First-of-its-kind report focuses on actionable, measurable goals around strategies for coordinating education and training services, positioning Somerville as a national leader in employee engagement practices, preparing the city for future employment and economic scenarios, and more

The City of Somerville recently released a first-of-its-kind local workforce development strategic plan, the Talent Equity Playbook. The report highlights Somerville’s current and future jobs environment and labor market, workforce development resources, community priorities, actionable workforce development strategies, and ways to measure progress.

Prospect Hill Academy’s Class of 2018

On Saturday, June 2, Prospect Hill Academy Charter School (PHA) celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2018 during commencement ceremonies held at MIT’s Kresge Auditorium in Cambridge. 100% of the students who graduated in June 2018 are enrolled in a four-year college.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

The East Somerville Community School Talent Show took place on June 20.

The Somerville Fire Department is reminding residents that the use of charcoal, wood or propane grills is not allowed on porches, balconies, fire escapes or roofs. Propane tanks are not allowed to be stored in or on any residential building at any time. Grills should be kept clean to prevent grease fires. Grilling should be done on ground level, ten feet away from any combustible walls or structures. Grills should not be used under any overhangs. Never leave a grill burning unattended. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas are prohibited in the City of Somerville.

By Jim Clark

Police officers were dispatched to the Home Depot on Mystic Ave. last week on reports of a known shoplifter in the store, known to them as Jillian Bourque, Saugus.

Report identifies Somerville’s fair housing-related goals and further illustrates the city’s critical need for greater housing affordability.

The City of Somerville recently received formal notification from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that the city’s Assessment of Fair Housing Report has been accepted without conditions. The 166-page report, prepared by the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Housing Division and submitted in October of 2017, identifies fair housing-related goals in six specific focus areas: segregation and integration; disparities in access to opportunities; disproportionate housing needs; publicly supported housing; disability and access issues; and fair housing enforcement, outreach capacity, and resources.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

5th grade students at East Somerville Community School were recently challenged to engineer solutions to problems the main character faced in the novel A Long Walk to Water.

Commission tasked with issuing various types of licenses, determining licensing fees and hours of operation for licensed establishments, reviewing complaints of licensed establishments, and more 

The City of Somerville’s Licensing Commission is currently seeking a Somerville resident to fill a vacancy on the three-member board. Commissioners serve three-year terms and earn a stipend of $3,600 per year.