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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 Job Creation and Retention Trust (JCRT). The Trust 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 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
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