Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Vacancies

Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking additional people interested in serving on the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) as additional seats will be opening up shortly.

What is the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority?

The CRA is an independent public body focused on publicly beneficial real estate projects and infrastructure investment within the City of Cambridge. Per the state regulations creating redevelopment authorities (M.G.L. 121B), the CRA Board is composed of five members, four of whom are appointed by the Cambridge City Manager and confirmed by the City Council to a five-year term. The fifth member is appointed by the Governor’s office.

What is the role of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority?

The CRA works in the public trust to bring a human dimension to development, improving the quality of life for residents, businesses, employees, and visitors. Its goal is to balance economic vibrancy, housing, and open space, to create sustainable communities through new and revitalized development. Committed to implementing imaginative, creative initiatives to achieve social equity and a balanced economic ecosystem, the CRA works on projects throughout Cambridge, often in partnership with the City of Cambridge or with other organizations.

Over the past 5 years, the CRA has purchased and renovated the nonprofit center at 99 Bishop Allen Drive, opened the Foundry community arts and education center at 101 Rogers Street, revitalized multiple public open spaces in Kendall Square, provided capital grants funds to over 25 nonprofit organizations and invested in middle income homeownership opportunities along Massachusetts Avenue. The CRA continues to steward development in Kendall Square including new residential development and a state-of-the-art underground electrical substation. The CRA plans to continue make investment in affordable homeownership projects, nonprofit services, and economic opportunity projects throughout Cambridge. Additional information regarding the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority is available at www.cambridgeredevelopment.org.   

Who can apply to join the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority?

All board members appointed by the City Manager must live in Cambridge. The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All committee 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. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

What are the responsibilities of board members on the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority?

Board members are responsible for overseeing the fiscal management and strategic direction of the CRA. They oversee project selection, program policy, internal controls, contracting and procurement decisions, and general management of operations. The Board hires the Executive Director and sets annual budgets for the organization. They service as a critical connection between community interests and the Management of programs. They bring forward redevelopment concept for consideration and review initiatives from the City of Cambridge and CRA staff. They guide existing redevelopment programs providing land use and design review of buildings in the KSURP area. They monitor the delivery of ongoing community benefit agreements in Kendall Square and other plan areas.

How much of a time commitment is the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority?

The CRA Board is a public body that meets at least monthly under the guidance of the open meeting law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. CRA Board meetings are currently held on the second or third Wednesday of each month, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. While meetings are hybrid to enable the public to participate virtually, Board members are expected to attend the meetings in-person, and should also plan to spend a few hours each month outside of meetings reviewing documents, visiting potential sites, etc.

How can I apply? When is the application deadline?

Individuals interested in being considered should apply using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting “Cambridge Redevelopment Authority” in the list of Current Vacancies. A resume and cover letter describing why you want to join the committee, or an overview of relevant experience, can be submitted during the online application process. The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, September 9, 2024. For more information, contact Tom Evans, CRA Executive Director, at tevans@cambridgeredevelopment.org.