By Joseph A. Curtatone

(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)

A monthly look at ways to get involved with your city

As August becomes September and summer becomes fall, that means more than just changing leaves here in Somerville. We’re on the brink of a new school year, Board of Aldermen meetings resuming, a quickly approaching Election Day, and a slew of new ways to get involved with your city.

Clean Elections Task Force

While Somerville’s voter turnout tends to be higher than the national average, it’s important that we take a broader approach to expanding democratic opportunities for our city’s residents. Are you interested in exploring ways to increase participatory democracy in Somerville through public financing, early voting expansion, and more? Apply to join the new Clean Elections Task Force by August 22. For more information on the task force, responsibilities of members, and application information, visit www.somervillema.gov/news/mayor-curtatone-launches-clean-open-elections-task-force.

Important Election Deadlines

Because this is a local election year, there won’t be early voting in the Commonwealth. However, there are still a number of important election dates to mark on your calendar.

Wednesday, 8/30: Last day to register or change address for the 9/19 Preliminary Election. Register by 8 p.m.

Tuesday, 9/19: Preliminary Election

Wednesday, 10/18: Last day to register or change address for the 11/7 City Election. Register by 8 p.m.

Tuesday, 11/7: City Election

For information on registering to vote, visit www.somervillema.gov/departments/elections/register-to-vote.

Community Preservation Act (CPA)

There’s a lot happening with the CPA right now, and we want to hear from you. Whether you are familiar with the CPA or not, share your preferences as they relate to CPA by taking a brief survey, which is available at www.somervillema.gov/CPAsurvey. Then help us choose the next general public member of the Community Preservation Committee by reviewing applicants’ qualifications at www.somervillema.gov/CPA and sending feedback to City CPA Manager Kristen Stelljes at kstelljes@somervillema.gov by Tuesday, August 29.

Somerville Climate Forward Meetings, 8/16 and 8/21

Somerville Climate Forward kicked off in June, launching the City’s comprehensive climate change and resiliency planning process. Join staff from the City’s Office of Sustainability and the Environment as they discuss the findings of Somerville’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report, Carbon Neutrality Pathways Assessment, and Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and talk more about the Somerville Climate Forward effort. Additionally, help shape the climate change plan by taking the Somerville Climate Forward survey, which can be found at www.somervillema.gov/sustainaville.

When/where: Wednesday, August 16, and Monday, August 21, at 6 p.m. at the Somerville Central Library Auditorium, 79 Highland Ave.

Zoning Open House, 8/17, 8/22, and 8/31

Are you interested in learning more about the proposed zoning overhaul? Drop by any of our open houses to speak with City planning and zoning staff, ask questions, or provide feedback. For useful introductory information, check out the infographics tab at www.somervillezoning.com.

When/where: The next open house is Thursday, August 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Visiting Nurses Association, 259 Lowell St. Please note that locations vary for the subsequent dates. Complete schedule information can be found on the City calendar at www.somervillema.gov/events  or at www.somervillezoning.com.

Somerville High School Building Committee Meeting, 8/21 and 8/23

With site preparations already underway at the City Hall concourse, join the High School Building Committee for their public meetings to learn more about what’s to come for this project. For detailed plans and project timeline information, visit www.somervillema.gov/highschool.

When/where: Monday, August 21, and Wednesday, August 23, at 5:30 p.m. at Somerville High School, 81 Highland Ave.

Board of Aldermen Meeting, 8/24 and more

After a brief summer break, the Board of Aldermen will be back in action on August 24. As a reminder, the Board’s meeting schedule, agendas, and minutes can be found at www.somervillecityma.iqm2.com/Citizens/calendar.aspx.

When/where: Thursday, August 24, at 7 p.m. at Somerville City Hall Aldermanic Chambers, 93 Highland Ave.

Somerville Bicycle Committee Social Talk, 9/6

In addition to their monthly meetings, the Somerville Bicycle Committee also hosts monthly social talks. Join the committee and Mayor Joseph Curtatone at the September social talk for an important announcement about the City’s mobility plans. More information on the bicycle committees efforts and upcoming meetings and events can be found at www.somervillebikes.org.

When/where: Wednesday, September 6, at 6:30 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewery, 14 Tyler St.

The events and meetings listed above represent just a snapshot of ways to get involved with your City. There are several upcoming public meetings of boards, commissions, and committees. More information on these meetings, minutes, and agendas – along with numerous other City events – can be found on the City calendar at www.somervillema.gov.  The weekly City Newsletter also provides access to important City news updates as well as information and reminders about upcoming meetings and events. To subscribe, visit www.somervillema.gov/newsletter.