City Council - Regular Meeting

Meeting Date: November 17, 2025, at 12:00 AM Governing Body: Cambridge City Council Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting

Attendees:

• Vice Mayor Marc McGovern
• City Councilor Burhan Azeem
• City Councilor Patricia Nolan
• City Councilor Sumbul Siddiqui
• City Councilor Ayesha Wilson
• City Councilor Catherine Zusy
• Mayor Denise Simmons

Absent:

• City Councilor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler
• City Councilor Paul Toner

Executive Summary: The Cambridge City Council convened for a regular meeting on November 17, 2025. Key discussions included the federal update from City Manager Yi-An Huang regarding significant cuts to federal housing and SNAP benefits, prompting concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations and potential city-level mitigation strategies. The Council also approved grants for municipal road safety and human services programs. A significant policy order was adopted, opposing Massachusetts House Bill H4744, which is seen as detrimental to the Commonwealth's climate goals and energy affordability, particularly impacting Cambridge's fossil fuel-free building pilot program.

• Present: Vice Mayor Marc McGovern, City Councilor Burhan Azeem, City Councilor Patricia Nolan, City Councilor Sumbul Siddiqui, City Councilor Ayesha Wilson, City Councilor Catherine Zusy, Mayor Denise Simmons.
• Absent: City Councilor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler (traveling), City Councilor Paul Toner (family emergency).
• Outcome: Quorum established with seven members present and two absent.

• Elena Fagotto (26 Bigelow Street, Unit B, Mothers of Front Cambridge):
  • Supported Policy Order 159 (later identified as H4744).
  • Expressed concern over Massachusetts House Bill H4744, stating it undermines the Commonwealth's commitment to cut fossil fuel emissions by 50% by 2030.
  • Highlighted the bill's proposed $500 million cut to the Mass Save program, limiting access to home insulation and electrification subsidies, particularly for low and middle-income families.
  • Noted the bill disqualifies new residential buildings in fossil fuel-free communities like Cambridge from Mass Save subsidies and ends gas bill discounts for moderate-income customers.
  • Stated the bill leaves the GCEP program for replacing gas pipelines untouched, which added nearly $1 billion to gas bills last year.
  • Urged the Council to send a clear message to the legislature for real action on utility costs, not attacks on climate commitments.
• James Williamson:
  • Referenced a Wall Street Journal editorial, "Climate Reality Hits Nantucket," discussing Massachusetts' reliance on natural gas (80% of electricity, 50% of heating) and high energy costs due to pipeline constraints and the Jones Act.
  • Stated Massachusetts' wholesale gas prices are 239% of the national average, and residential electricity rates are 72% higher.
  • Questioned the allocation of $65,000 in the City Manager's agenda for enforcement, specifically regarding rules for bicyclists, emphasizing pedestrian safety concerns.
• Heather Hoffman (213 Hurley Street):
  • Noted a potential error in the bill number cited in the policy order (H3469 vs. H4744).
  • Expressed skepticism about enforcement in Massachusetts, particularly regarding traffic and pedestrian safety.
  • Advocated for a hearing on construction impacts on pedestrians and sidewalks.
  • Criticized the city's lack of transparency regarding state litigation.
  • Expressed cynicism about the Urban Forest Master Plan, quoting, "I am a firm believer that our plans are useless if we are not constantly reviewing efforts and hitting goals."

• Discussion:
  • SNAP Benefits: City Manager Yi-An Huang provided an update on the city's response to the federal government shutdown's impact on SNAP benefits.
    • The city, in partnership with the Cambridge Community Foundation (through the Urgent Needs Fund) and CEOC, distributed over 1,500 gift cards through Cambridge Public Schools and 230 to seniors and disabled individuals.
    • 19 outreach sessions are scheduled at senior buildings.
    • The government reopened, but concerns remain about continued federal actions undermining the food safety net.
    • Councilor Siddiqui noted that December SNAP benefits would be paid out, but expressed concern about ongoing changes to work requirements and reduced benefits.
    • Councilor Wilson highlighted that recertification for SNAP benefits will deem many previously eligible individuals, including immigrants, ineligible, creating further need.
  • HUD Policy Changes and Homelessness Funding:
    • City Manager Huang reported on a 128-page HUD notice regarding the $4 billion Continuum of Care (CoC) program, the main source of federal funding for homelessness.
    • Cuts are deeper and faster than expected.
    • HUD plans to cut the guaranteed annual appropriation from 90% to 30%, with 70% of funding redirected to other areas, including transitional housing and street outreach focused on encampment removal and police partnerships.
    • New grant restrictions may challenge or be impossible for the city to meet, including language allowing HUD to reject applicants that previously embraced policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion (which were previously requirements).
    • Cambridge's CoC currently receives $6.4 million annually; an estimated 70% cut ($4.6 million) is anticipated.
    • The current program houses 214 households with a 96-97% retention rate.
    • The Emergency Housing Vouchers program (started in 2021 with $5 billion, housing 70,000 nationally) is unlikely to receive further funding. Cambridge currently houses 129 households through this program, receiving $3.8 million annually.
    • Most funding cuts are expected between August and October 2026 (FY27), potentially affecting 250-300 households in Cambridge.
    • The city is exploring legal avenues to challenge aspects of the new policy.
    • The city has set aside funding for federal mitigation, but the anticipated cuts ($8.5 million annually for CoC and EHV alone) far exceed the total amount set aside.
    • Councilor Nolan expressed shock and asked about further actions the city could take.
    • Councilor Siddiqui supported litigation with other municipalities (Somerville, Boston).
    • Councilor Azeem inquired about the regional impact, noting 3,800 households in Massachusetts are served by CoC and 1,550 by EHV.
    • Councilor Wilson asked about the city's stabilization fund; $3.75 million remains from a $5 million set-aside, but these are one-time funds, and the need is for ongoing operational funding.
    • Councilor Zusy called the cuts "cruel" and suggested reviewing existing services for greater efficiencies and engaging community partners.
    • Vice Mayor McGovern emphasized the Council's commitment to preventing homelessness and finding solutions, including potential budget increases or free cash allocations.
  • Amicus Briefs:
    • Councilor Nolan inquired about the city filing an amicus brief in United States v. Boston regarding sanctuary policies.
    • The City Solicitor confirmed the city is planning to sign on to the brief, which challenges the federal government's stance on Boston's sanctuary policies.
    • The city has previously joined amicus briefs in support of Rhode Island SNAP benefits, temporary protected status, and commercial driver's license eligibility based on immigration status.
• Motion: Councilor Nolan moved to place City Manager Agenda Item Number 1 on file.
• Vote:
  • Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons (7)
  • No: (0)
  • Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner (2)
• Outcome: Motion passed (7-0-2).

• Description: Communication from City Manager Yi-An Huang regarding the appropriation of a $64,974 grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, Municipal Road Safety Program. Funds will support high-visibility traffic education and enforcement.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Zusy inquired about the use of funds and the nature of "campaigns."
  • Commissioner Elo and Lieutenant Phil McDavitt explained that the funds supplement ongoing police work, allowing the traffic unit to focus on specific enforcement without being diverted to other services.
  • The grant supports 12 campaigns annually, including crosswalk, stop sign, red light, obstructing bike lane, improper turn, impaired operation, distracted driving, and speeding violations.
  • Enforcement locations are data-driven (crash data) and responsive to community input (e.g., emails from councilors).
  • Councilor Siddiqui requested information on public accessibility of enforcement data and locations.
  • Lieutenant McDavitt clarified that this is a recurring grant, and the current appropriation is for new funds for FY26.
  • Councilor Nolan suggested a report on effectiveness and incorporating C-Click Fix data. She also emphasized the need for a broader public courtesy campaign to address driver/cyclist/pedestrian behavior, citing a personal incident of road rage.
• Motion: Councilor Zusy moved to approve the appropriation and place the item on file.
• Vote:
  • Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons (7)
  • No: (0)
  • Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner (2)
• Outcome: Motion passed (7-0-2).

• Description: Communication from City Manager Yi-An Huang regarding the appropriation of $302,640 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence. Funds are allocated to the Grant Fund Department of Human Services Programs: $181,607 for Salary and Wages, $106,033 for Other Ordinary Maintenance, and $15,000 for Travel and Training.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Wilson inquired about new initiatives under this appropriation for aging residents.
  • Assistant Manager Seminoff stated that more funding has been added for food.
  • Due to federal cuts in the Congregate Meals Program (funded through Somerville Cambridge Elder Services), some grant funding is being used to potentially cover staff and food costs to avoid reducing meals at the Senior Center.
  • Funding also supports expanded programming on Thursdays and Fridays at the Russell Community and Youth Center and additional instructors and medical rides for seniors.
  • Councilor Wilson expressed appreciation for the update and the creative use of funds to support seniors.
• Motion: Councilor Wilson moved to approve the appropriation and place the matter on file.
• Vote:
  • Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons (7)
  • No: (0)
  • Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner (2)
• Outcome: Motion passed (7-0-2).

• Description: "That the City Manager be requested to confer with the Executive Director of the Council on Aging and other relevant city departments to explore the feasibility of creating a dedicated position or function focused on triaging and directing senior residents to appropriate services and supports."
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Nolan initially suggested referring the order to the Committee on Civic Unity or Human Services for further discussion, questioning if the intent could be folded into existing services or if it would lead to an additional position.
  • Mayor Simmons, as co-sponsor, clarified that the order is budget-neutral and seeks to explore the feasibility of a position or function to help seniors navigate existing services, especially given increasing scams and federal cuts. She emphasized that it could involve reallocation of resources rather than a new hire.
  • Councilor Zusy supported the order, stating it grew out of Civic Unity meetings and addresses an identified need for a "navigator" to connect elders to services.
  • Vice Mayor McGovern clarified that the order asks to explore feasibility and that any subsequent proposal for a new position would go to the Finance Committee.
  • Councilor Nolan expressed support given the clarification that the intent is budget-neutral and aims for more coordinated service delivery.
• Motion 1: Mayor Simmons moved to add Councilor Zusy as a co-sponsor.
• Vote:
  • Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons (7)
  • No: (0)
  • Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner (2)
• Outcome: Motion passed (7-0-2).
• Motion 2: Mayor Simmons moved to adopt the policy order as amended (with Councilor Zusy added as co-sponsor).
• Vote:
  • Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons (7)
  • No: (0)
  • Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner (2)
• Outcome: Motion passed (7-0-2).

• Description (as amended): "That the Cambridge City Council go on record in opposition of House Bill H4744, as reported out of the House TUE Committee and reviewed by the House Committee on Ways and Means, which would drastically undermine the Commonwealth's climate goals and would undermine its own efforts to address energy affordability facing households and businesses in Cambridge and statewide. Further, that the City Clerk be directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, to Representative Mark Cusack, and to the Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means."
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Nolan clarified that the original bill number (H3469) was updated to H4744 due to legislative changes.
  • Proposed amendments included:
    • Noting the bill was moved forward from the House TUE Committee and reviewed by the House Committee on Ways and Means.
    • Correcting the bill number to H4744.
    • Directing the City Clerk to forward the resolution to the Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means.
  • Councilor Nolan stated that the bill would set back climate work, particularly impacting Cambridge as one of 10 fossil fuel-free pilot communities.
  • She highlighted that the bill would remove $500 million from the Mass Save program and forbid fossil fuel-free communities from accessing Mass Save incentives, creating an uneven playing field for all-electric building requirements.
  • The Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee has indicated the bill will not be taken up immediately but is expected in a few weeks.
• Motion 1: Councilor Nolan moved to adopt the proposed amendments.
• Vote:
  • Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons (7)
  • No: (0)
  • Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner (2)
• Outcome: Motion passed (7-0-2).
• Motion 2: Councilor Nolan moved to adopt the policy order as amended.
• Vote:
  • Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons (7)
  • No: (0)
  • Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner (2)
• Outcome: Motion passed (7-0-2).

• None.

• Motion: Councilor Wilson moved to accept the 39 communications and place them on file.
• Vote:
  • Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons (7)
  • No: (0)
  • Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner (2)
• Outcome: Motion passed (7-0-2).

• Motion: Councilor Wilson moved to adopt all four resolutions, making them unanimous upon adoption.
• Vote:
  • Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons (7)
  • No: (0)
  • Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner (2)
• Outcome: Motion passed (7-0-2).

• Two reports were presented: one from the Human Services and Veterans Committee and one from Health and Environment.
• Motion: Councilor Wilson moved to accept and place on file both committee reports.
• Vote:
  • Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons (7)
  • No: (0)
  • Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner (2)
• Outcome: Motion passed (7-0-2).

• One item was presented.
• Motion: Councilor Zusy moved to place the item on file.
• Vote:
  • Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons (7)
  • No: (0)
  • Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner (2)
• Outcome: Motion passed (7-0-2).

• Motion 1 (Suspension of Rules): Moved to suspend the rules to bring forward a late resolution.
• Vote:
  • Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons (7)
  • No: (0)
  • Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner (2)
• Outcome: Motion passed (7-0-2).
• Motion 2 (Bring Forward Late Resolution): Moved to bring forward the late resolution.
• Vote:
  • Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons (7)
  • No: (0)
  • Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner (2)
• Outcome: Motion passed (7-0-2).
• Description: Late resolution by Mayor Simmons acknowledging the passing of Karen Moore.
• Motion 3 (Adopt Late Resolution): Mayor Simmons moved to adopt the late resolution, making it unanimous upon adoption.
• Vote:
  • Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons (7)
  • No: (0)
  • Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner (2)
• Outcome: Motion passed (7-0-2).

• Councilor Zusy: Announced a meeting on the Urban Forest Master Plan on Thursday at CRLS from 6-8 PM.
• Councilor Siddiqui: Inquired if the December 1st meeting is a regular meeting or a roundtable; confirmed as a regular meeting.

• Motion: Councilor Nolan moved to adjourn the meeting.
• Vote:
  • Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons (7)
  • No: (0)
  • Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner (2)
• Outcome: Motion passed (7-0-2).
• Time: The meeting adjourned.