Petition: Community Benefits to Invest in The Port

Community programs are vital for Cambridge youth and families -- especially right now. I'm curious as to how this move could possibly be justified, especially while coinciding with conversations to equitably expand and strengthen out of school time programming so that every child in Cambridge who needs a seat can have one, in a program with staff who are well trained and supported, fairly compensated, and with quality materials and facilities.

I approve this message

This is the moment when city government needs to step forward and interrupt an unjust process. We still have time to pause, reflect and move forward together. At its best, Cambridge resists isolated back-room deals and takes the time to activate democracy and equity. This is the moment to listen to constituents, listen to the nonprofit community and act on behalf of those most left out and most in need. Thank you CAC and others who are shining a light and generating a call to action.

With that much money on the line it thinks it would be of better user to share that funding with more of the non-profits in the Cambridge Community that serve and support youth, adults and families in need (there are many).

Hoping that funding is properly distributed.

On Monday, 6/30, the Cambridge City Council will vote on the distribution of over $20 million in developer funds. I have faith in the council ensuring community benefits truly serve the needs of the Port, with transparency in allocation.

Right you are!

We need fair distribution of fundings for all our Cambridge community nonprofit organizations. The Port ARISE program has help me and my family through tough times in 2024. They need the same support they provide to us in the community

Hi Kosar I love you very much. Thanks for doing this for families in need

I hope this helps the low income families.

I am happy to add my voice.

Given what is happening at the national level of government, we must have a transparent, equitable, and truly democratic funding system for nonprofits in Cambridge. Thanks to the CAC for all you have been doing for the Port neighborhood for decades.

Correct this egregious error now! Support our valuable Cambridge children now! They are the present and future contributors of our community! No one does it better!

I was disgusted to learn about this deal, which undermines 10+years of collaborative work for a more transparent and equitable community benefits process. This kind of back room deal is the exact thing we were working to prevent through the CBAC, where a privileged few hoard resources while others in greater need are deliberately excluded. It is no accident that a white led nonprofit was about to selfishly monopolize this investment while organizations led by people of color serving the same community were shut out. This is the most unjust, inequitable public investment in recent Cambridge history and we must act now to course-correct in the best interests of the Cambridge community. Thank you Erin, CAC, and everyone fighting to right this unbelievable injustice.

Wholly advocate for transparent and equitable investment in the entirety of Cambridge.

The Art Center made me who I am. I know it is STILL making a positive impact on my current life, and I’m thankful.

. . .creativity-supporting habits are essential [don't ya think?] especially if public school structure offers less and less to developing students as they navigate a not so quiet world.

SAVE CAC!!!! Transparency no behind doors deals!

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We ned to invest in the port! SAVE the CAC!