Part 8: Local Innovation, Business, and the Arts
Part 8 of a series on my priorities as a first-time candidate for Cambridge City Council. Next: Part 9: Expanding and Reforming Voting
Local Innovation for Community Benefit
Cambridge is a powerhouse of research, industry, and world-changing material innovation. We are home to world-renowned institutions like MIT and Harvard, a nearby hotbed of small but visionary startups dubbed the “most innovative square mile on earth,” a global biotech hub, and the innovation labs for every tech giant in existence. As a birthplace of the early internet and developments ranging from residential solar power to the Moderna vaccine, Cambridge originates ideas that radiate around the globe. I believe we should leverage the dynamism of our local innovation community in strategic partnerships for public benefit.
Innovation Lab
As mentioned earlier, I believe we should set aside modest funding for a small research and innovation team within Cambridge government. In addition to investigating ways to clarify public priorities, the team should experiment with and facilitate local partnerships enabling exploratory pilot initiatives in areas like smart infrastructure, new green technologies, efficient mobility, and more. This might be similar to Boston’s Office of New Urban Mechanics. Such cross-organizational partnerships have already proved valuable in initiatives like Cambridge RISE, our universal basic income-inspired local pilot.
We have so much innovative talent here in Cambridge. I believe there is untapped potential in leveraging this for exciting public initiatives that can model what is possible in other cities.
Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic
These past two years have been an unprecedented struggle for residents, families, and the local businesses that form the pillars of our community.
Our city should continue to expand its support of local residents and businesses through grants and relief funds to ensure that doors stay open. We must also ensure that such recovery efforts are equitable and that none of Cambridge’s residents are left behind. The city should also continue to support and promote outdoor patios for dining during warm weather.
