Current Board Vacancies: Conservation Commission, Committee on Public Planting, LGBTQ+-Friendly Housing Task Force, Affordable Housing Trust, Transit Advisory Committee

Serving on a board or commission can be a rewarding experience and an excellent way to contribute to our community. Board members also have the opportunity to participate in the City’s decision-making process for a variety of topics. The City has 80 boards and commissions with over 500 members.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. 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. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Are you ready to play a critical role in shaping Cambridge’s civic landscape? Apply today at Cambridgema.gov/Apply.

Below is a listing of current vacancies:

Conservation Commission (Application Deadline 5-8-23)
The Conservation Commission is responsible for administering the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA). The WPA is a state law governing activities in and around local wetlands, waterways and floodplains.

Committee on Public Planting (Application Deadline 5-1-23)
The Committee on Public Planting 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; and encouraging interest in public plantings in all neighborhoods.

Cambridge LGBTQ+-Friendly Housing Task Force. (Application Deadline 5-8-23)
The Task Force will consider opportunities for new or revised practices and procedures to improve LGBTQ+ persons’ access to, and inclusion in, existing housing, and will also evaluate possibilities for new housing to be more LGBTQ+-friendly. The Task Force will issue a final report with concrete recommendations and action plans for ensuring LGBTQ+ housing access, safety, and inclusivity in Cambridge.

Affordable Housing Trust (Application Deadline 5-1-23)
The Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust works to expand and protect affordable housing opportunities in Cambridge. The Trust administers and oversees most City funds allocated to create and preserve affordable rental and homeownership housing, and to support housing programs that address the city’s affordable housing needs. The Trust also provides direct financial assistance to income-eligible families seeking to purchase affordable homes and has helped thousands of families and individuals afford to remain in the Cambridge community. 

Transit Advisory Committee (Application Deadline 5-1-23) 
The Transit Advisory Committee advises on city and state projects, positions and policies on transit service planning, scheduling, infrastructure modernization, expansion and long-term sustainable funding for transit. Committee members help advance an agenda for a robust public transit system for all who live, work, and visit Cambridge, including the transit services provided by the MBTA and EZRide, among others. 

Application Process

Applications to serve on any of these committees can be submitted to City Manager Yi-An Huang 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.

For questions about the application process, please contact Francesca Gaines in the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300 or fgaines@cambridgema.gov.