Join the Davis Square Neighborhood Plan Technical Advisory Committee

The City of Somerville is inviting community members to help shape the future of Davis Square by applying to join the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the Davis Square Neighborhood Plan.

“Davis Square is one of Somerville’s most important neighborhood centers, and its future should be shaped with the people who know it best,” said Mayor Jake Wilson. “This planning process is an opportunity to think carefully about what makes Davis Square special, what needs to work better, and how we can support a vibrant, welcoming, and resilient neighborhood for years to come.”

The committee will include community members and subject-matter experts who will provide feedback and recommendations throughout the planning process. TAC members will help review data and analysis, inform project priorities, and support community engagement efforts including public meetings, surveys, pop-up events, and workshops.

“A neighborhood plan is a visioning document and a critical step in moving Davis Square forward while ensuring that our collective vision is represented as the community evolves,” said City Council President and Ward 7 Councilor Lance Davis. “I’m thrilled that the Davis Square Neighborhood Plan is back on the front burner, and I hope everyone will get involved and provide their input.” 

Who Can Apply?

All interested community members are invited to apply for the Technical Advisory Committee. The Committee will be composed of at least seven, and up to 11, members and include both community advocacy groups as well as individuals from the Davis Square community, depending on interest. 

What’s the Time Commitment?

Members of the Committee can expect to attend approximately three two-hour committee meetings aligning with important project milestones over approximately one year, once TAC meetings begin following project launch.

How Do I Apply?

• Submissions may be completed online or on paper. 
• Online: Complete the online application at: bit.ly/DavisCommittee
• By mail or drop-off: Download and print the application from the documents section of SomerVoice, then either 
  • Mail to Planning Division, Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143 or 
  • Drop off in-person at the front desk of the Tufts Administration Building, 167 Holland St. 
• Deadline: All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on July 12, 2026.

About the Davis Square Neighborhood Plan

The Davis Square Neighborhood Plan will help guide future decisions about growth, public space, transportation, accessibility, infrastructure, housing, economic vitality, and climate resilience in Davis Square.

Key areas of focus will include:

• Strengthening Davis Square’s social, cultural, and commercial identity
• Supporting local businesses and neighborhood activity
• Identifying opportunities for more housing, with an emphasis on affordability
• Improving streets, sidewalks, public spaces, mobility, and accessibility
• Assessing infrastructure needs, including flooding, sewer capacity, and future development impacts
• Coordinating with the MBTA on transit access and station-area connections
• Integrating climate, sustainability, tree canopy, and heat mitigation goals
• Planning for construction and major public realm improvements in a way that minimizes disruption

The City will host multiple rounds of community engagement throughout the project, with TAC meetings and public meetings alternating to help maintain consistent feedback. Engagement opportunities will include both in-person and online options, including pop-up events, surveys, and community workshops.

The first phase of community engagement is expected to run from summer into fall.

To apply for the TAC, sign up for updates, or learn more about the Davis Square Neighborhood Plan, visit the project’s SomerVoice page at voice.somervillema.gov/davis-square-plan.

Questions may be directed to Amy Gonzalez, Planning Division Community Outreach Coordinator, at agonzalez@somervillema.gov.

The City of Somerville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities free of charge, upon request.  

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact the ADA coordinator in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ada@somervillema.gov.