— Tufts University Photo

The public is invited to a community update on the status of negotiations between the city and Tufts University for a new Partnership Agreement between the city and the university. Hosted by Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the members of the Mayor’s Tufts Partnership Negotiating Committee, the update will be held on Tuesday, April 16, at 7:00 p.m. in the TAB Building at 167 Holland St.  In addition to Tufts’ Payments in Lieu of Taxes (“PILOT payments”), the Partnership Agreement covers issues related to student housing, partnerships with the Somerville schools, the university’s planning process, and other topics.

In the spring of 2018, the City of Somerville engaged in a public process to gather input about what matters to the community about having Tufts located in Somerville, and what they would like to see in the next Partnership Agreement. More information about that process and the Resident Feedback Report can be found at somervillema.gov/TuftsPilot.  Guided by the results of that public process, the Mayor and the Negotiating Committee have engaged with Tufts to work toward a new agreement. Although negotiations are ongoing, and specific proposals are still confidential, the Mayor and the Committee will meet with the community to provide general updates about the process and the priorities driving the city’s advocacy. The previous Partnership Agreement expired June 30, 2018.

Members of the Negotiating Committee:

Joseph Curtatone, Mayor of Somerville
Katjana Ballantyne, President of the Somerville City Council
Andre Green, Somerville School Committee
Mary Skipper, Superintendent of Somerville Public Schools
Edward Beuchert, Representative of the Board of Directors of the West Somerville Neighborhood Association
Ben Echevarria, Executive Director of The Welcome Project
Joyce Shortt, Tufts neighbor and community advocate

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact Nency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov. 

Interpretation into Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Kreyol is available upon request (at least 5 business days advance notice please) by contacting the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs at somerviva@somervillema.gov or by calling 311 (617-666-3311 from a cell phone).