Cambridge Issues TPS Solidarity Statement as Region Hits Critical Drought
Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Yi-An Huang issued a joint statement of solidarity with Cambridge's Haitian and Syrian communities after the Supreme Court's Thursday ruling on Temporary Protected Status, as the region simultaneously faces a Level 3 Critical Drought and the city celebrates a major affordable-housing milestone.
TOWN HALL
Cambridge's top leaders did not wait long to respond to the Supreme Court's TPS ruling. In a joint statement, Mayor Siddiqui and City Manager Huang acknowledged the deep anxiety facing Cambridge families who have built their lives here under those protections, reaffirming the city's commitment to its immigrant communities.
Separately, the state elevated Cambridge and the broader Northeast region to Level 3 — Critical Drought status, up from the Level 2 Significant Drought designation that had been in place. Residents should expect guidance from the city on water conservation measures as the dry stretch continues into summer.
On a more celebratory note, city leaders joined nonprofit partner Just A Start for a ribbon-cutting at 52 New Street, marking the opening of 106 new affordable homes. The project represents a significant addition to Cambridge's affordable housing stock.
The city also announced it is seeking artists to design Cool Spot shade structures — temporary, climate-resilient installations providing heat relief and community gathering space. Selected artists can receive up to $95,000 in project support. The call is timely given the drought and summer heat bearing down on the region.
Finally, residents heading out this weekend should note multiple temporary street closures from June 26 through 29, tied to the City Dance Party and the Summer Classic 5K. Bow Street between Plympton and DeWolfe in Harvard Square remains closed to vehicle traffic as part of its conversion to pedestrian space, a change that took effect June 18.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
Cambridge Public Library has launched its 2026 Summer Reading Bingo program under the theme "Plant a Seed, Read!" — a citywide reading initiative for the summer months. The program is funded through the City of Cambridge, the Cambridge Public Library Foundation, the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Saturday, June 27 brings a full slate at the library. The Hive Makerspace at the Main branch is hosting a Serger Training at 9:30 a.m. for intermediate and advanced sewers, followed by a Digital Embroidery workshop at 11:30 a.m. At the Central Square branch, Drag Story Time runs at 11 a.m. in the Lewis Room — songs and stories for children and caregivers celebrating Pride Month. A Summer Sing-Along for all ages also takes place at 11 a.m. at the Main branch; tickets are first-come, first-served on the day.
Note that the bilingual "¡Música! with Mariana Iranzi" Summer Reading concert originally scheduled for Saturday has been canceled; the library says it is working to reschedule.
Looking ahead to the week: Chess Hour at the Boudreau branch on Monday, June 29 at 5 p.m. welcomes players of all skill levels — no registration needed. A Watercolor Workshop led by local artist Brooke Lambert runs Tuesday, June 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Collins branch; registration is required.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Cambridge Nonprofit Receives Statewide Grant Funding" — A Cambridge-area nonprofit was among 17 organizations statewide to receive grant funding; the recipients collectively serve more than 400,000 Massachusetts residents annually, per Cambridge Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/cambridge).
"🌱 Patch AM: Could Cambridge bars soon face egg timers for every drink order?" — Cambridge Patch's morning newsletter flags an active conversation about a potential city measure that could impose time limits between drinks at local bars (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/cambridge).
"This Cambridge Pizzeria Is Ranked Among America's 50 Best" — A Cambridge pizza spot landed on a national list of the country's 50 best pizzerias, with three Boston-area Italian restaurants making the cut, per Cambridge Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/cambridge).
COMING UP
- Sat., June 27 — Serger Training, Main Library Hive, 9:30 a.m. (registration required) - Sat., June 27 — Drag Story Time, Central Square Library, 11 a.m. (no registration) - Sat., June 27 — Summer Sing-Along, Main Library, 11 a.m. (first-come tickets day-of) - Sat., June 27 — Digital Embroidery workshop, Main Library Hive, 11:30 a.m. (registration required) - Mon., June 29 — Chess Hour, Boudreau branch, 5 p.m. (drop-in, all ages) - Tue., June 30 — Watercolor Workshop with Brooke Lambert, Collins branch, 5:30 p.m. (registration required) - Fri., July 3 & Sat., July 4 — All Cambridge Public Library locations closed for Independence Day