Bill > H4156

This bill establishes a new charter for the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, comprehensively restructuring its municipal government. The charter creates a nine-member city council elected through proportional representation, with members serving two-year terms and selecting a mayor and vice mayor from among themselves. The city will be governed by a council-manager system, where the city council appoints a professional city manager to serve as the chief executive responsible for day-to-day operations. The bill also establishes a seven-member school committee (six elected members plus the mayor) with specific powers over the school system. Key provisions include robust public engagement mechanisms, such as resident initiative and referendum measures, and clear processes for elections, appointments, and governance. The charter emphasizes transparency, merit-based appointments, and collaborative governance, with specific provisions for public communication, charter review, and maintaining continuity of existing city operations during the transition. The document is designed to provide a flexible, modern framework for municipal governance that empowers residents while creating clear lines of accountability and professional management of city services.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4156