MassVoter.com← Cambridge City CouncilCambridge City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
February 9, 2026
40 recorded votes, 4 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Your Cambridge ballot: 13 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →Attendance
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
Submission Of The Record
Place on file: Minutes of the City Council - Regular Meeting - June 30, 2025 5:30 PM
Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Place on file: Minutes of the City Council - Regular Meeting - September 15, 2025 5:30 PM
Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Place on file: Minutes of the City Council - Regular Meeting - September 29, 2025 5:30 PM
Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Place on file: Minutes of the City Council - Regular Meeting - October 6, 2025 5:30 PM
Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Place on file: Minutes of the City Council - Tax Rate Public Meeting - October 6, 2025 6:30 PM
Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Place on file: Minutes of the City Council - Inaugural Meeting - January 5, 2026 10:00 AM
Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Report Accepted and Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-20
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 Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-32
Refer: Transmitting communication from Police Commissioner, Christine Elow, regarding a Federal immigration enforcement tracker.
Referred to the Public Safety Committee [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Referred to the Public Safety Committee [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-22
Transmitting a Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation the of the FY2026 Cultural Investment Portfolio Program Grant in the amount of $17,100.
Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-23
Transmitting a Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Transfer of $72,500 from the General Fund Public Works Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Public Works Travel...
Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-21
Refer: Transmitting a Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to proposed changes to Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 8.28, Regulation on Youth Access and Sale of Tobacco Products...
Referred to Health and Environment Committee [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Referred to Health and Environment Committee [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-26
Refer: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Violence Prevention Recommendations Report from the Community Safety Department.
Referred to the Public Safety Committee [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Referred to the Public Safety Committee [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-24
Table: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a plan to align all housing and homeless services and programs into a unified Housing Department.
Tabled [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Tabled [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-25
Transmitting a Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HOME Grant Program in the amount of $648,119.56.
Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-27
Transmitting a Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Community Development Block Grant Appropriation in the amount of $1,723,735.89.
Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-29
Transmitting a Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Housing Opportunities for People with Aids...
Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted and CMA placed on file [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-30
Refer: A communication was received from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, transmitting Planning Board recommendations on the Institutional Use Zoning Petition.
Referred to the Petition and CMA placed on file [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Referred to the Petition and CMA placed on file [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-28
Refer: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the final research report on Rise Up Cambridge, the City’s citywide cash assistance program.
Referred to Human Services Committee [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Referred to Human Services Committee [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Policy Orders · POR 2026-28
That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the relevant City staff and departments to examine if and how the City may prevent the hiring by the Cambridge Police Department of any...
Adopted as Amended [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted as Amended [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Policy Orders · POR 2026-29
Protecting Academic Freedom and Condemning Attacks on Higher Education
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Policy Orders · POR 2026-30
That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department (CDD) to examine the feasibility, legal considerations, and administrative requirements of permitting qualified...
Adopted [8-0-1-0]
The Final Actions give the count only (8-0-1-0), not who voted which way. Showing the count only.
Policy Orders · POR 2026-31
That the City Manager is hereby requested to direct the Law Department to draft ordinance language restricting the use of City-owned or City-controlled property, facilities, resources, and...
Adopted as Amended [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted as Amended [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Policy Orders · POR 2026-35
That the City Manager is requested to begin discussions with MIT, CASPAR, the co-chairs of the Human Services and Veterans Committee, all relevant city departments and the shelter residents to...
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Policy Orders · POR 2026-36
Policy Order Supporting Union Recognition at Lamplighter Brewing Co., with Appreciation for the Owners’ Community Contributions COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN MAYOR SIDDIQUI COUNCILLOR SIMMONS COUNCILLOR...
Adopted as Amended [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted as Amended [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Calendar – Charter Right
Table: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-69, regarding a review of the previous home rule petition and prepare a new petition...
Tabled as Amended [6-3-0]
Yes: Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Siddiqui, Simmons, ZusyNo: Al-Zubi, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler
From the minutes
“RESULT: Tabled as Amended [6-3-0] YEAS: Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
That the City Manager ask the appropriate departments to review the city’s digital equity work to date, including the study’s recommendations and all steps taken since the study conclusion in...
Adopted as Amended [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted as Amended [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Applications · APP 2026-07
An application was received from Nick Zappia representing IMAGINE, requesting permission for a one (1) projecting blade sign at the premises numbered 358 Huron Avenue. approval has been received...
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Applications · APP 2026-09
An application was received from Donger Lei representing Sumi House, requesting permission for a one (1) awning at the premises numbered 359 Huron Avenue. approval has been received from...
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Communications · COM 2026-09
Place on file: Communications for the Regular City Council meeting on February 9, 2026
Placed on File [8-1-0]
Yes: Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, ZusyNo: Al-Zubi
From the minutes
“RESULT: Placed on File [8-1-0] YEAS: Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: Councillor Al-Zubi PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Resolutions
Resolutions adopted together (4 resolutions, RES 2026-07 to RES 2026-10)
Adopted [9-0-0]
The Final Actions record the same result and vote for each of these 4 resolutions (RES 2026-07, RES 2026-08, RES 2026-09, RES 2026-10); MassVoter lists them as one vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Resolutions · RES 2026-11
Condolences on the passing of Mary T. (Quinn) Schifferdecker
Adopted as Amended [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted as Amended [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Resolutions · RES 2026-12
Condolences on the passing of Nicholas J. Arancio
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Resolutions · RES 2026-13
Congratulations to the Cambridge Warriors Basketball Team
Adopted as Amended [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted as Amended [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Resolutions · RES 2026-14
Condolences To The Family of David Antoine Dottin
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Resolutions · RES 2026-15
Resolution in Recognition of Michael J. Johnston, Esq., on his Retirement
Adopted as Amended [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted as Amended [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Resolutions · RES 2026-16
Condolences to the Family of Janet Doucette
Adopted [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Communications From Other City Officers · COF 2026-09
Place on file: Update regarding legislative activity
Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Communications From Other City Officers · COF 2026-10
Place on file: Announcement of appointments to the City Clerk Preliminary Screening Committee
Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Communications From Other City Officers · COF 2026-11
Place on file: City Council Value Statement and Priority Areas for the 2026-2027 term
Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Communications From Other City Officers · COF 2026-12
Place on file: Communicating Information from the School Committee
Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Placed on File [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Mcgovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui 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.
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →