All interested community members are invited to attend and speak at the Budget Public Hearing before the Somerville City Council’s Committee on Finance on Monday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m. for public input on the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 municipal budget. This meeting will be conducted via remote participation on Zoom. Spanish and Portuguese interpretation will be provided.

City nonprofits can apply now for operational support funding 

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is announcing $2 million in city funding support for area nonprofits, leveraging funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The online program portal is now open and will accept applications until July 31, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

The girls track followed a strong indoor season (6-1) with a 5-2 season record and 3 straight wins to close the season on a high note before placing third overall at the GBL all-league meet (8 teams).  

The City of Somerville is partnering with community groups to raise awareness about black swallow-wort (BSW), a very aggressive and invasive, non-native weed that can be found throughout Somerville.

Destigmatizing mental health issues within the local Asian community took focus at Saturday’s Somerviva forum. — Photo by Beatriz Leite

By Beatriz Leite

This past Saturday afternoon, the Asian American community of Boston and Somerville gathered at the Somerville High School to learn how to destigmatize and understand the importance of caring for their mental health. This forum was a result of a partnership between Somerviva: Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Somerville Department of Health and Human Services, and the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC).

By Cassidy Beek

Somerville’s Anti-Violence Working Group held a webinar on Thursday, May 25, to discuss the work that it will be doing in collaboration with the Urban Peace Institute (UPI). Denise Molina Capers, the Director of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ), hosted the informational session alongside two representatives from UPI, Eric Lam, the Program Director, and Saul Garcia, the Technical Assistance Coordinator.

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The City of Somerville celebrates Memorial Day with a parade and a ceremony to honor our fallen heroes.

Arrests:*

Anthony Pantone, of Wilmington, May 25, 8:33 p.m., arrested at McGrath Hwy. on a charge of fugitive from justice.

Richard Payne, of Everett, May 27, 3:10 p.m., arrested at McGrath Hwy. on charges of shoplifting over $250 by concealing merchandise and threat to commit a crime.

City garners highest long-term debt rating from S&P Global Ratings

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is proud to announce that the City of Somerville has been awarded the highest long-term debt rating of “AAA” from S&P Global Ratings, a municipal bond credit rating agency, solidifying the city’s financial stability and creditworthiness. The upgraded rating, which benefits residents by lowering the city’s borrowing costs, reflects more than 20 years of prudent financial management, strong economic growth, and commitment to fiscal responsibility from both the current and previous mayoral administrations.