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Final Charter Recommendations

The Charter Review Committee presents their final charter recommendations:

About the Charter Review Committee

The charter review process seeks to comprehensively review the City’s current charter and to recommend changes to ensure Somerville’s government meets the current and anticipated needs of our residents and is responsive to the challenges of today and tomorrow.

The Charter Review Committee will be responsible for reviewing the City’s current charter and making recommendations for amendments to the Mayor and the City Council in an effort to improve and modernize the City’s structure and governance. The Committee will also engage the community in robust discussions about potential charter amendments.

Contact Information
Hope Williams & Anna Corning
Charter Review Project Managers

Employee Directory

Updates

Mayor Ballantyne and Somerville City Council Approve Changes to Somerville Charter, Now Set to Advance to State Legislature

  • Committee to be created to propose plan for Ranked Choice Voting
  • Length of Mayoral term to be decided by voters via ballot question 

City charters serve as a city’s local constitution, and after an intensive community process and collaborative work by the Ballantyne administration and the City Council, Somerville’s charter is getting a significant update. The new charter now includes greater transparency, more opportunity for public engagement, important resources for the City Council, and a pathway to ranked choice voting, as well as other modernizations—like officially recognizing women as voters.

The new charter language was approved by a Council vote on charter legislation on Monday, May 5, and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is signing in full support. The new and improved charter will now be sent to the State Legislature as a Home Rule Petition for review and approval. 

The majority of changes are the direct outcome of recommendations by the Charter Review Committee, composed of residents and elected officials. The Council and City then worked to transform those proposals into new Charter language. Key updates include modernization of procedures and language, the right of the Council to hire Council staff and advisory legal counsel, and designated opportunities for community input on the City budget and capital investment planning that promote inclusive leadership.

The charter also puts two provisions into the hands of the community. Voters will now decide one key committee recommendation at the ballot box: an extension of the 2-year Mayoral term to 4 years. If passed, this would go into effect no earlier than the 2028 term. The Charter also states that a committee will be created to develop a plan to implement ranked choice voting, which allows voters to rank multiple candidates rather than vote for only one.

"With these reforms, we are delivering on key priorities for Somerville. We are increasing transparency, strengthening democracy, supporting the City Council in their work, and ensuring that our charter reflects the values of justice and equity that define our community. It also builds in a key priority of mine, which is inclusive leadership that supports our community members helping to shape our future,” said Mayor Ballantyne. "I want to thank the Charter Review Committee for their diligent work, recognize Councilor McLaughlin for championing this effort throughout, and thank the Council for collaborating with my administration to finally deliver on this decades-long goal. From start to finish, this process has prioritized community voices and a shared vision for Somerville's future, and we can all be proud of that.”

"We have a 21st-century government operating under a 19th-century charter that doesn't even acknowledge women voters. But this revised charter now reflects the times we live in and gives us a modern framework," stated Councilor Matt McLaughlin. "This was a deeply democratic and inclusive process involving residents volunteering extensively and gathering input from thousands to draft this charter. After months of City Council deliberation and negotiations with two mayors, we've reached this point with overwhelming Council and Mayoral support to send it to the State House. It provides crucial improvements, from clear, modern language to addressing the balance of power between the Mayor and City Council in areas like the budget and appointments. Ultimately, this approved charter is light years better."

Key changes in the updated charter include:

  • Preamble and Values: A new preamble explicitly states the charter's guiding values, such as justice, empowerment, ethical leadership, and equitable opportunity.
  • City Council Procedures: More detailed procedures for City Council operations enhance transparency and access to information.
  • Mayoral and Council Powers Regarding Appointments: The charter codifies the Mayor's role to appoint and the City Council’s role to confirm appointments.
  • Financial Transparency and Inclusion: A more structured budget process includes requirements for community input opportunities, public access to budget information, and a public hearing on and Council approval of the city’s Capital Investment Plan.
  • Expanded Council Provisions: Permits the City Council to hire its own advisory legal Counsel and also to hire Council staff. 

Bringing an 1899 charter into the 21st century

The City’s charter was initially established in 1871, the same year Somerville was incorporated as a City. Since a more substantial update in 1899, it has undergone only targeted revisions. More recently charter review was launched in 2008. A 2018 City Council initiative modernized the name “Board of Aldermen” to “City Council.” In 2019, then Councilor Ballantyne initiated an update to shift oversight of the Committee Clerks from the Administration to the City Council to streamline management and improve workflows. In 2021, then Councilor Ballantyne also led the Council in submitting a special act to amend the charter to use gender-neutral language.

Full charter review began in 2020, when former Mayor Joe Curtatone and then City Council President Matt McLaughlin (now Ward 1 Councilor) jointly launched the latest comprehensive review. The Charter Review Committee established as a result met for 16 months and issued a range of recommendations in August 2022. The Ballantyne Administration and City Council then worked collaboratively to update the charter and ensure it met legal standards. The Collins Center for Public Management at UMass Boston provided critical expertise and support. 

To view the charter language and more information, visit somervillema.gov/charterreview.

 

Public Comment

Read more about public commenting and sign up to speak at our upcoming meeting. Advance sign-up is not required.

Members

The Committee will consist of designees of the Mayor, the City Council President, and the Chair of the School Committee and nine appointed community members.

  • Bio: Meagan Benetti, MS, MBA is an evaluator, community-based researcher, and facilitator who has a deep commitment to advancing racial, social and environmental justice. She’s worked at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community for the last seven years where she’s partnered with a variety of stakeholders to improve mental health and social service systems. Meagan is new to Somerville and is currently a member of the Massachusetts Audubon Society’s Volunteer Council. She enjoys traveling, yoga, hiking, kayaking, and exploring the Boston area through its rich culinary scenes.
  • Why are you excited to serve on the committee? I'm excited about being able to engage with my fellow community members to see how we can collectively work together to make Somerville an even better place to live.
  • Favorite Somerville small business: Rebel Rebel
  • Bio: I am a lifelong resident, Executive Director of The Welcome Project, and a Trustee at Cambridge Health Alliance. I have years of organizing experience in the community.
  • Why are you excited to serve on the committee? I'm excited to make government more equitable and responsive to all people.
  • Favorite Somerville small business: Way too many to name.
  • Bio: I am a senior mediator at the Consensus Building Institute, based in Alewife. Professionally, I help groups work together, especially on natural resource and public policy topics. I was born and raised within a half a mile of where I live now, and I have a husband and two young children.
  • Why are you excited to serve on the committee? I really like thinking about how municipal systems can work best, and I'm looking forward to meeting others in the community while working on something constructive.
  • Favorite Somerville small business: So hard to choose: Magpie Kids, Mike's Pizza, Neighborhood Restaurant
  • Bio: I've been proud to call Somerville my home for my whole life! I graduated from Somerville High in 2013 and after college came back to work for State Senator Pat Jehlen where I learned more about the needs of this city and community doing constituent services and communications. I'm currently a grad student at Harvard in Urban Planning and Public Policy.
  • Why are you excited to serve on the committee?  The Charter Review is an important opportunity to ensuring Somerville can best serve its ever-changing community with accessible, accountable, and effective offices of local government. I'm excited to be joining my neighbors for this process to keep Somerville prepared for the future.
  • Favorite Somerville small business: So hard to choose! Dave's Fresh Pasta, Opa Greek Yeeros, and Leone's are up there!
  • Bio: Jessica has lived in Somerville for 11 years and serves as the chair of the Ward 6 Democratic Committee. She has a BA from Tufts, an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a JD from Boston College Law School. In her day job, she works for an organization that provides leadership and campaign skills training to veterans and national service alumni considering running for office.
  • Why are you excited to serve on the committee? Local government has enormous capacity to improve people’s lives when it works properly. I’m excited to help the city I love to build a better, more innovative, and more equitable system.
  • Favorite Somerville small business: There are so many! But Spoke Wine Bar and Lyndell’s have to be at the top of the list. 

Matthew McLaughlin, Ward 1 City Councilor and City Council President, City Council’s Designee

  • Bio: Laura has represented Ward 5 on the Somerville School Committee for the last seven years including serving as School Committee Chair in 2017. In addition to volunteering and leadership positions in the Somerville Public Schools, Laura's professional background is in strategy, planning and organizational development. Laura has collaborated with City staff on facilities planning projects and the City/SPS Children's Cabinet. She and her husband live in Ball Square for the last 15 years with their two teenaged children and are celebrating their 20th anniversary of living in Somerville this year.
  • Why are you excited to serve on the committee? I am looking forward to collaborating with thoughtful people to consider the most sustainable and functional organization for our city that best serves to represent the diverse needs and interests of our residents.
  • Favorite Somerville small business: Neighborhood Produce (and True Grounds and Reliable Market and...)

George Proakis, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, Mayor’s Designee

  • Bio: I'm an urban planner, political consultant, and nonprofit professional. I've worked for the City of New York where I wrote and interpreted zoning code, advised elected officials in New York and Massachusetts, and most recently worked in the non-profit sector here in Somerville. I'll be celebrating my tenth anniversary of living in Somerville this June. I live in East Somerville with my family, which includes two kids, two cats, one snake, and a hamster named Mabel.
  • Why are you excited to serve on the committee? I love to read, write and interpret code. I am most excited about making the code accessible and equitable to reflect the values of our whole Somerville community.
  • Favorite Somerville small business: This is like asking me to pick a favorite child, which I of course do not have. But, my two most favorites are All She Wrote Books in Assembly and Diaper Lab in Davis Square, which are both owned by strong women who prioritize giving back to the community..
  • Bio: I am an active volunteer in the Somerville public schools. I have also helped out on many political campaigns in Somerville. I am currently working as an aide for Rep. Uyterhoeven after working for Rep. Provost for two years.
  • Why are you excited to serve on the committee? I am looking forward to hearing from a wide range of people who have been active in Somerville.
  • Favorite Somerville small business: Rincon Mexicano
  • Bio: Bev Schwartz is a long-time Somerville resident who has engaged with her community through Havurat Shalom, Somerville Pop Warner, and various City committees. With her wife, she has raised three children in Somerville and has experience with the Somerville schools, including special education. She has worked as a software engineer at a Cambridge company for over 30 years and looks forward to applying her research and analysis skills to this project.
  • Why are you excited to serve on the committee? I've long been interested in the nitty-gritty of how organizations run and have worked on smaller projects, including three sets of by-laws. I am excited to broaden my view to the city level and bring my skills to help make the City of Somerville run better, more fairly, and provide better government access for all residents. I look forward to learning much and working with a great group of people!
  • Favorite Somerville small business: My classic Somerville includes a cappuccino at True Grounds, picking up a half-moon at Lyndell's Bakery, and a pizza from Pini's.
  • Bio: I currently serve as co-chair of the Somerville Commission for Women and my analytical and problem-solving skills come from having spent over a decade working in finance.
  • Why are you excited to serve on the committee? I'm excited to serve on the Charter Review Committee because it is a great opportunity to play a role in shaping the future of our city.
  • Favorite Somerville small business: Ball Square Cafe

Staff

  • Bio: Anna has worked as a project manager for Boston area tech startups. And more recently worked in the Boston Mayor's Office of Food Access to launch the Boston Food Access Council, on the legislative team in Congressman McGovern's DC office, and as a community organizer. She graduated from Syracuse University with a BS in Food Studies in 2017.
  • Favorite Somerville small business: Yume Ga Arukara!
  • Bio: Hope has experience working in federal government at the Federal Judicial Center, local government in Chicago, and community organizing in interfaith and electoral spaces. She graduated with her Master's from Harvard in 2020, focused on Religion, Ethics, and Politics.
  • Favorite Somerville small business: Three Little Figs!

FAQ

A charter is a founding document of a City that establishes the governing system and structure.

The City of Somerville’s Charter serves as our local constitution, creating a structure for City government. The Charter establishes the key institutions of City government and defines the relationship and powers between the Mayor, the City Council and the School Committee. 

It details the procedures for elections, initiatives, referendum and recall elections, campaign finance, and how vacancies are filled. It also provides a guide on how the City is managed, the way taxes are levied and bonds are issued, how the streets, parks, sewers and other infrastructure are managed and improved, the powers of the Somerville Police and Fire, and how to amend the Charter.

The Charter Review Committee will be responsible for reviewing the City’s current charter and making recommendations for amendments to the Mayor and the City Council in an effort to improve and modernize the City’s structure and governance. The Committee will also engage the community in robust discussions about potential charter amendments. 

It is vital that we hear from you, the residents of Somerville. All committee meetings are open to the public, and links will be posted in the Agenda/Meetings tab. There will also be specific community meetings to ensure community input and engagement, which are still in the works. In the meantime, you can sign up for our newsletter here. Please also submit your comments, questions, suggestions here

The impact of COVID-19 is real and will be felt by our community for years, and it is hard to predict when we will return to normal operations. Despite these barriers, we are committed to engaging the community, providing pathways for input, and making meaningful recommendations for the charter.  

To ensure our review process is safe for committee members and the community, we will be holding all meetings virtually for the foreseeable future.

Public Input

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