Cambridge parking permit fee hike stalls as committee splits over senior exemption

CAMBRIDGE — April 28, 2026 — Cambridge parking permit fee hike advances without a vote as senior exemption controversy dominates committee hearing. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee met April 28 to review Policy Order 2026-32, which would raise the residential parking permit fee from $25 to $75 starting with the December 2026 renewal season, with a self-identified $25 reduced option available by checkbox requiring no documentation. Transportation Commissioner Brooke McKenna and Assistant Commissioner Stephanie McAuliffe presented a cost breakdown showing the program costs approximately $2.7 million annually against roughly $1.77 million in combined permit and enforcement revenue. The bulk of the two-hour hearing turned on whether to restore the senior and disability exemption eliminated by the order: Councillor Zandra Zussi said retaining the exemption would cost only roughly $175,000 in foregone revenue, calling that figure "peanuts" against a billion-dollar city budget, while Councillor Sabrina Joy Wheeler argued the exemption should be income-based, not age-based, noting that Harvard University President Alan Garber — age 71, salary exceeding $1 million — would otherwise receive a free permit. Councillor E. Denise Simmons, a non-committee member recognized to speak, called the department's public outreach "abysmal" and demanded in-person, multilingual senior outreach before any change takes effect. The committee adjourned 5-0 without voting on amendments, with Councillor Zussi indicating she will bring a substitute policy order to the full City Council to restore the senior and disability exemption.