The City of Cambridge is creating a Net Zero Transportation Plan (NZTP). This plan will help remove greenhouse gas emissions from transportation in Cambridge. It will help our community fight climate change.The City has formed an Advisory Group to make recommendations to guide the Net Zero Transportation Plan.
The Advisory Group is composed of community organizations that serve or represent Cambridge residents. The work of the Advisory Group is not the whole process to develop the NZTP; it is a part of the process. Broader community engagement is now beginning in 2024.
Our goal is to hear many voices that reflect a variety of experiences—especially those who have been underheard, underserved, and historically excluded in the past.
Advisory Group members will meet for 18 months to share their life experience and how that connects to mobility needs. They will raise issues that affect equity in transportation, as well as other challenges that impact community members. The Advisory Group will also learn about transportation issues that lead to climate change, and will set guiding principles, discuss options for strategies and actions, recommend preferred strategies to remove greenhouse gases from transportation, and propose ways to measure success. Read more here about the purpose and activities of the Advisory Group.
Who are the members of the Advisory Group?
Residents and representatives of organizations in Cambridge. They are:
- James Pierre, Adius Arts Initiative, Founder
- Lonnell Wells, Cambridge Bike Giveback, Founder
- Farris Blount, Cambridge Black Pastor's Alliance, Junior Pastor
- Rachel Tanenhaus, Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities, ADA Coordinator/Executive Director
- Malene Council, Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs, Community Engagement Team
- Omriqui Thomas, Cambridge Public Schools Student
- Ali Sorrels, Cambridge Women's Center, Co-Director, Operations & Administration
- Yao Wu, Chinese American Association of Cambridge, Member
- Nora Sears, De Novo Center for Justice and Healing, Volunteer and Training Coordinator (replaced Elizabeth Brusie, Assistant Legal Director)
- Ben Engle, Food For Free, Chief Operations Officer (expired appointment)
- Ibrahim Omar, Islamic Society of Boston Cambridge, Operations Integration Analyst
- Guerlancia Laurent, Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House, Community Liaison and Adult Enrichment Coordinator
- Angela Vierling-Classen, North Cambridge resident
What are the goals of the Net Zero Transportation Plan?
- Remove climate pollution from transportation
- Improve mobility
- Improve economic opportunity and address historic injustices
- Create a stronger and more connected community
Process Equity
The Advisory Group recognizes that an equitable process for developing the Plan:
- Is guided by community voices.
- Is transparent.
- Prioritizes underserved, underheard, and historically excluded groups of people.
- Reduces harm.
- Builds long-term relationships.
- Is accessible.