The Economic Development Division, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), is pleased to share the Commercial Leasing Handbook.
Created in 2025, this handbook helps small businesses navigate the rising costs of doing business and the risk of displacement in Somerville. It’s a useful resource for anybody looking to start or grow a business in the city.
The handbook was developed with input from City staff, MAPC staff, commercial leasing specialists, community representatives, 20 small business owners from across Somerville, and the City’s Small Business Anti-Displacement Taskforce. It has been translated into the languages most commonly spoken by business owners.
Click on the links below to access the handbook in your preferred language:
- Commercial Leasing Handbook: English
- Manual de Arrendamiento: Español/ Spanish
- Guia de Locação: Português/ Portuguese
- Gid Kontra Lwaye: Kreyòl Ayisyen / Haitian Creole
Virtual Event
On April 10th, 2025, Economic Development and Metropolitan Area Planning (MAPC) Council hosted a release event for the Commercial Leasing Handbook.
Speakers included Camille Jonlin, Senior Economic Development Planner from MAPC, Adriana Fernandes Senior Economic Development Planner and Kelly O'Laughlin Economic Development Planner from the City of Somerville, and Darryl Walton, Associate Clinical Professor at Northeastern University and Director of Northeastern Law's Community Business Clinic. You can view a recording of the event on the City's YouTube page here.
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