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City manager warns of federal funding risk; solicitor says targeted cash-assistance program legally feasible
Summary
Cambridge’s city manager briefed the council on potential federal funding cuts and urged vigilance; the city solicitor advised that a successor to the 'Rise Up' cash program could be legally structured if payments are tied to a public purpose or restricted to certain uses.
City Manager Yan Wong told the Cambridge City Council on March 17 that federal funding freezes and program cancellations are creating uncertainty for local governments and nonprofits, and that Cambridge staff are preparing to track and respond to any direct local impacts.
Wong described falling clarity from federal agencies and recent examples of program freezes and the risks they present to city-supported programs. “We are ultimately in this together,” Wong said, urging local organizations and agencies receiving federal funds to inform the city of any freezes or contract changes so city staff can evaluate potential legal or programmatic responses.
During the same agenda item, City Solicitor Megan Baer delivered a legal opinion requested by councilors about…
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