Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 2.76 § 2.76.140
Investigation of discrimination—Powers and duties
Operative Text
A. The function of the Commission shall be to implement the policy of this chapter by receiving and investigating complaints of discrimination, initiating its own investigations of discrimination, mediating complaints, holding hearings and presenting findings to the City Manager and/or government agencies such as the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination or the courts. B. The Commission shall exercise its authority through the following powers and duties: 1. To receive and investigate complaints and to initiate its own investigations of violations of this chapter; 2. To transmit for filing with other government agencies copies of any and all complaints filed with the Commission, or which the Commission is otherwise aware, that relate to acts of discrimination under the jurisdiction of such agencies; 3. To attempt by mediation to resolve any discrimination complaint over which it has jurisdiction and to recommend to all appropriate government agencies such action as it feels will resolve any such complaint and, if deemed expedient, to hold hearings, summons, witnesses, compel their attendance, administer oaths, take the testimony of any person under oath and in connection therewith to require the production of any relevant evidence. The power to summons witnesses as defined in this chapter shall be limited to those powers and procedures set forth in Chapter 233, Section 8 of the Massachusetts General Laws. At any hearing before the Commission, or any committee thereof, a witness shall have the right to be advised and represented by counsel present during any such hearing; 4. With respect to complaints not resolved by mediation, to file a complaint or report of its findings and recommendations with any court or government agency having jurisdiction over the matter in question; to seek or apply remedies as enumerated in Section 2.76.150 of this chapter; and in all cases urging and using its best efforts to bring about compliance with its recommendations; 5. To seek or accept grants, gifts or bequests to help finance its activities.
Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 2.76 § 2.76.140 establishes the Cambridge Commission's authority to address discrimination complaints within the city. The Commission may receive complaints from the public, open its own investigations without waiting for a complaint, attempt to resolve disputes through mediation, and conduct formal hearings—including summoning witnesses and taking sworn testimony. When a matter is not resolved through mediation, the Commission can forward its findings and recommendations to courts or other government agencies, such as the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, and may pursue remedies outlined elsewhere in the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 2.76 § 2.76.140, the Cambridge Commission holds broad investigative and enforcement powers that apply to property owners and managers operating in Cambridge. Compliant operators generally maintain practices and records that can withstand scrutiny, since the Commission may initiate its own investigations—not just respond to filed complaints—and has the authority to compel witness attendance and require production of relevant evidence at hearings. When the Commission forwards findings to external agencies or courts, the matter can extend well beyond the local level, so operators familiar with the full scope of ch. 2.76 are better positioned to understand what compliance entails.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 2.76 § 2.76.140 gives tenants a formal avenue for addressing housing discrimination: a complaint can be filed directly with the Cambridge Commission, which is empowered to investigate, mediate, and—if mediation does not resolve the matter—refer findings to courts or agencies like the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. Tenants should be aware that the Commission can also act on its own initiative, meaning it is not solely dependent on an individual complaint to open an inquiry. Those who believe they have experienced discrimination may consider contacting the Commission directly, reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization, or exploring whether a parallel complaint with another agency under § 2.76.140's referral framework is appropriate.
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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