Redefining Community Engagement
In FY22, the Community Development Department (CDD) established a Community Engagement Advisory Group for staff to share best practices and reflect on strategies to make engagement more inclusive and equitable. This Group developed a handbook on inclusive and equitable engagement best practices which will be published in September 2022. The handbook, which uses an anti-racism and equity lens to approach planning, implementation, and reflection of community engagement strategies, will be used to increase participation in public processes and programs.
Apply for a Newsrack Permit
No person shall place, affix, erect, constitute or maintain a news rack in or on any part of a public way without first obtaining a Certificate of Compliance from the Department of Public Works.
Harvard Square Construction Impact Mitigation
The Community Development Department and the Department of Public Works are collaborating with the Harvard Square Business Association to mitigate construction-related impacts on local businesses from a variety of construction projects in the area.
Thank a Dispatcher as Part of National Telecommunicators Week April 13-19
As part of this year’s National Telecommunicators Week celebration, Emergency Communications is looking to hear from the community and better understand how dispatchers have helped residents. The Department is asking residents to submit a write-up on support they received from a dispatcher or just provide words of encouragement or gratitude for the work that dispatchers do.
Youth Volunteer and Employment Programming
The Cambridge Police Department has a number of unique volunteer and employment programs designed specifically for young residents interested in a career in public safety. Through four primary programs —Youth Public Safety Academy, Explorers Program, Youth Police Academy and the Cadet Program — Cambridge youth ages 8-23 years old have several opportunities to gain exposure within the department by meeting with officers, receiving classroom training, gaining hands-on experience, and obtaining valuable leadership skills.