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 Division provides assistance to existing and emerging businesses, implements workforce development initiatives to connect residents with professional growth opportunities, and supports the ongoing vitality of the city’s neighborhoods. The Division also provides staff support to the Somerville Redevelopment Authority and the Job Creation and Retention Trust.
Contact Information
Contact Information
Rachel Nadkarni
Director of Economic Development
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
We are offering Virtual Office Hours via zoom on Thursdays from 4pm to 5pm. Business owners and entrepreneurs are welcome to pop up, bring their questions and talk directly with City staff.
Please find below the link for the recurring meeting.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86006892005?pwd=U2xsT2JvQmdTMmpoY2dtTk10SXNYZz09
In Person Office Hours by appointment:
Email us at economicdevelopment@somervillema.gov
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Phone Number
x
x2515
Address
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville, MA 02143
United States
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The Economic Development Division implements initiatives related to Workforce and Talent Development, including specific programs like BuildCorps, policies like the jobs linkage fee, and strategic work like the Workforce Development Strategic Plan.
Our goals are to make Somerville a regional employment center with a mix of diverse and high-quality jobs, support a business-friendly environment to attract and retain a diverse mix of businesses, and invest in the talents, skills, and education of people to support growth and provide opportunities to residents of all social and economic levels.
- Create more job opportunities in Somerville.
- Somervile to be a place where residents can find jobs locally (local hire emphasis).
- All residents to benefit from diverse employment opportunities.
- Invest in talent, skills and education of residents.
- The division identifies industry trends and works with a diverse-mix of businesses to ensure good-quality jobs that offer opportunities to residents of all backgrounds and experience-levels.
- Workforce Development’s goal is to create more job opportunities in Somerville, where residents can walk, bike, or take local public transportation to work.
Get Support for your Small Business
The Economic Development Division provides numerous resources to Somerville-based businesses. These include Assistance for Businesses–namely, Small Business Support program, and technical assistance events–as well as targeted support for businesses working in the Innovation Economy.
Anyone doing business in Somerville will work with a variety of City departments, but we try to make the process as streamlined and easy-to-understand as possible. For more information about doing business in the City, click here.
Neighborhood Development
Economic Development manages a variety of services to support neighborhood improvements. The Division coordinates with other City divisions to implement the City’s various Neighborhood Plans and Master Planned Developments, and supports the Somerville Redevelopment Authority in identifying potential areas for redevelopment. The Division also spearheads work to develop policies to minimize commercial displacement from redevelopment, and negotiates covenants with private developers to help deliver vital infrastructure and community benefits.
As part of this work, the Division manages real estate-related functions for OSPCD, including property searches, appraisals, brownfield remediation, and the disposition of City-owned parcels.
Our goals are to make Somerville a regional employment center with a mix of diverse and high-quality jobs, support a business-friendly environment to attract and retain a diverse mix of businesses, and invest in the talents, skills, and education of people to support growth and provide opportunities to residents of all social and economic levels.
Image
Attribution
Photo © Mark Gaw 2013 via Flickr
Whether you're just getting started, looking to expand your business, improve its appearance, or simply get advice on best practice
Image
Source
Photo courtesy of Daddy Jones
The Economic Development Department works with businesses of all sizes and types to support their growth and success in Somerville.
Commissioned by Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and OSPCD, Mitigating Commercial Displacement in Somerville, MA will inform the City’s long-term planning to continue to help independent local businesses remain in Somerville.
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.
These are small businesses run by people who have overcome historic barriers, and Somerville wants them to thrive.
The JCRT is entrusted with managing funds that have been collected to provide and enhance job opportunities for Somerville residents.
Learn about the typical real estate development process in Somerville – from pre-application to construction.
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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