MassVoter.com← Cambridge City CouncilCambridge City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
January 26, 2026
37 recorded votes, 5 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
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Present: Ayah Al-Zubi, Burhan Azeem, Timothy Flaherty, Marc McGovern, Patricia Nolan, Sumbul Siddiqui, Denise Simmons, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, Catherine Zusy
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-04
Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases.
CMA placed on file [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: CMA placed on file [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-09
Transmitting a communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following people to the Family Policy Advisory Council.
Approved and CMA placed on file [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Approved and CMA placed on file [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-10
Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $100,000 received from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to the Public Investment Fund...
Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-05
Transmitting a communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Public Weighers for the calendar year 2026 to operate scales at 500 Front St...
Approved and CMA placed on file [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Approved and CMA placed on file [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-11
Transmitting communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment or reappointment of the following people to the Recycling Advisory Committee for terms of three years.
Approved and CMA placed on file [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Approved and CMA placed on file [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-13
A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments of Claire Spinner and Ellen Semonoff as Members of the Cambridge Health Alliance Board of Trustees.
Approved and CMA placed on file [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Approved and CMA placed on file [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-06
Transmitting communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $226,880 from the Emergency Solutions Grant to the Grant fund Human Services salary & wages and other...
Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-08
Transmitting communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $54,491 from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to the Grant fund Human...
Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-07
Transmitting communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $58,056.80 from the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board to the Grant fund Human Services salary and...
Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-12
A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment or reappointment of the following people as Constables for terms of three years.
Approved and CMA placed on file [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Approved and CMA placed on file [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-15
Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Cambridge Street Zoning Petition.
CMA Placed on File [6-2-1-0]
Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, ZusyNo: Flaherty, Sobrinho-WheelerAbstained: Al-Zubi
From the minutes
“RESULT: CMA Placed on File [6-2-1-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Concillor Zusy NAYS: Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Flaherty PRESENT: Councillor Al-Zubi ABSENT: None.”
Policy Orders · POR 2026-16
That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments regarding incorporating plant-based solutions into the Sustainable Cambridge initiative, incorporating plant-based...
Adopted as Amended [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted as Amended [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Policy Orders · POR 2026-17
That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prioritize pilot projects in 2026 without the use of a consultant for an extensive pedestrianization study, and in the...
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Policy Orders · POR 2026-19
That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026, be a Joint Roundtable/Working meeting with the School Committee to discuss the FY27 Cambridge Public Schools budget...
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Policy Orders · POR 2026-20
That the City Council shall convene for its special summer meeting Monday, August 3, 2026.
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Policy Orders · POR 2026-21
That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, November 30, 2026, be and hereby is canceled.
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Policy Orders · POR 2026-22
That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, December 28, 2026, be and hereby is canceled.
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Policy Orders · POR 2026-23
That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide an update regarding Policy Order 2025 #69 FY26 Operating Budget a continued commitment to Emergency Housing Vouchers for Permanent...
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Policy Orders · POR 2026-24
That the Mayor hereby appoints a committee, to screen applicants for the position of City Clerk.
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Policy Orders · POR 2026-27
That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the relevant City staff and departments to order that the flag at Cambridge City Hall, the main administrative municipal building, be...
Adopted as Amended [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted as Amended [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Calendar – Charter Right
A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for the Nathaniel Stickney House at 45 Mt. Auburn Street.
FAILED [2-7-0]
Yes: Al-Zubi, ZusyNo: Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler
From the minutes
“RESULT: FAILED [2-7-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Concillor Zusy NAYS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Flaherty PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
That the City Manager is requested to conduct a comprehensive review of existing safety and security measures at Cambridge City Hall, which shall include an assessment of physical access controls...
Adopted as Amended [7-1-1-0]
Yes: Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, ZusyNo: Sobrinho-WheelerAbstained: Al-Zubi
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted as Amended [7-1-1-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler PRESENT: Councillor Al-Azubi ABSENT: None.”
Calendar – Tabled
Ordain: Ordinance has been received from Interim City Clerk Paula M. Crane, relative to amend the Zoning Map and Articles 3.000, 17.000, and 19.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows...
Ordained as Amended [6-3-0]
Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Sobrinho-WheelerNo: Al-Zubi, Flaherty, Zusy
From the minutes
“RESULT: Ordained as Amended [6-3-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Applications · APP 2026-01
An application was received from Joseph Correia representing Patagonia, requesting permission for one (1) projecting blade sign at the premises numbered 39 Brattle Street. approval has been...
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Applications · APP 2026-03
An application was received from Ricky Zeng representing Love Art Sushi, requesting permission for one (1) projecting blade signs at the premises numbered 1 Canal Park. approval has been received...
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Applications · APP 2026-05
An application was received from Brian Lavelle, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 204 Garden Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services...
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Communications · COM 2026-08
Place on file: Communications for the January 26, 2026 City Council Meeting
Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Resolutions · RES 2026-01
That the City Council formally go on record in extending its deepest condolences to the family of Donald Williams for their tremendous loss.
Adopted as Amended [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted as Amended [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Resolutions
Resolutions adopted together (5 resolutions, RES 2026-02 to RES 2026-06)
Adopted [9-0-0]
The Final Actions record the same result and vote for each of these 5 resolutions (RES 2026-02, RES 2026-03, RES 2026-04, RES 2026-05, RES 2026-06); MassVoter lists them as one vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Committee Reports · CC 2026-01
Place on file: The Housing Committee and Finance Committee held a joint public hearing on December 3, 2025 to discuss the feasibility and potential impacts of implementing residential development...
Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Committee Reports · CC 2026-02
Place on file: The Human Services and Veterans Committee held a public hearing on December 4th, 2025 to review and discuss the Executive Summary from the Community Benefits Advisory Committee...
Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Committee Reports · CC 2026-03
Place on file: The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on December 9, 2025 to further discuss the implications of deploying automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) and to discuss whether...
Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Committee Reports · CC 2026-04
Place on file: The Health and Environment Committee and Housing Committee held a joint public hearing on December 11, 2025 to review and discuss POR 2025 #137, which asks the Community Development...
Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Communications From Other City Officers · COF 2026-01
Place on file: Updated regarding legislative activity
Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Communications From Other City Officers · COF 2026-02
Place on file: Proposed Amendments to Cambridge Street Zoning Petition
Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Communications From Other City Officers · COF 2026-04
Place on file: A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee.
Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Communications From Other City Officers · COF 2026-05
Place on file: A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information about the search process for a permanent City Clerk.
Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mcgovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Concillor Zusy NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
From the Cambridge City Council’s official Final Actions, posted by the City Clerk on the city’s meeting portal (and, for meetings before late January 2026, the Open Meeting Portal), linked from the City Council page. We check every vote against the councillors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Councillor photos: City of Cambridge (cambridgema.gov), from the official headshots on each councillor’s City Council page. Former councillors show initials.
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