Current Board Vacancies: Broadway Safety Improvement Project Working Group, Avon Hill, Half Crown-Marsh, and Mid Cambridge NCDs. Historical Commission, Planning Board, Board of Zoning Appeal, Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee, Cambridge Public Art Commission

Serving on a City of Cambridge 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 some 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:

Broadway Safety Improvement Project Working Group (Application Deadline 12-30-24)
The Broadway Safety Improvement Project Working group will be responsible for advising on the design and implementation of safety improvements on Broadway, including the installation of the separated bike lanes.

Cambridge Historical Commission (Application Deadline 12-16-24)
The Cambridge Historical Commission establishes historic preservation policy for the city and administers two historic districts, the Harvard Square Conservation District, the citywide landmark and demolition ordinances, and the preservation grant program for rehabilitation assistance.

Avon Hill, Half Crown-Marsh, & Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD) Commissions (Application Deadline 12-16-24)
Conservation district designation recognizes a distinctive physical environment that reflects the architectural, cultural, political, economic, or social history of the city. Designation encourages the conservation and maintenance of these areas so that the city may be a more attractive and desirable place in which to live and work.

• Avon Hill NCD
• Half Crown-Marsh NCD
• Mid Cambridge NCD

Planning Board (Application Deadline 12-30-24)
The Planning Board is made up of a group of Cambridge residents who make recommendations and decisions about urban development on behalf of the City of Cambridge. The Planning Board meets regularly in a public forum to discuss the City’s urban planning objectives, and apply them in the following ways:

• Reviewing major urban development proposals, granting certain types of special permits when they are needed, and putting conditions on special permit approval. The Planning Board reviews about 20-25 special permit cases each year.
• Reviewing proposed amendments to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, which sets rules for urban development, and making recommendations to the City Council. The Planning Board reviews about 10-15 proposed zoning amendments each year.
• Making recommendations to the Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA) on some cases. The BZA is a different board that grants some special permits and variances.
• Discussing other city planning efforts.

Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal (Application Deadline 12-2-24)
The BZA is a quasi-judicial body that conducts public hearings on applications and appeals and issues decisions that shape the use and appearance of buildings. Under the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, certain uses and types of development may require a variance, special permit, or comprehensive permit from the BZA.

Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee (Application Deadline 12-9-24)
The Advisory Committee will provide guidance and oversight for the operations of the Cambridge Kiosk in Harvard Square. Through this collaboration, the recently restored landmark is set to become a vibrant cultural incubator, community gathering space, and visitor information center expected to open in early 2025.

Cambridge Public Art Commission (Application Deadline 12-9-24)
The Cambridge Public Art Commission helps guide the implementation of the Public Art Ordinance and the Art Gifts and Donation Policy, and advises on the overall direction of the City of Cambridge’s Public Art Program.

Application Process

Applications to serve on any of these boards and working groups 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 board/working group of interest.  A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process.  For questions about the application process, please contact the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300 or email BoardsandCommissions@cambridgema.gov.  

Please note the application deadlines for the respective committees listed above.