Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 2.76 § 2.76.080
Recommendations of deficiencies
Operative Text
A. The Commission shall discuss human rights problem areas with the City Manager and make recommendations necessary to protect the human rights of all City residents and employees. B. The Commission shall request the City Manager, department heads and Superintendent of Schools, such information and staff support as is reasonable so that it may be properly informed. C. The Commission may review and comment on all matters pertaining to the human rights of City residents. They may examine and scrutinize and comment on department budgets including the School Department budget. D. The City with the advice of the Commission shall employ an Executive Director who shall be the executive officer of the Commission and shall be responsible for carrying out the policies and decisions of the Commission. The City may employ an Administrative Assistant or such other personnel as it may from time to time deem necessary. E. The Commission shall, when appropriate, request the assistance of the staff and commissions of the City engaged in related work, such as the Commission on the Status of Women, the Civic Unity Committee, the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (LGBTQ+) Commission, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Consumers' Council, the Council on Aging and the Veterans' Service Department, and shall at all times work cooperatively with these groups. F. The Commission shall receive aid, advice and opinions from the City Solicitor and the Legal Department and be represented in court by the City Solicitor. G. The City Manager shall provide office space to the Commission in order to give easy access to resident complaints. H. Each year, the Commission, and the City Manager, together or separately, shall report to the City Council in writing as to the progress that is being made under this Chapter. These written reports may properly contain suggestions and recommendations which will further the aims of this Chapter.
Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 2.76 § 2.76.080 establishes the operational structure and responsibilities of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission. The provision outlines how the Commission interacts with city leadership, accesses information and staff support, reviews budgets, coordinates with related city bodies, and reports annually to the City Council on human rights progress. It also sets out how the Commission is staffed, housed, and legally represented, ensuring it has the institutional resources to address human rights concerns across the city.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Cambridge should be aware that under ch. 2.76 § 2.76.080, the Cambridge Human Rights Commission is empowered to review matters affecting the human rights of city residents, including scrutiny of city department operations and budgets. Compliant operators generally stay informed of Commission recommendations and annual reports to the City Council, as these may signal emerging enforcement priorities or policy guidance relevant to housing practices. Familiarity with the Commission's structure — including its Executive Director and legal representation through the City Solicitor — helps operators understand the institutional channels through which human rights concerns are formally raised and addressed.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 2.76 § 2.76.080, Cambridge residents have access to a Human Rights Commission that is structurally supported to receive and act on complaints, including through dedicated office space designed to make resident access straightforward. The Commission is empowered to gather information from city departments, coordinate with bodies such as the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the LGBTQ+ Commission, and report annually to the City Council — creating multiple institutional pathways through which resident concerns can be elevated. Tenants who believe their human rights have been affected may consider reaching out to the Commission directly, consulting a tenant-rights organization, or reviewing the Commission's annual reports to the City Council to understand how similar concerns have been addressed.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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