In December 2017, the City Council approved a zoning amendment to create a linkage fee of $2.46 per square foot of commercial development over 15,000 square feet to provide and enhance employment opportunities for Somerville residents. In 2018, the Council approved an ordinance to create the Jobs Creation and Retention Trust and nine-member Board of Trustees entrusted to manage these funds.
The Jobs Linkage Fee is currently $2.60/square foot as of March 2021.
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:
Bunker Hill Community College, The Welcome Project, the Community Action Agency of Somerville, and East Somerville Main Streets received a $250,000 to provide customer service-oriented English language education.
The Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences received a $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 a $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 a $113,523 to train students in their Biomedical Careers program.
Per Scholas received a $66,706 to train students for careers as entry-level information technology and software professionals.
The Welcome Project, the Brazilian Workers Center, and the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Health and Safety received a $119,000 grant award to develop and implement workers’ rights and wage theft education for immigrant workers in Somerville.
Public meeting of the Confirmation of the Job Creation and Retention Trust. The meeting will be held virtually in compliance with Governor Baker’s emergency orders regarding the Open Meeting Law. See description for details.
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