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New Board Vacancies on Cambridge Public Library Board of Trustees, Open Data Review Board, and Cambridge Water Board. Also on LGBTQ+ Commission, Peace Commission, and Neighborhood Conservation District Commissions

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 2 years ago.

City Hall Steps

The City of Cambridge encourages and promotes involvement by residents in the decision-making process through participation on a variety of boards and commissions, as well as temporary advisory committees and task forces. 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. Additionally, it is a City of Cambridge goal to expand and deepen community engagement with a focus on strengthening the diversity and inclusion of its various boards and commissions, and to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

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:

Cambridge Library Board of Trustees (Application Deadline 12-13-21)
Library trustees are volunteer community representatives, library advocates, and leaders in the establishment of goals and policies for the Cambridge Public Library system. Trustees are a vital link between the library staff and the community and work to ensure the quality of library services, collections, and programs, and to make certain that the library reflects and is relevant to the community.

Open Data Review Board (Application Deadline 12-13-21)
The city’s Open Data Program makes government data easily available in useful formats, and is intended to increase transparency, foster engagement among residents, and create new opportunities for collaboration between Cambridge and the public.

Cambridge Water Board (Application Deadline 12-13-21)
The Cambridge Water Board acts in an advisory role to the Managing Director of the Cambridge Water Department. Members typically assist in developing, modifying, and approving policy related to Water Department owned land and land use.

Cambridge Peace Commission (Application Deadline 11-29-21)
Commission members work with the staff in accomplishing the goals and work of the Cambridge Peace Commission. Members are expected to participate in regular meetings and help in organizing the Commission’s programs and events, including the annual commemorations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Holocaust, and Meet Your Neighbor Day in September. Additionally, members are encouraged to learn about the day-to-day work and projects of the staff, and offer advice and viewpoints that reflect the Commission’s purpose and role within city government.

Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission (Application Deadline 12-6-21)
The LGBTQ+ Commission advocates for a culture of respect and to monitor progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Commission also promotes policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare, and safety of persons who live, visit, or work in the City of Cambridge with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

Three Neighborhood Conservation District Commissions (Application Deadline 11-30-21)
Neighborhood Conservation Districts (NCD) were established by city ordinance in 1983. Conservation district designation recognizes a distinctive physical environment that reflects the architectural, cultural, political, economic, or social history of the city. NCDs foster wider public knowledge and appreciation of such neighborhoods. Designation encourages the conservation and maintenance of these areas so that the city may be a more attractive and desirable place in which to live and work. NCD vacancies include:

Application Process

Applications to serve on any 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.  Please note the application deadlines for the respective committees listed above.

Page was last modified on 7/24/2023 9:48 PM
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