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About the Job Creation and Retention Trust Fund (JCRT)
Commercial developments over 15,000 square feet are subject to a $3.10 per square foot linkage fee (as of March 2025) which funds Somerville's Jobs Creation and Retention Trust (JCRT). The Trust is overseen by a nine-member board and works to create and expand employment opportunities for Somerville residents.
The trust was created in December 2017 when Somerville City Council approved a zoning amendment that created the linkage fee. Click here to learn about the Affordable Housing Linkage fee.
Enabling Legislation
Contact Information
The Job Creation and Retention Trust Board of Trustees is composed of nine members.
JCRT Board of Trustees responsibilities will involve managing the JCRT fund, working with OSPCD staff to implement workforce development strategies outlined in the Talent Equity Playbook, target industry sectors and resident demographics of interest for job training programs, solicit project proposals, and funding workforce development training programs in accordance with the ordinance.
The JCRT Board of Trustees will be comprised of the following representatives and terms:
- Mayor of Somerville or designee
- City Council President or designee
- Superintendent of Schools or designee
- Representatives of two workforce development non-profits
- Two Somerville residents for a period of three years, with a preference that such residents have participated in workforce development programs in the City of Somerville
- Representatives of two local businesses
Board of Trustees
- Vickie Choitz - Resident, Co-Managing Trustee
- Anika Van Eaton – Non-profit representative, Co-Managing Trustee
- Rachel Nadkarni – Mayor’s designee
- Wilfred Mbah - President of the City Council's designee
- Jim Hachey – Superintendent’s designee
- Tom Bent – Business representative
- Jacob Luria – Business representative
- Rand Wilson – Non-profit representative
- Silvana Dinka – Resident
- Public Forum Presentation (November 9th, 2021)
- JCRT 2020-2021 Annual Report
- JCRT 2019-2020 Annual Report
- Linkage Nexus Study, 2017
- Declaration of Trust (Trust Fund Document)
- Somerville Talent Equity Playbook
- April 4th, 2019 Handout - JCRT Update
- Strategy and Action Framework
- Labor Market Presentation (July 2nd, 2019)
- Jobs Linkage Investment Components (September 10th, 2019)
- JCRT Budget (October 1st, 2019)
- November 12th Public Forum presentation
Adult Education and Industry Specific Training Grants – 2021
Bunker Hill Community College in partnership with the Welcome Project, the Community Action Agency of Somerville, and East Somerville Main Streets was re-awarded $250,000 to provide customer service-oriented English language education.
Adult Education and Industry Specific Training Grants – 2020
Bunker Hill Community College in partnership with the Welcome Project, the Community Action Agency of Somerville, and East Somerville Main Streets received $250,000 to provide customer service-oriented English language education.
The Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences received $118,933 to provide remote career readiness and digital literacy classes in its English language learner and adult basic education programs, focusing on the attainment of high school diplomas or equivalent.
The Asian American Civic Association, partnering with Somerville Community Corporation, received $200,000 to train students in three separate programs: Careers in Banking and Finance, Green Automotive Maintenance Skills, and Building Energy Efficient Maintenance Skills.
Just-A-Start, in partnership with Somerville Community Corporation, received $113,523 to train students in their Biomedical Careers program.
Per Scholas received $66,706 to train students for careers as entry-level information technology and software professionals.
Quality Jobs: Wage Theft, Workers Rights, and Resources for Small Businesses – 2020
The Welcome Project, the Brazilian Workers Center, and the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health received $119,000 to develop and implement workers’ rights and wage theft education for immigrant workers in Somerville.
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