Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) are announcing that applications are now open for the new Rental Energy Microgrant (REM) Program, which offers $2,000 grants to support energy-efficiency upgrades in local rental housing. The program will provide funding for up to 25 rental units citywide. Applications are open now through December 6, 2025.

Beginning Thursday, November 13, at approximately 4 p.m., City contractors plan to mill (remove the top few layers of asphalt) the roadway surface at the intersection of Somerville Avenue and Central Street in preparation for paving. 

During this work, Somerville Avenue between Lowell Street and Park Street will be closed to motor vehicle traffic in both directions.   

Schedule, Detour Routes, and Other Construction Impacts 

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, and the Somerville Parks and Urban Forestry Division (PSUF) are inviting community members to a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of an important accessibility project bringing 10 new inclusive swings to playgrounds across Somerville, increasing the percentage of City parks with inclusive swings from 39% to 83%.

The ribbon cutting will be held on Monday, November 17, at 10 a.m. at Hoyt Sullivan Playground (117 Central St.). In the event of inclement weather, the ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 20, at 3 p.m.

Following state statutes and Department of Revenue (DOR) regulations, the Board of Assessors is completing the FY2026 Quinquennial Revaluation of all real and personal property in Somerville. Revaluation is a year-long process when the DOR examines in detail all assessing methodologies used by the town, as well as the values derived through the mass appraisal system. 

To read the complete Notice of Disclosure, visit the City’s Assessing page: https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/finance/assessing

Teens earn, and neighbors stay safe. Somerville's Teen Shoveling Program is back for the 2025/26 season, providing a paid opportunity for youth to assist local seniors and homeowners with disabilities clear snow after a storm. 

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Department of Health and Human Services invite community members to attend Somerville’s annual Transgender Day of Remembrance and Resilience on Thursday, November 20, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Council on Aging (167 Holland St).

Each year, Somerville gathers to remember the transgender and gender-diverse individuals whose lives have been lost to anti-trans violence, and to honor the strength and resilience of the trans community.

View the results of the November 4, 2025 election at somervillema.gov/votesomerville. 

A new public artwork in Somerville being installed this week will soon literally be growing in Somerville’s Lou Ann David Park. Local artist Anna Fubini gathered the voices of Somerville residents through a writing process centered on themes of impermanence, transformation, renewal, and resilience. Her artwork, Letters Rewoven, transforms participants’ writings into paper pulp mixed with wildflower seeds that covers the sculpture’s panels.

November SNAP benefits could be delayed if the federal government doesn't resolve the shutdown or provide emergency funding. SNAP provides about $212 million each month to Massachusetts residents. Benefits are issued between the 1st and 14th. Both SNAP recipients as well as grocery stores and farmers (who will see decreased food purchases) will be affected.  

If you need food for you or your family, here are some places you can find help: 

Help us honor our local veteran community and all those who have served in the U.S. Military this Veterans Day. Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Department of Veterans’ Services invite community members to attend a Veterans Day Wreath-Laying ceremony at the George Dilboy VFW Post 529 (351 Summer St.), on Tuesday, November 11.