Current Board Vacancies: Cambridge Cemetery Master Plan Stakeholder's Group, Citizens' Committee on Civic Unity, Leaf Blower Use Review Group

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:

Cambridge Cemetery Master Plan Stakeholder's Group (Application Deadline 4-6-20)
This stakeholder’s group will review the City of Cambridge ongoing Cemetery Master Plan process. The Master Plan seeks to improve the layout and operation of the Cambridge Cemetery. The city’s consultant will be considering alternative forms of internment, adding and re-landscaping areas, and addressing how best to create and enhance the final place of rest for Cambridge citizens. The stakeholder’s group will meet periodically over the next 12 months.

Citizens' Committee on Civic Unity (Application Deadline 3-23-20)
This committee works to foster fairness, equity, unity, appreciation, and mutual understanding across all people and entities in Cambridge. The Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity works to provide opportunities for constructive discussions and community events regarding race, class, religion, gender, abilities, and sexual orientation, through recognizing and raising awareness of historic, existing, and potential civic issues; providing opportunities for honest dialogue and engagement; and by building bridges across communities to better understand and connect with one another.

Leaf Blower Use Review Group (Application Deadline 3-26-20)
The Group will review the City of Cambridge Noise Ordinance specific to the use of leaf blowers in the community and will meet monthly over the next 6 months. Subcommittees may be set up to investigate specific topics to report back to the full committee. All Leaf Blower Use Review Group meetings will be open to the public. Applicants are sought from various stakeholder groups, including residents, neighborhood groups, city boards/committees, universities, property owners, and local businesses.

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.