As communities nationwide look for innovative ways to address climate change, the City of Somerville recently took an outside-the-box approach by planting the community’s first Miyawaki forest. On Sunday, October 22, over 75 community members gathered behind Somerville High School to plant 410 native shrubs and trees. The generosity of the volunteers made it possible to transform 1,500 square feet of weedy, unused land into Somerville’s first Miyawaki forest – a method of planting that encourages quick growth by densely planting more than 30 species in a small area.

View unofficial results from the November 7, 2023 municipal election at https://www.somervillema.gov/votesomerville

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Somerville’s Police Chief Search Committee are announcing that the City’s search for the next Chief of the Somerville Police Department (SPD) will continue. 

After an intensive community process, the City of Somerville is taking the next step toward introducing rent stabilization aimed at keeping housing affordable. On November 9, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne will submit draft legislation to the City Council proposing a home rule petition to allow rent stabilization. The proposed petition aims to support housing affordability while also providing considerations for property owners.