Regular City Council Meeting

• Governing Body: Cambridge City Council
• Meeting Type: Regular City Council Meeting
• Date: May 11, 2026, at 05:30 PM
• Attendees: Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Marc McGovern, Councilors Ayah Al-Zubi, Burhan Azeem, Timothy Flaherty, Patricia Nolan, Denise Simmons, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, and Catherine Zusy.

The Council heard from approximately 46 speakers. Key testimony included:

• Gideon Epstein (ACLU): Opposed ShotSpotter (Policy Order 2026-98), stating, "ShotSpotter does not meet the ordinance's clear standard for continued use," citing disproportionate placement in minority neighborhoods and high false-positive rates.
• Alex Marthews (Digital Fourth): Argued ShotSpotter has no statistical effect on reducing gun violence and noted a 2/3 false alert rate.
• Siobhan McDonough: Supported stopping ShotSpotter and the Cuba resolution; opposed Policy Order 5 regarding foreign policy restrictions.
• Valerie Bonds: Opposed increasing senior parking fees, suggesting the city use other transportation funds to cover deficits.
• Michelle Malvesti: Opposed removing the senior parking discount, calling it an "attack on senior citizens" during difficult economic times.
• Carlos Humberto-David: Supported ShotSpotter, citing the unsolved 2014 murder of his brother and the need for tools to assist investigations when witnesses are afraid to speak.

• Item 1: Digital Equity Update: Discussion focused on the transition of digital navigators as federal ARPA funding expires. Councilor Nolan inquired about support for small businesses. The report was placed on file.
• Item 4: 221 Mount Auburn Street Demolition: Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins reported the successful demolition of the structurally deficient building. The total cost was approximately $12 million, significantly lower than the $20 million appropriation. The site was cleared as of April 1, 2026.
• Appropriations (Items 2 & 3): Approved 9-0 via roll call vote.

Acting Commissioner Wells provided an update on an active shooter incident at Memorial Drive and River Street earlier that day.

• Incident Details: A suspect armed with an "assault-styled rifle" fired 50-60 rounds indiscriminately. Two innocent victims suffered life-threatening injuries.
• Outcome: The suspect was struck by gunfire from a Massachusetts State Trooper and a civilian with a legal firearm. The suspect is in custody at a hospital.
• Response: Approximately 30 Cambridge officers responded to the scene. The investigation is ongoing in conjunction with the District Attorney's office.

The Council considered a resolution calling on the federal government to rescind Executive Order 14380 and end the U.S. oil blockade of Cuba.

• Outcome: Adopted.
• Vote: 5-0-4.
  • In Favor: Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui.
  • Present: Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy.

• Policy Order 2026-98 (ShotSpotter): Requested the cessation of data collection by ShotSpotter. Councilor Al-Zubi cited an 82% false positive rate. Action: Charter Right exercised by Vice Mayor Azeem.
• Policy Order 2026-99 (Direct Election of Mayor): Proposed engaging the Collins Center to review options for voters to directly elect the Mayor. Action: Charter Right exercised by Councilor Simmons.
• Policy Order 4 (Water Usage): Requested outreach regarding drought conditions and measures to reduce non-essential water use. Action: Adopted.
• Policy Order 5 (Foreign Policy Issues): Proposed a joint meeting of Government Operations and Civic Unity committees to discuss how foreign policy resolutions should be handled. Action: Adopted 6-3 (No: Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui).
• Policy Order 6 (Senior Parking Fee): Requested a report on the fiscal impact of maintaining the current senior parking fee exemption. Action: Charter Right exercised by Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler.

The Council discussed updates to the 2026-2027 City Council Rules, including a proposed 9:00 PM meeting adjournment and limits on speaking times.

• Action: Charter Right exercised by Councilor Flaherty.