Hello, Somerville!

For over twenty years, I’ve had the privilege of saying hello to you. First as a neighbor, then a parent, a coach, an advocate, a City Councilor — and now, for the first time, as your Mayor.

My journey to this moment didn’t start in politics. It began on porches and sidewalks, in playgrounds and parks, and at school drop-off and pickup. It started with community joy, and with neighbors showing up for one another.

And that commitment to showing up — to helping, to caring, to being accountable — will lead our administration.

The Construction Advisory Group (CAG) has delivered its recommendation to Mayor Ballantyne on the City’s plans for a new PK-8 School Building.

From 2022 – 2025, Mayor Ballantyne’s work at City Hall has reflected her vision of governance. Through her capacity as an executive of City departments and services, as well as an advocate at the state and federal levels, Mayor Ballantyne has led a wide range of initiatives to make Somerville a place where everyone can thrive. Initiatives were designed for measurable impact on constituents’ wellbeing and on the quality of City’s operations.

The City of Somerville currently spends nearly $300,000 each year to cover the cost of recycling mattresses and box springs discarded by residents. Since November 2022, state law has required that all discarded mattresses and box springs be recycled to reduce pressure on landfills, significantly increasing municipal recycling costs statewide. 

The City of Somerville is sharing travel and parking information to help attendees plan ahead for the 2026 Inauguration Ceremony at Somerville High School and the public reception at the Somerville Armory on Saturday, January 3.