MassVoter.com← Cambridge City CouncilCambridge City Council · 2026–2027 Council · Regular meeting
May 18, 2026
31 recorded votes, 26 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
Submission Of The Record
Place on file: Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held on December 8, 2025.
Report Accepted and Placed on File [VV8]
The Final Actions record a voice vote ("VV8") without saying how each councillor voted, so MassVoter shows the result only.
From the minutes
“RESULT: Report Accepted and Placed on File [VV8] ABSENT: Councillor Simmons.”
Place on file: Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting held on December 15, 2025.
Report Accepted and Placed on File [VV8]
The Final Actions record a voice vote ("VV8") without saying how each councillor voted, so MassVoter shows the result only.
From the minutes
“RESULT: Report Accepted and Placed on File [VV8] ABSENT: Councillor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-153
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 [VV8]
The Final Actions record a voice vote ("VV8") without saying how each councillor voted, so MassVoter shows the result only.
From the minutes
“RESULT: CMA Placed on File [VV8] ABSENT: Councillor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-154
A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a cross statutory transfer of $322,825.00 within the School Department General Fund.
Order Adopted and CMA Placed on File [8-0-1]
Yes: Al-Zubi, Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, ZusyDenise Simmons is listed as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: Order Adopted and CMA Placed on File [8-0-1] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: Councillor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-147
A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $38,905.18 from the State Executive Office of Public Safety, Department of Fire Services.
Order Adopted and CMA Placed on File [8-0-1]
Yes: Al-Zubi, Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, ZusyDenise Simmons is listed as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: Order Adopted and CMA Placed on File [8-0-1] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: Councillor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-148
A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $30,000.00 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Land...
Order Adopted and CMA Placed on File [8-0-1]
Yes: Al-Zubi, Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, ZusyDenise Simmons is listed as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: Order Adopted and CMA Placed on File [8-0-1] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: Councillor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-156
A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $450,000.00 to support the purchase of four parcels of land located within the town of Lincoln, MA.
Appropriation Order Adopted/Orders 5a, 5b, 5c Adopted CMA Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Appropriation Order Adopted/Orders 5a, 5b, 5c Adopted 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 2026-149
A communication transmitter from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $350,000.00 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Drinking...
Order Adopted and CMA Placed on File [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Order 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 2026-150
A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appropriation of $251,320.90 from the Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) Community...
Order Adopted and CMA Placed on File [8-0-1]
Yes: Al-Zubi, Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, ZusyDenise Simmons is listed as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: Order Adopted and CMA Placed on File [8-0-1] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: Councillor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-146
A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appropriation of $15,000.00 from the Cambridge Food Pantry Grant.
Order Adopted and CMA Placed on File [8-0-1]
Yes: Al-Zubi, Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, ZusyDenise Simmons is listed as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: Order Adopted and CMA Placed on File [8-0-1] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: Councillor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-151
A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $5,993.40 from the Project Bread Summer Eats Grant.
Order Adopted and CMA Placed on File [8-0-1]
Yes: Al-Zubi, Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, ZusyDenise Simmons is listed as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: Order Adopted and CMA Placed on File [8-0-1] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: None PRESENT: None ABSENT: Councillor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-141
Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report on Social Housing.
CMA Placed on File [VV9]
The Final Actions record a voice vote ("VV9") without saying how each councillor voted, so MassVoter shows the result only.
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2026-152
A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments to the Social Housing Task Force.
Approved [9-0-0] CMA Placed on File [VV9]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Approved [9-0-0] CMA Placed on File [VV9] 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 2026-103
City Council support of H.968, H.886/S.647, H.1023, and S.570 and S.571 to enact extended producer responsibility and product stewardship in recognition that these laws will relieve municipalities...
Adopted [VV9]
The Final Actions record a voice vote ("VV9") without saying how each councillor voted, so MassVoter shows the result only.
Policy Orders · POR 2026-105
That the appointment of Interim City Clerk Paula M. Crane be extended for an additional period not to exceed six months.
Adopted [VV9]
The Final Actions record a voice vote ("VV9") without saying how each councillor voted, so MassVoter shows the result only.
Policy Orders · POR 2026-107
S&S Restaurant “Thank You” Celebration
Adopted as Amended [VV9]
The Final Actions record a voice vote ("VV9") without saying how each councillor voted, so MassVoter shows the result only.
Calendar – Charter Right · POR 2026-97
Withdraw: That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant departments to immediately request Empower to resign from the Massachusetts High Technology Council and consider options...
Withdrawn [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Withdrawn [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 · POR 2026-98
That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments including the Law Department to ensure that there is no new data collected by ShotSpotter devices and all existing data...
Adopted [5-2-2-0]
Yes: Al-Zubi, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-WheelerNo: Flaherty, SimmonsAbstained: Azeem, Zusy
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted [5-2-2-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Simmons PRESENT: Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Zusy ABSENT: None.”
Calendar – Charter Right · POR 2026-99
That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Mayor’s Office, Law Department, Election Commission, and other relevant City Departments to engage the Collins Center in assisting...
Adopted as Amended [7-1-1-0]
Yes: Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Sobrinho-WheelerNo: ZusyAbstained: Al-Zubi
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted as Amended [7-1-1-0] YEAS: Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: Councillor Zusy PRESENT: Councillor Al-Zubi ABSENT: None.”
Calendar – Charter Right · POR 2026-94
That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the projected fiscal impact of maintaining the current exemption for seniors, along with any administrative steps necessary...
Adopted as Amended by Substitution [7-2-0]
Yes: Al-Zubi, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, ZusyNo: Azeem, Flaherty
From the minutes
“RESULT: Adopted as Amended by Substitution [7-2-0] YEAS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui NAYS: Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Calendar – Charter Right · POR 2026-102
That a special Committee of the City Council be formed to conduct a full and complete analysis of each of the proposed changes to the Rules of the City Council, with the goal of a transparent...
Failed [3-5-1-0]
Yes: Flaherty, Simmons, ZusyNo: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-WheelerAbstained: Al-Zubi
From the minutes
“RESULT: Failed [3-5-1-0] YEAS: Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zusy NAYS: Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui PRESENT: Councillor Al-Zubi ABSENT: None.”
Calendar – Charter Right · COF 2026-73
Table: A communication from City Councillor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler transmitting the proposed 2026- 2027 Rules of the Cambridge City Council.
Tabled [6-3-0]
Yes: Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Nolan, Simmons, ZusyNo: Al-Zubi, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler
From the minutes
“RESULT: Tabled [6-3-0] YEAS: , Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zusy, NAYS: Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui PRESENT: None ABSENT: None.”
Calendar – Unfinished Business · ORD 2026-04
Ordain: Chapter 2.127 Community Benefits Advisory Committee Ordinance.
Ordained [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: Ordained [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 2026-25
Place on file: Communications for the May 18, 2026 Regular City Council meeting.
Placed on File [VV9]
The Final Actions record a voice vote ("VV9") without saying how each councillor voted, so MassVoter shows the result only.
Resolutions
Resolutions adopted together (2 resolutions, RES 2026-81 to RES 2026-82)
Adopted [VV9]
The Final Actions record the same result and vote for each of these 2 resolutions (RES 2026-81, RES 2026-82); MassVoter lists them as one vote. The Final Actions record a voice vote ("VV9") without saying how each councillor voted, so MassVoter shows the result only.
Resolutions · RES 2026-84
Resolution on the death of Vinton Turner.
Adopted as Amended [VV9]
The Final Actions record a voice vote ("VV9") without saying how each councillor voted, so MassVoter shows the result only.
Resolutions
Resolutions adopted together (4 resolutions, RES 2026-85 to RES 2026-88)
Adopted [VV9]
The Final Actions record the same result and vote for each of these 4 resolutions (RES 2026-85, RES 2026-86, RES 2026-87, RES 2026-88); MassVoter lists them as one vote. The Final Actions record a voice vote ("VV9") without saying how each councillor voted, so MassVoter shows the result only.
Committee Reports · CC 2026-51
Place on file: The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on March 25, 2026 to review and discuss CMA 2026-21, related to Cambridge Municipal Code Ch. 8.28, “Regulation on Youth...
Report Accepted and Placed on File [VV9]
The Final Actions record a voice vote ("VV9") without saying how each councillor voted, so MassVoter shows the result only.
From the minutes
“RESULT: Report Accepted and Placed on File [VV9].”
Communications From Other City Officers · COF 2026-76
Place on file: A communication was received from Interim City Clerk Paula Crane, regarding an update regarding legislative activity.
Placed on File [VV9]
The Final Actions record a voice vote ("VV9") without saying how each councillor voted, so MassVoter shows the result only.
Communications From Other City Officers · COF 2026-77
Place on file: A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding the search process for a permanent City Clerk.
Placed on File [VV9]
The Final Actions record a voice vote ("VV9") without saying how each councillor voted, so MassVoter shows the result only.
Communications From Other City Officers · COF 2026-78
Place on file: A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding information from the School Committee.
Placed on File [VV9]
The Final Actions record a voice vote ("VV9") without saying how each councillor voted, so MassVoter shows the result only.
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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