(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

To the Editor:

Over the last few months, I’ve been serving as a strategy leader for the LOCUS process that is advising the city of Somerville on a public benefits strategy related to Union Square’s redevelopment. It has given me much insight into the goals of this diverse and civically minded community; specifically, the goal of ensuring that a range of housing options are made available at multiple levels of affordability.

I work for the Urban Land Institute.  Last fall, together with the MassINC Polling Group, ULI conducted a study about the housing and transportation preferences for young professionals ages 20-37 living in the greater Boston area. The study found that the top three factors that this population looks for in a neighborhood relate to the ease of commute, access to mass transit, and walkability.

When it comes to living arrangements, young professionals prefer to live in transit-oriented developments. That is especially true in Somerville. Most of these professionals currently rent, but a near majority want to own in the next five to ten years. They aren’t particular about what they own; they just want the stability of ownership.  This goal is increasingly unattainable because like many, they are being priced out of the market. According to the study, nearly half don’t see themselves ever moving to the suburbs, preferring to remain in urban areas. This has profound implications for Somerville and Union Square.

This demographic makes up a large part of the 21st century workforce. The innovation economy is dependent on this workforce, and access to this talent will be crucial to attracting the new businesses that many talk about bringing to Union Square.

Union Square has an opportunity to respond in a way that would retain the young professionals who have found community here. Putting down roots requires the security of ownership.  This will only be possible if the city of Somerville commits to creating a diverse housing mix that meets the needs of a diverse population.

— Ileana Tauscher