CambridgeCAN advocates for the voice of local residents in public decisions with local impacts.
In recent years, Cambridge’s city government has dismantled zoning, ended practices, and weakened the boards and commissions that have empowered local advocates to influence decisions with local impacts — on streets, the environment and development. Instead, City Hall has allowed local and nonresident advocates with other priorities to shape policies. As a result, our government is now failing to meet its responsibilities for the livability and environment of the neighborhoods that make the city.
We say it’s time for change and a new direction in City Hall. This fall we need to elect new City Councillors who will stand up for residents and the neighborhoods that make the city!
Sign up today for our newsletter to learn more about Cambridge Civic Action for Neighborhoods and our campaign for reform.
Parking Petition
Our first initiative for better government and neighborhoods is focused on residential parking. Parking and access to homes are core responsibilities of city government, no less than trash collection and water service, and the city has been removing street parking across the city without regard for the needs of local residents.
The PARC2026 petition — for Parking and Access for Residents of Cambridge – asks the 2026-2027 City Council to be elected in November to change city policy to maintain needed residential parking for neighborhoods. Your signature NOW will tell candidates that you want to know where they stand on residential parking and neighborhood livability.
Your signature now will help pro-parking and pro-neighborhood candidates to win election to City Council in November!
Be sure to VOTE in November to elect new city councillors who will stand up for residents and the neighborhoods that make the city.
Government owes local communities recognition, respect and support.
Background
Cambridge Civic Action for Neighborhoods was started by members of the Broadway Parking Coalition Group after a petition to save Broadway parking lost a 5-4 vote of the City Council in June despite having the support of over 1,000 residents who had signed the petition. More than 60% of parking on Broadway is scheduled to be removed when separated bike lanes are completed next year.
The Council’s vote against the petition was one of a number of recent decisions that have systematically favored organized, single-issue advocates who are often funded and include many from outside Cambridge over the residents who are most directly affected, on issues ranging from parking to trees and open space to zoning and neighborhood conservation.
Our goal is to elect City Councillors who support parking for local residents and livable neighborhoods.The City Council did not hold a hearing on our Petition to Save Broadway Parking. In order to get a hearing with City Councillors, in April the Broadway Group organized a community meeting that was held in the Cambridge Elks Lodge. Five Councilors, seated in the front row (below), and almost 100 residents attended .
Cambridge Civic Action for Neighborhoods is a voluntary association of Cambridge residents. Organizing team members include John Pitkin and Mike Rodman. Email us at contact@cambridge-can.org.