The City of Somerville Job Creation and Retention Trust (JCRT) is now accepting applications for one local business representative to join the committee as a new member. 

The JCRT assists the City of Somerville in the creation and maintenance of employment opportunities within and near Somerville for local residents. 

The time commitment for JCRT committee members is typically two-three hours per month, including a monthly evening meeting. 

Other potential time commitments include possible subcommittee meetings, and reviewing meeting materials. Members serve three-year terms in a volunteer capacity. All members are appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council. All Trustees must comply with and sign the City of Somerville’s Code of Conduct for Board, Commission, and Committee Members.

Applications are due Monday, February 26 by 12:00 p.m. Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and brief answers to the following questions by email to wblackmer@somervillema.gov or by mail to William Blackmer, City of Somerville, OSPCD, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA. 02143. 

Questions for Somerville Job Creation and Retention Trust Committee Applicants

1. What is your connection to a Somerville business? What is your experience with hiring locally? Detail your/your organization’s experience hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds (including individuals without post-secondary education, individuals who speak English as a second or other language, individuals from low-income backgrounds, individuals from underrepresented racial and gender backgrounds, etc. 

2. What has been your interaction with the workforce development system, agencies, or nonprofits as a job seeker, employer, professional, or other stakeholder?

3. Have you served on a nonprofit board or governmental advisory committee in the past or currently? If so, what is one lesson you would take from that experience to the Job Creation and Retention Trust Board of Trustees?

4. What do you believe is the biggest threat facing the regional labor market in the next 10 years?

5. What do you believe is the most urgent issue facing job seekers or employers today that the Job Creation and Retention Trust could address?

Please contact William at the email above or 617-625-6600 ext. 2547 with any questions or for more information.