Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is announcing that the City is now accepting Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from arts and creative enterprises interested in leasing space at the City-owned Armory at 191 Highland Ave.

This marks the next major step following the release of the Armory Master Plan, which outlines the community’s vision for a vibrant, public arts center for years to come.

The City of Somerville is seeking one new member to join the Mayor’s Appointments Advisory Committee (AAC). If you care about fairness, transparency, and community voice in local government, this is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

The AAC plays a key role in strengthening how Somerville selects members for its regulatory and decision-making boards and commissions. By helping review applicants and recommend finalists, AAC members ensure that appointments reflect the needs, values, and diversity of our community.

The City of Somerville is encouraging the community to get ready now for potential snowstorms by signing up for City Alerts and reviewing protocols for snow emergencies. Preparing now will help keep the community safe, as well as reduce ticketing or towing for snow emergency parking violations and ticketing for failure to follow shoveling requirements. 

All information below can also be found at somervillema.gov/snow.  

The Somerville Department of Public Works (DPW) wishes to remind residents that the final days for yard waste collection this season are next week from Monday to Friday, December 8-12, 2025. Yard waste can be left out for pickup by DPW on residents’ scheduled trash collection days. Please note: yard waste cannot be collected if it is put in plastic bags.   

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Department invite community members to an information session to learn more about the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which can provide financial assistance with home heating costs this winter to eligible households.  

As we approach the coldest months of the year, the City of Somerville is once again opening a winter season Emergency Overnight Warming Center to support adults experiencing homelessness. Starting on Monday,December 8, 2025, through April 12, 2026, the warming center will offer a safe place to sleep and a range of other services. 

One-of-a-kind gifts, tasty foods, great entertainment, artist markets, and fun events await this holiday season (and winter!) in Somerville, and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne wants to be sure the community seizes these opportunities to support Somerville’s local businesses all winter long by shopping, dining, and going out local as part of the City’s “Loyal to Local” initiative. 

In the giving spirit of the season, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is announcing the City’s annual support of local holiday gift and toy donation drives. Toy and gift donation collection boxes will be placed at City buildings, libraries, and firehouses from Monday, December 1, through Wednesday, December 17. Donated gifts will support two community gift drives for families in need of gifts for children and teens this holiday season.

The City of Somerville is seeking four new volunteer members to join the Somerville Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC). These vacancies are for volunteer members who are passionate about local pedestrian and/or transit issues. 

’Tis the season for community cheer. Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Arts Council (SAC) invite the Somerville community to join in the City’s 2025 holiday celebrations. Once again, the City Hall concourse will be aglow with festive Christmas tree and menorah lighting events that will include snacks, refreshments, entertainment, and gifts for children.