Bill > S2598

This bill establishes a new charter for the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, comprehensively restructuring the city's governmental organization and operations. The charter creates a nine-member city council elected through proportional representation, with members serving two-year terms and electing a mayor and vice mayor from among themselves. The city council will have legislative powers, while an appointed city manager will serve as the chief executive responsible for administrative functions. A six-member school committee, including the mayor, will oversee the school system. The charter introduces significant provisions for public engagement, including initiative and referendum processes that allow residents to propose or challenge municipal measures through petition. Key innovations include detailed rules for elections, multiple-member body governance, and a strong emphasis on transparency and public participation. The bill provides for a smooth transition of existing city employees and ongoing legal obligations, and requires voter approval through a ballot question. If approved by voters, the new charter would take effect on January 1 following the adoption vote, fundamentally redesigning Cambridge's municipal government to create a more collaborative, participatory local governance structure that balances legislative oversight with professional executive management.

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2598