Current 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
• Interest in the functions/responsibilities of the board or commission under consideration
• 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:

Bicycle Committee (Application Deadline April 21, 2017)
This committee works to improve conditions for bicyclists in the City of Cambridge and promote bicycling as a means of transportation. Activities include organizing and participating in public events such as biannual community bike rides; reviewing plans for road construction; commenting on proposed development projects; creating promotional materials to encourage bicycling in the city; and working with City departments on network planning. Committee members must be prepared to work on projects outside of standing meeting times. This committee generally meets on the second Wednesday of each month, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway.  For more information, contact Cara Seiderman, cseiderman@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4629.

Pedestrian Committee (Application Deadline April 21, 2017)
This committee works to promote walking and to help create a more comfortable, safe, and pleasant environment for walking in Cambridge. It advises on the design of roadway projects and policies related to traffic calming, traffic signals, and sidewalk design. It also identifies intersections and other locations where it is difficult to walk, makes suggestions about proposed development projects as they affect people on foot, and undertakes other activities to promote walking. Committee members must be prepared to work on projects outside of standing meeting times. This committee generally meets on the fourth Thursday of each month, from 6-8 p.m., at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway (November and December meetings are on the third Thursday.) For more information, contact Cara Seiderman, cseiderman@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4629.

Transit Advisory Committee (Application Deadline April 21, 2017)
This committee advances an agenda for a robust public transportation system for those who live and/or work in Cambridge. The committee is composed of a cross section of stakeholders, which may include individuals representing businesses and large institutions; commuters; persons with disabilities; residents that are low income, elderly, youth, and students as well as transit advocates. The committee advises on city positions and policies regarding long term sustainable funding for transit by the Commonwealth, transit expansion, service planning, and service improvements. This committee generally meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m., in Kendall Square area, Room 117, MIT building E25 (E25-117). For more information, contact Tegin Teich Bennett at tbennett@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4615. 

Applications are sought by dedicated individuals who live or work in Cambridge.  Appointments are made by the City Manager and are for two years of service. Applications to serve on any of the above listed 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.  

Harvard Square Conservation District Study Committee (Application Deadline May 5, 2017)
This committee is being appointed to conduct a study of possible amendments to the Harvard Square Conservation District. The Study Committee will consider amendments to the City Council Order that established the Harvard Square Conservation District in 2000 and possible amendments to the Neighborhood Conservation District enabling ordinance. The Committee will prepare recommendations and a study report for consideration by Cambridge Historical Commission and the City Council. It is anticipated that the Study Committee will meet one to two times a month for approximately 12-18 months. All meetings of the committee will be open to the public. The Study Committee will consist of three members or alternates of the Historical Commission and four other persons, including at least one resident of the district, at least one district property owner, and “one person who owns property or resides elsewhere in the city who has demonstrated knowledge and concern for conservation and enhancement of those exterior features of the city that are important to its distinctive character.”

Persons interested in being considered for appointment to the Study Committee can apply to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the city’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting the respective committee 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.