Current Board Vacancies: Commission on Immigrant Rights & Citizenship, Community Benefits Advisory Committee, LGBTQ+ Commission, and Public Planting Committee

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:

Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship (Application Deadline 12-4-20)
Commissioners are expected to be knowledgeable about immigrant rights and citizenship. Cambridge welcomes immigrants and wants to encourage their success and access to opportunity and advancement. It is a goal of this Commission to get the message of welcome out, through collaboration with organizations that already provide services and outreach to our immigrant communities. The Commission acts as a centralizing organization in Cambridge, to address immigrant rights and citizenship issues through providing information, referral, guidance, coordination and technical assistance to other public agencies and private persons, organizations and institutions engaged in activities and programs intended to support immigrant rights and citizenship.

Community Benefits Advisory Committee (Application Deadline 12-4-20)
This Committee makes recommendations to the City Manager for the approval and awarding of grant agreements with nonprofit organizations for the provision of Community Benefits. Such benefits may be programs or services provided by nonprofit organizations that directly benefit Cambridge residents. The Committee solicits and evaluates applications from local non-profit providers for the provision of services that are consistent with the Cambridge City Council’s Funding Priorities. Additionally the Committee also establishes rules, regulations, and guidelines for proper administration and implementation of Community Benefit funding.

Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission (Application Deadline 12-4-20)
The Cambridge LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus) Commission advocates for a culture of respect and monitors progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Commission also promotes policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare and safety of persons who live, visit or work in the City of Cambridge with regard to sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.

Public Planting Committee (Application Deadline 12-18-20)
The Public Planting 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 City Arborist; and encouraging interest in public plantings in all neighborhoods. Candidates should have an interest in urban forestry and landscape issues, and, ideally, experience in horticulture.

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.