Current Board Vacancies: Cambridge Housing Authority, Cambridge Climate Committee, Broadway Safety Improvement Project Working Group, Avon Hill, Half Crown-Marsh, and Mid Cambridge NCDs. Historical Commission, Planning Board

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:

Cambridge Housing Authority (Application Deadline 1-27-25)
The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) provides long-term rental housing and rental assistance. More than 10,000 low-income families, elders, and disabled individuals receive this assistance. CHA invests in Cambridge families and provides enhanced support to 10% of the city's population.

Cambridge Climate Committee (Application Deadline 1-13-25)
The Climate Committee has three roles that help the City reduce climate change impacts, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase equity, and serve as a partner to and example for other communities:

• Provide feedback and ideas to the City on ways to reduce and live with climate change while prioritizing the needs of the most at-risk populations.
• Share information about City climate programs with community members, listen to community concerns, and raise feedback with City staff so programs effectively serve all community members.
• Stay informed about the City’s climate goals and provide accountability and feedback on barriers and opportunities to improve effectiveness.

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 extended to 1-27-25)
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 extended to 1-27-25)
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.

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.