity with the City’s history, issues and goals
• City residency, in most cases
• A willingness to devote time and effort to the work of said board or commission
• Awareness of and understanding of the City’s ordinances and policies
• Balanced and diverse representation on boards and commissions as feasible

Vacancies being advertised at this time:

Central Square Advisory Committee (Application Deadline Extended to 6-2-17)
The Central Square Advisory Committee works to review all major development actions in the Central Square Overlay District and monitors progress of the non-zoning recommendations of the K2C2 Study relevant to Central Square. Members represent a cross section of stakeholders, which includes residents from abutting neighborhoods and representatives of Central Square’s business community. The Committee meets as needed to advise non-zoning recommendations, to undertake all Large Project Reviews, and to review and comment on all Board of Zoning Appeal variances and special permits within the Overlay District. At this time, a resident of the Cambridgeport Neighborhood is being sought to fill a vacancy. This appointment, to be made by the City Manager, will serve a term of three years that will expire on June 15, 2020, with the option to renew. The Committee meets, at minimum, every two months with additional meetings scheduled as required based on project review needs. For more information, contact Wendell T. Joseph at 617-349-9462 or wjoseph@cambridgema.gov, or visit the Central Square Advisory Committee webpage. 

Harvard Square Advisory Committee (Application Deadline Extended to 6-2-17)
The Harvard Square Advisory Committee works to review all major development actions in the Harvard Square Overlay District. Members represent a cross section of stakeholders, which includes residents from abutting neighborhoods, real estate and/or development professionals, property owners, and an institutional property owner. The Committee meets as needed to undertake all Large Project Reviews and to review all Board of Zoning Appeal variances and special permits within the Overlay District.  At this time, a resident of the Riverside Neighborhood is being sought to fill a vacancy. This appointment, to be made by the City Manager, will be to serve the remainder of a term that expires on April 23, 2018, with the option to renew.  For more information, contact Liza Paden at 617-349-4647 or lpaden@cambridgema.gov,or visit the Harvard Square Advisory Committee webpage.

Applications to serve on either of these committees can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting the respective committee(s) of interest.  A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.  The deadline to submit an application for both committees was extended to June 2, 2017.