Council adopts FY27 tax rate, 30% exemption
City Council · Meeting of September 28, 2026
Cambridge Council adopts FY27 tax rate and a 30% homeowner exemption amid a softening commercial base. The council voted 8-0, with Councillor Simmons initially absent, to set a residential factor of 0.564988 and a $6.95 residential rate, then 9-0 for the owner-occupied exemption once Simmons joined remotely. Councillor Cathie Zusy said "we can't continue to spend as though we remain flush when our commercial tax revenues are down," citing a commercial rate cut to 21% from 22%.
Councillor Ayah Al-Zubi found Cambridgeport bills rising about 17% versus roughly 5.6% on Brattle Street. Vice Mayor Burhan Azeem noted new housing growth revenue fell to about $2 million, down from $3.7 million in fiscal 2025. The levy is rising 6.9%, budget grew 4.1%, and Cambridge kept the state's lowest municipal tax rate.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,426 words
Source: the City Council meeting of September 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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