The new year might mean a new start but in Somerville many of the same challenges and problems will remain.

The East Somerville Community School must still be rebuilt, Assembly Square development and the Green Line extension still need to be pushed by our elected officials and after two high profile violent incidents this year, public safety is still a concern.

However, the approaches to persistent education, economic and safety issues in Somerville should continue to evolve and grow as time goes on, especially if stubborn challenges remain.

Mayor Joe Curtatone’s trips abroad to study and share “best practices” in Italy and Morocco are one way to foster innovation in the city’s leadership. However, solutions can also be found within the community: Teen Empowerment’s effort to build connections between youth and police is one example of how we can move toward solutions. 

In the galaxy of problem-solvers, some innovations can be found a half a world away, others can be found on Lower Broadway.