These are profoundly difficult times for all in our community. I recognize the fear and suffering that residents are experiencing as federal immigration enforcement activities have increased in Somerville, the greater Boston area, and the nation. As an immigrant myself, I understand this fear personally. 

The Somerville Fire Department will begin the annual inspection and flushing of all fire hydrants citywide on Monday, September 15, 2025, concluding on or around Saturday, September 27, 2025. This annual maintenance program helps keep our community safe by helping to ensure hydrants will work properly when needed to put out a fire.  

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.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is honored to announce that the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan (SPAP) has been awarded a National Honor Award in the Analysis & Planning category by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) are pleased to announce the upcoming sale of three deed-restricted condominiums to eligible, first-time homebuyer households at a below market price through the City’s Inclusionary Housing Program. The units will be offered to households with a yearly gross income at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) at price tier P1 and to households between 80% and 110% AMI at price tier P2.