Featured Programs & Initiatives

Aerial view of the Somerville Housing Authority's Mystic Development
We want to hear from you about how Somerville can best recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and build a community where all can thrive together.
CSO outfalls map of Little River/Alewife Brook
MWRA and the Cities of Cambridge and Somerville have implemented a system for rapid reporting of CSO discharges to the Alewife Brook.
Concept rendering of Assembly Fire Station
A new fire station will be located on the corner of Middlesex Avenue and Foley Street in Assembly Row.
Tree illustration with an "Adopt Me!" caption
The Urban Forestry Committee and collaborators have been developing ways to celebrate our hard-working city trees. If you want to help our trees too,
Workers access an underground sewer pipe
The Spring Hill Sewer Separation project is one of the City's efforts to mitigate flooding, reduce waterway pollution, and upgrade infrastructure.
Donut holes cooking in a fryer
By following a FOG Management Plan your business can help avoid costly damages to your business and community.
View inside of a coil spring mattress
The City offers free mattress and box spring recycling to residents who receive City trash services. You just need to schedule a pickup.
Digital volume meter
Mayor Ballantyne is asking Somerville residents hit hardest by the pandemic to tell their story. We need you to share your ideas...
Sign reads 'Open'
The goal of this program is to help alleviate the financial impacts of implementing outdoor dining set up in compliance with local and state safety...
Somerville City Hall
The Human Service Division provides a variety of supportive services to the Somerville Community to promote health and well-being.
Aerial view of the Somerville Housing Authority's Mystic Development
Properties on Broadway and School St. are part of the Winter 2022 Sidewalk Snow Clearing Pilot to test options to support safer travel.
Mayor Katjana Ballantyne
Designed to make quick, meaningful, and actionable progress on our greatest challenges and our community members’ most urgent needs.
Illustration of various energy production plants
An electricity supply program to provide residents and businesses with new, City-vetted options for electricity supply.
Hazard Mitigation Plan preview
The City has prepared an updated Hazard Mitigation Plan to reduce its vulnerability to natural hazards such as flooding,
Somerville precinct map
Every 10 years, Massachusetts cities and towns are required to review their population data from the most recent decennial U.S. Census.
City of Somerville 1895 building
The City is exploring the physical location of city departments to improve customer service, maximize efficiency, and reduce operating costs.
Purple overdose awareness ribbon and purple outline of Somerville
This report was produced by the People, Place & Health Collective, a research collaborative at the Brown University School of Public
Aerial view of the Somerville Housing Authority's Mystic Development
SustainaVille is a call to come together to develop the most ambitious, creative, effective plan for both reducing our carbon output and preparing...
Four Somerville volunteers smile for the camera at the 2013 Spring Cleanup Event.
In an effort to promote the health of the existing trees in the City of Somerville, this program focuses on pruning all of the young trees in the City
COVID-19 vaccine sticker
The vaccine is being provided free of charge to all individuals, regardless of insurance or immigration status.
Sketch of neighborhood houses
The City of Somerville seeks qualified, creative proposals for the redevelopment of these two City-owned properties.
Aerial view of the Somerville Housing Authority's Mystic Development
Find out what steps the City is taking to prepare for flooding, and what you should do before, during, and after a flooding event.
Layer of frost on glass
Extreme heat can cause serious illness and can be life-threatening. Find out how to keep cool and safe this summer.
#8CANTWAIT graphic portrays methods of reducing killings by police
We're addressing excessive use of force and systemic racism at all levels so that we can equitably serve our entire community.
City Hall icon on a tablet and phone
93 Highland Ave. may be closed, but City Hall is hard at work. Join our virtual town halls, listening sessions, & more from the comfort of your home.
Somerville City Hall
Providing emergency funding to all Somerville residents facing hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cash register
Providing forgivable loans of up to $10,000 to Somerville businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sign reads "Come in, we're open"
SomervilleMA/COVIDBizHelp aims to be a place for businesses to access resources, information, and support in this difficult time.
This scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (yellow)—also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes COVID-19—isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells (blue/pink) cultured in the lab. Credit: NIAID-RML
The City is actively monitoring emerging information and we are prepared to respond to any updated directives from the CDC and MDPH.
Red maple tree leaves
A proactive Parks Tree Health Program focusing on Somerville-owned parks and delivering the best arboreal practices to promote healthy tree growth.
MBTA Youth Pass
The Youth Pass CharlieCard provides reduced fares for bus and subway riders.
Abstract colorful shapes
These are small businesses run by people who have overcome historic barriers, and Somerville wants them to thrive. 
Lead pipes
Have your property’s lead or non-copper water service line replaced, free of charge.
Loyal to Local
Support local businesses in Magoun Sq. and Ball Sq. and win prizes!
The Fighting Fourth FF Leo Crowe Captain Dennis Murphy and FF Christine Guelpa
The City of Somerville fills vacant positions of Police Officers and Firefighters through the Massachusetts Human Resources Division...
Black swallow wort pods
Help us stop black swallow-wort and other unwanted plants.
Storm drain
The City of Somerville is looking for ways to reduce the impact of stormwater pollution. 
Somerville historic home
Each May the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission partners with other local organizations to host events honoring Somerville's history...
Climate Forward Ambassadors
The goal is to increase the Somerville community's capacity to engage in climate action.
Cannabis plant
The Somerville City Council has adopted two key items of legislation regarding adult marijuana.
Aerial view of the Somerville Housing Authority's Mystic Development
Technician adjusts the tension of a chain in a machine
The JCRT is entrusted with managing funds that have been collected to provide and enhance job opportunities for Somerville residents.
Aerial view of the Somerville Housing Authority's Mystic Development
The City of Somerville is investigating ways to relocate City and School departments to improve the constituent experience, increase the efficiency...
Boston Bluebikes station
Bike sharing is a healthy, green, and quick way to get around. Stations are located throughout Somerville, Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline...
Aerial view of Somerville
Somerville Climate Forward is a set of implementable actions that will reduce Somerville’s contribution to climate change and prepare the City for...
Three dogs on leash enjoying SomerStreets 2011
Everyone in the City of Somerville that owns one or more dogs must license their dog(s) each year. All dogs 6 months old or older must be licensed.
Somerville historic home
Each year the Historic Preservation Commission honors residents who performed significant restoration or maintenance efforts on designated historic...
Aerial view of the Somerville Housing Authority's Mystic Development
Aerial view of the Somerville Housing Authority's Mystic Development
Learn about the typical real estate development process in Somerville – from pre-application to construction.
Aerial view of the Somerville Housing Authority's Mystic Development
Here are the steps the City is taking to improve access to affordable housing in Somerville.
Green traffic lights
In late June, 2018, the City of Somerville will be performing signal timing changes in Davis Sq. to reduce wait times for everyone.
Tufts University
The City of Somerville is currently negotiating a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement with Tufts University.
Aerial view of the Somerville Housing Authority's Mystic Development
The City will use the proceeds from minibonds to fund capital projects like parks and road improvements.
ArtFarm concept building
ArtFarm is Somerville’s proposal for a self-sustaining art and urban agriculture laboratory designed to foster community engagement and creativity.
Debris and tools fill an antique bathtub during a renovation
This program offers an incentive for property owners to improve the existing housing stock and to create and maintain affordable homeownership...
A SimpleRecycling van picks up bags filled with textile donations
An easy, convenient, and free way to recycle pre-loved clothing, shoes, and accessories.
View of the 67-acre abandoned industrial zone, or brownfield, before Assembly Square development.
This program helps property owners minimize the uncertainties of contamination often associated with underutilized properties known as brownfields.
Photo of the Somerville High School's exterior
The City of Somerville, using funds obtained locally and through a grant by the MSBA, is building a new high school in place of the old one.
In Somerville, we like to say that while others have innovation districts, we are the Innovation City. That innovation is backed by know-how and...
West Branch library entrance
The City of Somerville is bringing the beloved, historic West Branch Library into the 21st century.
Photo of the Ward 2, Precinct 2 polling place
We’re reviewing ways to increase voter participation and support clean elections in the city.
An analog dial thermostat in a home set to 68F
Low-income households may be eligible to receive help with winter heating costs between November 1 and April 30.
Aerial view of the Somerville Housing Authority's Mystic Development
The Pavement and Sidewalk Management Program aims to make transportation easier and safer for all of Somerville's residents.
Somerville Vision Zero
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has announced Somerville’s commitment to the Vision Zero Initiative, which aims to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries
Aerial view of the Somerville Housing Authority's Mystic Development
Find out about affordable housing opportunities in the City of Somerville.
HeatSmart/CoolSmart Somerville
See how you can replace your old fossil fuel-burning heating and cooling units with a green and efficient heat pump.
Solar panels installed on the roof of a residential home
SEEN is making sustainability a priority to help create cleaner, safer housing environments.
Outline of Somerville and Arlington on a map
The CoC is the local organization that coordinates housing and services funding for homeless individuals and families.
Somerville residents seated in a school cafeteria watch a ResiStat presentation by Mayor Curtatone.
ResiStat works to keep residents ("Resi") both informed and engage about their city through open government, data, and statistics ("Stat") sharing.
Pink, blue, and green homes sit nestled on Highland Ave.
With your help, the City is analyzing challenges to fair housing choice and addressing barriers in our community.
Soil from compost
Where some people see food scraps, we see the foundation of urban agriculture in Somerville!
Storefront for Daddy Jones' Bar in Magoun Sq., Somerville
The Economic Development Department works with businesses of all sizes and types to support their growth and success in Somerville.
Residents enjoy City park equipment during a Mayor's Wellness Challenge event
Want to get out and about as a family? We’ve got the perfect opportunity!
Aerial view of the Somerville Housing Authority's Mystic Development
The Summer Jobs Program gives City youth an opportunity to work within the community during the summer months.
175 Somerville: An artist's sketch of the Prospect Hill Tower with sits atop a stylized US flag
The City of Somerville officially separated from Charlestown in March, 1842, and to celebrate we are throwing a year-long series of events!
Large and modern office building
Our goals are to make Somerville a regional employment center with a mix of diverse and high quality jobs...
Somerville GreenTech
The City has piloted two green technologies developed by local companies to support this vital industry and...
SustainaVille: Creating a resilient & carbon neutral Somerville
SustainaVille is a call to come together to develop the most ambitious, creative, effective plan for both reducing our carbon output and preparing...
A padlock sits on top of a modern computer keyboard
A joint program with the Somerville Police, 311, and the City’s website to prevent the theft of bicycles and electronic devices and to solve crime.
A green Saab is just barely visible beneath a snow drift.
Whether you need help shoveling, or you're a teen looking to make cash, the Teen Snow Shoveling Program is here to help.
Fresh greens sit in a collection back at a Somerville CSA pickup
Our Urban Ag program brought first Urban Ag Ordinance in New England, the Urban Ag Ambassadors program, new farms, and more.
A person with a watering can showers a row of flowers.
This land is your land–so grab your gloves, don your hat, and dig into our fun & eco-friendly volunteer gardening program.
Sign reads 'Open'
Whether you're just getting started, looking to expand your business, improve its appearance, or simply get advice on best practice
View from a plane's window
The City of Somerville urges residents to report airplane noise to both Massport and the City.
Somerville Cares About Prevention
SCAP works to reduce substance abuse and the harms associated it, by increasing public knowledge and mobilizing the community.
Close-up of a child holding the hand of an adult
STRN's team of trained community members are ready to respond to any traumas affecting City youth.
'No Smoking' sign
The Somerville Board of Health Six City Tobacco Initiative works to change community norms regarding the use of tobacco.
Lead Paint Safe Somerville
Lead Paint Safe Somerville is a limited-time program that provides 0% interest forgivable loans to Somerville homeowners to address lead hazards.
Illustration of a rat carrying pizza
The City of Somerville is committed to rodent control and public education. Together, we can combat this fact of city life.
Mayor Joe Curtatone at a ribbon cutting ceremony
An old smartphone displaying the recycling symbol
It's easy for Somerville residents and businesses to recycle electronic waste responsibly.
Four Somerville volunteers smile for the camera at the 2013 Spring Cleanup Event.
There are lots of ways to be involved with Somerville, shape the community, and share your talents, so get involved and Be Somerville!