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Somerville Pedestrian & Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC)

PTAC logo

Somerville Pedestrian & Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC) is a Mayor-appointed body of volunteer community members who advise and collaborate with City staff to make walking and taking transit in Somerville more safe, effective, sustainable, equitable and accessible.

PTAC was established in 2020 as part of Somerville’s Vision Zero Action Plan, which forms the basis of the City’s commitment to multi-modal road safety. PTAC is made up of community representatives who have an active interest in pedestrian- and transit-related issues, as well as ex-officio members from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD)’s Mobility Division and City Council.

PTAC’s activities include reviewing and making recommendations on City plans for street reconstruction, creating and facilitating venues for public engagement on City projects including events and digital outlets, and working with other safe streets and neighborhood organizations.

PTAC is organized into three subcommittees: Community Events, Design Review, and Special Projects.

PTAC typically meets on the third Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Meetings are held hybrid, with in person and virtual options. Members of the public are welcome.
 

Members

Community Representatives

  • Ted Alexander
  • Ginny Alverson
  • Caroline Bodager
  • Meredith Brown
  • Laura Evans
  • Christopher Ferry
  • Preston Gutelius
  • Satoko Hirai (Digital Communications Officer)
  • Brenda Marvin (Secretary)
  • Steven Mulder
  • Barbara Myers
  • Bianca Norkunas
  • Vitor Pamplona (Vice Chair)
  • Zach Rosenberg
  • Alessandra Seiter (Chair)
  • Robert Stanzel
  • Carole Voulgaris 

Ex-Officio

  • Justin Schreiber (OSPCD Mobility)
  • Katherine White (OSPCD Mobility)
  • Will Mbah (City Council, At Large)

Agendas, Minutes and Upcoming Meetings

Meeting presentations can be found under the 'Presentation' document type for each meeting date. If there is no presentation listed for a given month, check that month's meeting minutes for details.

Bylaws & Annual Reports
 

Current Bylaws

Annual Reports

Advocacy Letters

Get Involved

Attend a Monthly Meeting

PTAC typically meets on the third Thursday of every month from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Meetings are held in hybrid format, with in person and virtual options. Members of the public are welcome. The meeting location and link to join will be posted in the agenda in advance of the meeting. If you’d like to attend a meeting and need accessibility accommodations or have other questions/concerns, email transportation@somervillema.gov.
 

Join Somerville PTAC

PTAC periodically solicits applications for membership and submits recommendations for appointment to the Mayor. Additionally, community members may apply to join Somerville PTAC through the following process:

  • Attend a minimum of six monthly committee meetings in a two-year period, and actively participate in other committee activities.
  • Declare interest in becoming a member at a monthly committee meeting, and obtain the endorsement of the current membership though a simple majority vote. The current membership will then submit their recommendation for appointment to the Mayor.
  • Write a letter to the Mayor, expressing interest in becoming a member and detailing any relevant experience.
  • If appointed by the Mayor, work with the PTAC Chair to onboard into committee business.


Make Your Voice Heard

  • Stay up-to-date on committee meetings, advocacy work, and community events with the monthly PTAC newsletter.
  • Stay informed about pedestrian and transit happenings in Somerville with the Mobility Division newsletter.
  • Sign up for email notifications about City Council meetings through Legistar.
  • Give feedback on City projects and plans on SomerVoice
  • Request a specific improvement or report a problem via Somerville 311

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