Current Board Vacancies and Application Deadline Extensions for Neighborhood Conservation District Commissions, LGBTQ+ Commission, and Cambridge Water Board

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:

Three Neighborhood Conservation District Commissions (Application Deadline Extended to 1-3-22)
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:

• Mid Cambridge NCD, Cambridgema.gov/midcambridgencd
• Avon Hill NCD, Cambridgema.gov/avonhillncd
• Half Crown-Marsh NCD, Cambridgema.gov/halfcrownmarshncd

Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission (Application Deadline 1-3-22)
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

Cambridge Water Board (Application Deadline 1-3-22)
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.

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.