Burhan Azeem2023 Candidate for Cambridge City Council
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1. Experience with Cambridge nonprofits. Do you have work or volunteer experience with Cambridge nonprofits?
Yes. I've worked as a volunteer EMT in the city. I also run a nonprofit - Abundant Housing MA.
2. Valuing nonprofit expertise. Cambridge nonprofits deliver programs and services across a wide range of missions, from early education and youth development, to affordable housing production and management, arts and culture exposure and education, food security, environmental preservation, civic engagement (or community involvement), and much more. As a result, nonprofit leaders and staff are often well positioned to advise the City on program policies related to their clients and consumers. Will you use your position on the City Council to ensure that the City incorporates the voice and expertise of nonprofit leaders into planning around current City priorities?
Yes. Absolutely, I believe that nonprofit expertise is invaluable when it comes to addressing the pressing issues facing our city, including increasing access to affordable housing, supporting unhoused residents, implementing Universal PreK, and afterschool programs. Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in these areas and have a deep understanding of the needs and challenges our community faces. As a City Councillor, I am committed to ensuring that the voices and expertise of nonprofit leaders are heard and integrated into our planning processes. These organizations have a unique perspective and often work directly with the individuals and communities affected by these issues.
3. Limiting application of Anti-Aid Amendment. With the exception of contracts for services, the Anti-Aid Amendment of the MA Constitution prohibits municipalities from directly distributing funds raised through taxation to nonprofits. While the City provides financial support to nonprofits through contracting, this approach increased administrative burdens, can cause cash-flow issues due to payment delays, and limits creativity in developing new funding opportunities. It also can create an incentive for the City to start new initiatives rather than invest in programs already well established in the community. Will you use your position on the City Council to limit the application of the Anti-Aid Amendment to tax generated revenue only, in order to maximize the resources available to Cambridge nonprofits?
Yes. We have a new city solicitor and I think that gives us the opportunity to be more assertive with the Anti-Aid Amendment.
4. Attending to nonprofit workforce challenges. According to CNC's December 2022 survey of Cambridge nonprofits, (70%) reported open positions and over a third (36%) said they lacked the funding to fill them, comprising their ability to meet service demands. Do you believe the City Council can play a role in helping nonprofits recruit and retain high quality staff?
Yes. It's a difficult situation, we have workforce shortage in general at the moment, but there are ways we can work together.
1. Advocating for Funding: City Council members can advocate for increased funding or grants which can help nonprofits hire and retain qualified staff.
2. Providing Training and Development Opportunities: The City Council can explore initiatives to provide training and professional development opportunities for nonprofit staff.
1. Advocating for Funding: City Council members can advocate for increased funding or grants which can help nonprofits hire and retain qualified staff.
2. Providing Training and Development Opportunities: The City Council can explore initiatives to provide training and professional development opportunities for nonprofit staff.
5. ARPA investments in nonprofits. While Cambridge nonprofits are grateful for the City committing millions of ARPA dollars to local organizations, concerns have been raised both about the slow pace of releasing funds into the community and a lack of information being shared broadly regarding their progress. Will you use your position on the City Council to expedite this process and ensure there is greater transparency going forward?
Yes, the delays have been incredible difficult for our non profit partners.