Current Board Vacancies: Peace Commission, Leaf Blower Use Review Group, 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.

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:

Cambridge Peace Commission (Application Deadline 3-7-20)
As a city department, the Peace Commission works with other municipal agencies, communities of faith, nonprofit organizations, and the community as a whole to build connections, strengthen relationships, and promote understanding. The Peace Commission fosters a community where differences and diversity are understood and celebrated, so that all residents can contribute to making Cambridge an equitable and peaceful community. Peace Commission members are expected to attend regular meetings and participate in organizing the Commission’s programs and events, including the annual commemorations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Holocaust, and Meet Your Neighbor Day in September. Additionally, members are encouraged to learn about the day-to-day work and projects of the staff, and offer advice and viewpoints that reflect the Commission’s purpose and role within city government.

Leaf Blower Use Review Group (Application Deadline 2-14-20)
The Group will review the City of Cambridge Noise Ordinance specific to the use of leaf blowers in the community and will meet monthly over the next 6 months. Subcommittees may be set up to investigate specific topics to report back to the full committee. All Leaf Blower Use Review Group meetings will be open to the public. Applicants are sought from various stakeholder groups, including residents, neighborhood groups, city boards/committees, universities, property owners, and local businesses.

Cambridge Water Board (Application Deadline 2-14-20)
The Cambridge Water Board is a five-member board appointed by the City Manager that 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. The board generally meets on the second Tuesday of the month, from 5-6:30 p.m., at the Walter J. Sullivan Water Purification Facility.

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.