Current Board Vacancies: American Freedmen Commission and Human Services 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:

American Freedmen Commission (Application Deadline 4-7-25)
The Cambridge American Freedmen Commission will explore historic and ongoing harms to the Cantabrigian descendants of enslaved people and determine appropriate reparations. Commissioners will also work together to design a strategy to:

• Investigate and report on any historical, systemic, and/or ongoing harms done to American Freedmen by the Federal, Massachusetts, and/or Cambridge governments and make recommendations to the City Manager and/or the City Manager's designee(s) concerning implementing sustainable solutions for transitional justice and prompt reparations for Cambridge Resident American Freedmen;
• Increase public awareness and understanding of the Commission's work and outcomes from investigations and research;
• Develop a community engagement strategy to engage community members across the City of Cambridge;
• Collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to promote the advancement of the American Freedmen Commission;
• Perform further work as agreed upon by the City Manager and/or the City Manager's designee(s) and the Commission.

Human Services Commission (Application Deadline 3-24-25)
The Commission advises the City Manager and the Assistant City Manager for Human Services on human services policy issues, needs assessment, and funding allocations. With the Department of Human Service Programs, the Commission also promotes activities that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Over the years, the Commission has responded to local needs by recommending Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for a wide range of programs offered by the City and community agencies.

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.