Cambridge Seeking Community Members for New Commission Vacancies

Serving on a City of Cambridge board, commission or committee can be a rewarding experience and an excellent way to contribute to our community. Members have the opportunity to participate in the City's decision-making process for a variety of important matters.

The City of Cambridge is currently seeking to fill vacancies on the American Freedmen Commission, Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, Cambridge Climate Committee, Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board, Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, LGBTQ+ Commission, and the Public Planting Committee. The deadline to apply for each vacancy is June 1 or June 22 (see below).

Apply today at Cambridgema.gov/Apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. If you have questions about the application process or need assistance, please contact the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300 or [email protected].

Below is more detailed information on each of the current vacancies:

The American Freedmen Commission explores historic and ongoing harms to the Cantabrigian descendants of enslaved people and determine appropriate reparations.

The Commission works together to investigate and report on any historical, systemic, and/or ongoing harms done to American Freedmen by the Federal, Massachusetts, and/or Cambridge governments. They also make recommendations to the City Manager and leadership concerning implementing sustainable solutions for transitional justice and prompt reparations for Cambridge Resident American Freedmen.

While experience is not a requirement, a commitment to the commission's mission and to the principles of antiracism, equity, inclusion, autonomy, and dignity is required. Knowledge and understanding of American Freedmen history, the history and legacy of American Chattel slavery, and Reconstruction Experience, as well as community outreach and engagement, consensus building, and problem-solving, are preferred.

Regular meetings are held monthly. If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Deidre Brown at [email protected].

(Application Deadline: June 22)

Neighborhood Conservation Districts (NCDs) 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.

Each NCD commission includes seven members and three alternates. Appointments to these Commissions are made by the City Manager, with regard for a diversity of viewpoints and experience. Most members must reside in the respective district; renters, property owners and business operators are encouraged to apply.

The volunteer commissions meet monthly and are supported by the professional staff of the Cambridge Historical Commission. Applicants should have knowledge and concern for improvement, conservation, and enhancement of the district. The composition of each Commission shall represent the diversity of the designated neighborhood in terms of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and property ownership or tenancy.

More information and maps for the Neighborhood Conservation Districts are available through the following links:

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

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Sarah Burks at [email protected].

The Cambridge Climate Committee is an advisory group of community members who work together to provide feedback to the City on strategies and goals related to climate change, advocate for community needs, and share City climate programs with their communities.

The committee is made up of volunteers who live or work in Cambridge. Members come from across the community and bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to the table. They typically serve two-year terms and usually meet the second Thursday of the month at 6 p.m.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Stephen Early at [email protected].

The Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) Advisory Board works to increase access to all aspects of Cambridge community life for people with disabilities. The Commission raises awareness about disability issues and promotes equal opportunities for people with a range of abilities, including physical, mental, and sensory. CCPD also provides information, referrals, guidance, and technical assistance to individuals and their families, employers, public agencies, businesses and private non-profit organizations. CCPD Advisory Board members work with other board members and office staff to carry out the CCPD Ordinance ( Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.96 ).

The CCPD Advisory Board, which has 11 volunteer members who serve for three-year terms, currently meets virtually on the second Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. Members must attend monthly meetings and also take part in Working Groups and work on projects as needed.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact [email protected], call 617-349-4692 (voice), or 711 (relay).

The LGBTQ+ Commission was established under Chapter 2.125 of the Cambridge Municipal Code . The function of the Commission is to advocate for a culture of respect and monitor progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Commission also works to promote policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare, and safety of all persons who live, visit, or work in the City, with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Commissioners are expected to be knowledgeable about the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and must live or work in Cambridge.

The Commission consists of up to 20 appointed members, who serve three-year terms. Meetings are typically held on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings, as well as participate and volunteer for outreach and other community events.
If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Shameka Gregory at [email protected] or call (617) 349-3355.

This Committee is charged with the responsibility of promoting and improving the quality and diversity of plantings throughout all areas of Cambridge. This includes reviewing planting plans for new public work in the City, advising the City on effective maintenance of public plantings; supporting the role of the Urban Forestry Division of the Cambridge Public Works Department, and encouraging interest in public plantings in all neighborhoods.

The term length is two years. The Committee holds a hybrid meeting where members and the public have the option to either attend in- person or virtually on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m. Candidates should be Cambridge residents who ideally have an interest in urban forestry and landscape issues and experience in horticulture.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact David Lefcourt at [email protected].

All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Members should be Cambridge residents representing different disabilities, diverse cultures and races, and all areas of Cambridge.