Free, Family-Friendly Events May 3–9 Highlight Local Sustainability Efforts

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne invites residents to celebrate SustainaVille Week 2025, a weeklong series of free events from May 3–9 showcasing Somerville’s climate progress and engaging the community in the next steps toward a carbon net-negative future.

“We are building a thriving, resilient, and sustainable Somerville,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “This SustainaVille Week, we celebrate how far we’ve come, and recommit to leading with bold, inclusive action rooted in justice, compassion, and equity.”

Climate Forward Dashboard Launched

This year’s celebration coincides with the release of a new public dashboard tracking real-time progress on all 77 actions in the City’s updated climate action plan, Climate Forward 2024. Already, the City has begun work on 60% of the plan’s actions in just one year.

Explore the dashboard: somervillema.gov/climatedashboard

Key Climate Policy Updates

In alignment with Climate Forward, the City is launching its first curbside food waste collection pilot, prioritizing neighborhoods with high rodent complaints. More details will be announced in the coming months.

The Administration has also proposed the first update in 25 years to the Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change (CEUCC). The ordinance, unanimously advanced by the City Council’s Open Space, Environment, and Energy Committee, would nearly double the Commission’s size and expand representation to include youth and Somerville Public Schools.

“When I imagine Somerville in 2050, I see a vibrant, healthy community. This updated Commission will help get us there,” said Mayor Ballantyne.

SustainaVille Week 2025 Events

All events are free and open to the public. Full event details: somervillema.gov/sustainavilleweek

LeGUp Consortium: HEET Kickstart Panel

Date/Time: Monday, April 28 | 1–2 PM

Where: Virtual Panel

About: Panel discussion of Somerville’s networked geothermal study. RSVP for stream link.

Climate Convening 2025

Date/Time: Saturday, May 3 | 4:30–6:30 PM (Rain date: May 4)

Where: Somerville Community Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave

About: Gathering of local climate and environmental justice advocates.

 Bilingual Learn to Bike Workshop

Date/Time:Monday, May 5 | 6–8 p.m.

Where: 24 Dane Street

About: Beginner-friendly bike skills + group ride. Bluebikes and pizza provided! Instruction in English and Spanish.

SustainaVille Sips: Home Electrification & Retrofits

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 7 | 6–8 p.m.

Where: West Branch Library, 40 College Ave

About: Peer-to-peer event with Somerville’s Net Zero Heroes + refreshments.

E-Mobility Expo

Date/Time: Friday, May 9 | 12–6 p.m.

Where: Davis Square, 44 Day Street Parking Lot

About: Try out e-bikes, EVs, and more. Learn how Somerville is electrifying transportation.

CEUCC Public Meeting

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 13 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Where: City Hall Annex & Hybrid

About: Public meeting on Somerville’s energy and climate planning.

The complete plan can be viewed on somervillema.gov/climateforward. For questions, please contact Naomi Gross, Community Engagement Specialist, ngross@somervillema.gov.