Mayor Ballantyne Introducing Home Rule Petition to Expand Procurement Opportunities for Disadvantaged Businesses

Today, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne will introduce a Home Rule Petition to City Council that seeks to make it easier for certified disadvantaged businesses to compete for City contracts, advancing Somerville’s commitment to equity and economic inclusion. This petition builds on a recommendation of the disparity study conducted in partnership with the City of Brookline and Griffin & Strong, P.C.

“This proposal is about equity as much as it is about efficiency,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “When small, diverse, and disadvantaged businesses have a fair chance to compete for City work, our local economy grows stronger, our communities thrive, and City government better reflects the values of inclusion that define Somerville.”

The petition would raise the thresholds under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30B specifically for City contracts with certified disadvantaged, diverse, or small and local business enterprises. Eligible businesses are those formally certified by the Commonwealth’s Supplier Diversity Office, by the City of Boston, or by the City of Somerville.

Under the proposed legislation:

• The City could use sound business practices for contracts up to $20,000 (up from the current $10,000).
• The City could request at least three written quotes for contracts up to $250,000 (up from the current $50,000).

By raising these thresholds, the petition simplifies the bidding and quote process, reducing barriers for smaller and disadvantaged businesses and expanding opportunities for underrepresented vendors to partner with the City.

If approved by the City Council, the Home Rule Petition will move to the State Legislature for consideration.

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 Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.