Initiative funded by Baker-Polito Administration regional pilot project

The Cambridge and Somerville Chambers of Commerce announced the appointment of  interns who are participating the “Cambridge-Somerville COVID Resilience and Recovery Urban Partnership.” This partnership is a pilot program that emphasizes economic empowerment and revitalization among disadvantaged populations in the two communities.

Partnership interns include:

• Mary Fan, a graduate student from New York City who attends Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health and is seeking a Master’s Degree of Public Health
• Claire Furse, an undergraduate student from Houston who attends Tufts University as a member of the Class of 2022 with a Concentration in Political Science
• Nattalie Gualdron, an undergraduate student from Boston who attends Tufts University as a member of the Class of 2024 with a Concentration in Community Health

The Urban Partnership program, which was made possible by a $160,000 grant award from the Baker-Polito administration, features distinct elements led by the successful “Dining Passport program that directly supports restaurant workers in Cambridge and Somerville who endured severe economic harm due as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative seeks to highlight economic development opportunities and needs for disadvantaged populations in both cities while facilitating public discourse about the post-pandemic workplace within the healthcare, life sciences and technology sectors.

The Partnership’s interns will prepare and deliver an academic research report to the Massachusetts Office of Business Development analyzing and identifying best practices for possible future adoption by other regions across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

Together, the Cambridge and Somerville chambers are working in partnership to promote disadvantaged businesses and elevate public awareness about the ongoing urban economic rebound within each city’s respective commercial districts. The program expects to benefit hundreds of small, independently-owned establishments in respective communities that have endured deep economic pain. The Cambridge-Somerville Urban Partnership was one of 37 projects awarded Regional Pilot Partnerships for Recovery grants by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development. The statewide program supports recovery solutions based on specific economic needs of individual regions and uniquely local concerns.

About Partnerships For Recovery
“Partnerships for Recovery: Get Massachusetts Back to Work, Support Small Businesses, Revitalize Downtowns, and Foster Innovation” is a $5 million grant program administered by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development. Established to support recovery solutions, the competitive grant program awarded funds to cities and towns, public entities, and non-profit organizations that demonstrated a collaborative approach to support recovery from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health crisis.  Grant award totals varied based on each applicant’s request, with awards limited to a maximum of $250,000. The Regional Pilot Project Grant Program was funded through the Commonwealth’s fiscal year 2021 operating budget.

About Cambridge Chamber of Commerce
Representing a diverse membership of over 750 businesses from a variety of business sectors, the Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting and connecting businesses to create a thriving economic community in the city. Chamber services include events and programs that educate, engage and empower members while helping all to build and leverage member-to-member relationships that benefit their businesses. Formed in 1939, the Chamber also assists members with business growth and development; professional development; and advocacy at the city, state and national level on issues that affect Cambridge businesses.

About Somerville Chamber of Commerce
The pre-eminent voice of the local business community and leading local network of employers, business owners and managers, the Somerville Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advancing development, transportation and innovation in the community. Founded in 1946, the Chamber represents more than 300 member companies and organizations.