N9C Meetings
UPCOMING: June 9, 2026
Tuesday, June 9, 6-8 pm, Graham and Parks Cafeteria
City Budget & Taxes - Claire Spinner and team from the Department of Budget & Finance will present and answer questions
The City Council will approve a 2027 budget of almost $1 billion this month (5% increase from 2026).
The FY27 Budget was submitted to the City Council in April, followed by a series of department budget hearings in May.
Links to these meetings are available at :https://cambridgema.primegov.com/public/portal.
Our per capita municipal spending exceeds that of the vast majority of US cities and rivals several of the largest and wealthiest cities in the country.
At the same time, falling commercial property valuations and less growth means that the burden to make up this lost revenue will fall on residential taxpayers.
Come to the meeting to find out how we spend $1 billion, how much your taxes will increase, and how we prioritize spending.
Cambridge Public Schools – Elizabeth Hudson, School Committee member, will discuss priorities, take input, and answer your questions.
Public schools represent 28% of the city budget in 2026.
Cambridge per-pupil school spending is among the highest of any school district in the United States, roughly triple the national average and significantly above even the highest-spending large urban districts.
Come to the meeting to find who attends public schools, whether results follow our high spending, and what the School Committee is focused on going forward.
Please send specific topics or questions for our guests to info@n9c.org
These will be forwarded to presenters so that they can cover the topics of most interest.
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May 14, 2026
Thursday, May 14, 6-8 pm, Graham and Parks Cafeteria
Neighborhood Multi-Family Zoning Amendments w/ Cathy Zusy
Cathy Zusy will cover these amendments and lead a discussion.
The new zoning has spawned many unanticipated consequences.
What are developers actually building? Are we getting any affordable housing? Are prices going down?
You will have an early look at the options, discuss their meanings, and provide input.
Mass Ave Re-configuration
DPW officials will outline their plans for the city to reconfigure Mass Ave this summer to:
Remove an automobile travel lane in each direction.
Add protected bike lanes,
Remove parking,
Add a bus lane northbound,
Enhance pedestrian and handicapped access.
During the construction project, traffic will be diverted, Mass Ave will become less accessible, and the neighborhood will experience some noise and dust. There is an opportunity to learn about their schedule and ask questions.
March, 2026
Discussion on Mass Ave partial build, AHO and 1740 Mass Ave construction, multi-family up-zoning amendments and City budget.
Met councilor Ayah Al-Zubi, with in-depth discussion from participants on issues of concern.