Join the Traffic Board
The City Manager is looking for applicants to fill positions on the soon to be reactivated Traffic Board and we encourage you to apply. The deadline for submitting applications is November 21, 2022.
Why the Traffic Board is important
The Traffic Board, which reports to the City Manager, was created by State Legislature and is embedded on page 53 of the City’s Traffic Regulations (here). The Legislation empowers the Traffic Director and creates an independent body, namely a Traffic Board of three citizens that provides citizens the right to appeal decisions of the Director.
As per Act 455 of 1961, the responsibility for the roadways is vested solely in the Traffic Department Director, not City Council, and there is an absolute right to appeal “any rule or regulation” of the Traffic Director via petition of 50 or more residents either before or after it takes effect.
The Board will have to rule on two important citizens’ petitions pending related to the installation of separated bike lanes on Brattle Street and the conversion of Garden Street to one way.
Going forward, the Board’s main function should be to ensure that the next Traffic Director considers proposed changes from all angles before making decisions so that these are accepted by the public. Every significant change to the streets from 1974 to 1994 was discussed in advance at monthly meetings of the Traffic Board attended by the Traffic Director and representatives of the Police, Fire, Public Works and Community Development departments. There many substantial changes during this time, and no appeals were filed. This is a standard to which the re-activated Traffic Board should aspire.
Apply Today!
They only requirement is to be a Cambridge resident who cares about how the City’s street operate. There is no set meeting schedule.
If you care about streets that work for all users, please apply by using the city’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting “Traffic Board” in the list of Current Vacancies. A cover letter and résumé or summary of applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. The deadline is Monday November 21.