Job Creation and Retention Trust
A workforce development staff member also serves as liaison to the Job Creation and Retention Trust, a municipal board which uses linkage fees to invest in workforce development initiatives.
About the Economic Development Division
"My vision for Somerville is an inclusive, equitable city where we can all thrive together.”
- Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Somerville Progress for All Agenda
The Economic Development Division of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) is committed to fostering the growth of a resilient and equitable economic base for the City of Somerville. The Economic Development Division drives growth and opportunity in Somerville through three main areas: Workforce and Talent Development, Business Development, and Real Estate Development. Our team also supports the Somerville Redevelopment Authority and the Jobs Creation & Retention Trust, ensuring that the community benefits from a thriving, inclusive economy.
Contact Information
Contact Information
Rachel Nadkarni
Director of Economic Development
Email: economicdevelopment@somervillema.gov
Phone: 617-625-6600 ext. 2515
or Contact Request through 311 (617-666-3311)
Hours:
Monday - Wednesday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Virtual Office Hours
Thursdays 4-5 p.m. Business owners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend to bring questions to City staff.
Join the recurring Zoom meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86006892005?pwd=U2xsT2JvQmdTMmpoY2dtTk10SXNYZz09
Stay Connected
Sign up for the Economic Development Newsletter
Address
TAB Building (2nd FL, Suites 211 Front Office / 204)
167 Holland Street
Somerville, MA 02144
United States
Employee Directory
Economic Development supports businesses looking to locate, relocate, or grow in Somerville. Staff connect business owners with resources, guidance, and assistance navigating City permitting to help businesses access the tools they need to success.
Anti-Displacement Task Force
Members of our Economic Development staff participated in the Anti-Displacement Task Force to provide recommendations to reduce commercial displacement for small businesses and non-profits in Somerville.
Real Estate staff in the Economic Development Division support public-private development partnerships, negotiate public benefits from private redevelopment, and spearhead commercial Anti-Displacement programs.
Somerville Redevelopment Authority
The Somerville Redevelopment Authority (SRA) aims to create more economically prosperous and livable neighborhoods through the State-granted tools of “urban renewal.” The SRA currently manages active plans in Union Square and Winter Hill (299 Broadway) and at 90 Washington Street.
Programs & Initiatives
The Economic Development Division, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), is pleased to share the Commercial Leasing Handbook.
If you are a business, consultant, or non-profit that may be able to support Somerville’s business community, we encourage you to respond to our Request for Information (RFI).
The City of Somerville’s Business Enrichment Program offers help to small businesses. They can get up to 15 hours of free technical support.
The City of Somerville’s New Small Business Vitality Grant offers up to 12 months of rental support for physical storefronts, with a maximum of $50,000.
The JCRT is entrusted with managing funds that have been collected to provide and enhance job opportunities for Somerville residents.
The Economic Development Department works with businesses of all sizes and types to support their growth and success in Somerville.
Our goals are to make Somerville a regional employment center with a mix of diverse and high quality jobs...
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