This week I was outraged, saddened, and then outraged again by the killing of George Floyd, who died begging for his life as a police officer knelt on his neck. Mr. Floyd joins the far too long list of black Americans who have been killed because they were black. The circumstances surrounding the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others were different but the root cause was the same - racism. 

• Washington Street Bridge/Underpass near McGrath Highway to Reopen May 31

• Broadway Bridge in Ball Square Scheduled to Reopen First Week of June

City buildings will remain closed to the public beyond Monday, June 1. In the coming weeks, some City offices may begin to reopen for in-person business. More details will be shared as they become available.

As a reminder, all City-sponsored and permitted events are canceled through the end of the year. Many City services are still available online and 311 is available 24 hours a day to answer any questions or for service requests. You can find more information on the City’s COVID-19 response at www.somervillema.gov/coronavirus.

The City of Somerville will hold a virtual information session and public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2021 water and sewer rates on Thursday, June 11. The information session will start at 6 p.m. and the public hearing will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Anyone who would like to testify is welcome to attend. Written testimony will also be accepted until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16.

The City of Somerville is taking its celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month virtual this year. Mayor Joe Curtatone will lead a virtual Pride Flag raising ceremony on Sunday, June 7. Visit the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SomervilleCity) at 10:30 a.m. to watch a livestream of the short, socially distanced ceremony. At 11 a.m., hop over to the Somerville Arts Council Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SomervilleArts) for the Big Gay Dance Party Virtual Dance Brunch.

2020 Summer Jobs Program Application Period Now Open! (Apply by 6/19)

City-Required Site Safety Plans, Contact Tracing Requirements, and Cleaning Protocols Added to Enhance Safety and Sustainability of Reopening

Creative Sidewalk Expansion Efforts, Proposed Expedited Permitting Underway to Support Outdoor Dining

Board of Health urges continued caution; coronavirus remains an active threat

The Somerville School Committee and the Somerville Teachers Association (STA) Paraprofessionals Unit C reached a tentative agreement yesterday on a 3-year contract that reflects the City’s and District’s commitment to equity and the important role that Paraprofessionals play in our schools supporting and working with classroom teachers. The tentative agreement reached requires ratification by the Union membership and the School Committee. The final offer came after months of negotiation to reach a fiscally responsible and sustainable agreement acceptable to all parties.

On Sunday, June 14, the City of Somerville will recognize Flag Day as a day of remembrance and reflection to honor those lost to the COVID-19 virus and those who have been victims of systematic racism. The Mayor and City Council ask that everyone take time on this day to personally acknowledge and reflect on the gravity of these events and to mourn the loss of life associated with them. Residents are encouraged to reclaim our nation's flag as a symbol of hope, welcome, comfort, and progress during these trying times.