City Council reviews federal funding cuts impacting Harvard and MIT research projects

In a recent City Council meeting held on May 19, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding the impact of federal funding cuts on local institutions, particularly Harvard and MIT. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by these universities as they navigate substantial financial uncertainties.

City Councilor Nolan opened the meeting by expressing gratitude for the city's efforts to keep the community informed about the evolving situation. He emphasized the importance of understanding the ramifications of these funding cuts, which have been a recurring theme in recent news.

City Manager provided a detailed overview of the federal funding landscape, revealing that Harvard University is currently facing a staggering $3 billion in frozen or canceled federal grants. This situation has led to over a hundred termination notices sent to researchers, resulting in immediate layoffs, particularly within the School of Public Health. In response, Harvard has initiated a hiring freeze and taken significant financial measures, including issuing a $750 million bond and reallocating $250 million from its central budget to support ongoing research.

MIT is experiencing similar challenges, having implemented a hiring freeze and received multiple stop-work orders for federally funded research projects. The institute has also laid off staff in an effort to stabilize its funding situation. Like Harvard, MIT has issued a $750 million bond and is currently involved in litigation regarding funding cuts proposed by the National Science Foundation.

At the state level, the Healy administration reported that $360 million in federal grants have been frozen or canceled, with significant cuts affecting pandemic relief funds and climate resilience infrastructure projects. The state has also announced a hiring freeze set to begin on May 27, reflecting the broader economic uncertainty driven by these federal funding cuts.

The City Manager concluded by assuring the council that while the city's financial position is somewhat insulated from these impacts, ongoing monitoring and potential recommendations for a more conservative financial approach may be necessary as the fiscal year progresses.

This meeting underscored the interconnectedness of federal funding decisions and local economic stability, highlighting the urgent need for community awareness and proactive measures in response to these challenges. As the situation evolves, the implications for research, employment, and local economies remain a critical concern for Cambridge and its residents.