Volunteers Sought for Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee & Working Groups

City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking volunteers to serve on the newly formed Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee, the Envision Alewife Working Group, and the Engagement and Communications Working Group. These groups are being created to advise the city and its consultant team on the newly named citywide plan, Envision Cambridge. This multi-year process will help set a new direction for a sustainable, prosperous future.

The Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee will be a sounding board for planning concepts, help set priorities for the plan, and help establish a feedback loop between the City, the consultant team, and Cambridge residents, businesses, and institutions. The committee will consist of residents, property owners, and representatives of local businesses and institutions.

The Envision Alewife Working Group will help guide the Alewife district study and develop comprehensive and actionable recommendations for the area.

The Engagement and Communications Working Group is a topic-focused group that will provide guidance and advice on how the citywide plan can best engage the entire community and ensure that dialogue is representative of the city’s diversity.

At later stages of the planning process, additional working groups will be formed. We anticipate working groups on topics such as climate and energy, economic development, housing, and mobility.

Who is Eligible?

Any Cambridge resident, property owner, or representative of a local business or institution is welcome to apply. For the Engagement and Communications Working Group, the city seeks individuals with experience, expertise, and interest in public engagement and communication.

How Often Will the Groups Meet?

The Advisory Committee will meet approximately every six weeks. Working Groups will convene at critical junctures in the planning process in condensed periods of time and are likely to meet an estimated six to eight times throughout the process. The Envision Alewife Working Group will meet approximately every six weeks during the Alewife planning process, which is anticipated to start this spring and finish within the year.

How Many People Will Be Selected

Approximately 16-20 people will serve on the Advisory Committee. Working Groups will consist of approximately 6-8 people, except for the Envision Alewife Working Group, which will be larger due to its multidisciplinary nature. Each Working Group will include at least one Advisory Committee member.

How Will Members Be Chosen?

The Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee will be broadly representative of the Cambridge community including residents, institutions, property owners, and businesses. The goal will be to create a Committee that represents the diversity of the city. Working groups will include people with expertise or interest in the specific topic area.

How To Apply

To apply, send a letter by the newly extended deadline of Feb. 1, 2016 describing your interest and background to:

Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
c/o Melissa Peters
Community Development Department
344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
Email: mpeters@cambridgema.gov

Please describe your interest in Envision Cambridge and make clear if you would like to serve on the Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee, the Envision Alewife Working Group, Engagement and Communications Working Group, or multiple groups. If you are interested in serving on the Envision Alewife Working Group, Engagement and Communications Working Group, or other topic-specific working group, please describe any relevant experience. You may include a résumé with your application, if helpful.