Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the city’s Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) today invite Somerville residents and workers to apply to fill three open community seats on the Public Safety for All Task Force. Task force members will review feedback from thousands of community members, as well as expert testimonials and independent data to craft public safety policy recommendations for the City of Somerville. Applications are available starting Monday, January 30, at 8:00 a.m. and must be received by Friday, February 24, at 7:00 p.m.

Along with these three community seats, the 13-member task force will consist of community advocates, subject matter experts, and city officials. All community member applicants must live or work in Somerville and must be at least 17 years of age.

Public Safety for All Task Force members will be compensated for their time. Members will be expected to attend meetings up to five hours per week over a period of no longer than eight months. The meetings will be hosted both virtually and in person with a hybrid option. Task Force members should also be prepared to attend potential additional meetings for subcommittees and independent work. The city will provide access and/or training for any community members who are interested in participating but are concerned that virtual meetings may create an access barrier.

In addition to drafting emergency response recommendations, Task Force members will also evaluate other public safety concerns in Somerville and recommend policies that help combat systemic racism and institutional barriers as they relate to public safety.

How to Apply: Deadline Friday, February 24

The Public Safety for All Task Force application will be available online starting Monday, January 30, at 8:30 a.m. on the city website at somervillema.gov, the RSJ website at somervillema.gov/RSJ, and will be shared via City and RSJ social media feeds. Community members can also pick up printed applications at the Somerville City Hall front desk or by calling the RSJ Department at 781-808-8344.

Applications are due by 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24. Applicants can fill out the online form, email their responses to rsj@somervillema.gov, or hand-deliver or mail them to Somerville City Hall, Attn: RSJ Department, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143. 

As part of RSJ’s ongoing initiatives, community members are encouraged to take the Public Safety for All Survey – a core component of the community feedback that the Public Safety for All Task Force will review and consider when making policy recommendations to the city.

RSJ is reachable for questions or more information at rsj@somervillema.gov.