Affordable Homes

• Bring down rental costs by expanding the number of rental units and prioritizing the building of new affordable apartments

• Make getting permits faster and easier, make more housing modifications by right rather than requiring an extensive zoning appeal, allow building ADUs

• Increase the residential property tax exemption for homeowners and make it easier to residents to stay in their homes rather than be displaced by commercial entities buying up older houses

• Make first-time home ownership easier by allowing building triple deckers in more of the city, increasing deed-restricted opportunities to purchase, and lowering residential taxes

• Fund the Community Land Trust, Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and direct rental assistance to Somervillians

Efficient and Accessible Transportation

• Repair and level our sidewalks for essential safety and accessibility

• Create a city-run van rideshare program to help connect the gaps between our public transit

• Ensure adequate pick-up/drop-off and short-term parking is available in our Squares, especially on Medford St, Broadway, and Highland

• Continue to develop the city bicycle network plan and find the best solutions to sharing our roads

• Help elevate the voices of residents on what transportation needs they have and how the city needs to work to accommodate all residents—transportation is one of the most personal and specialized subjects

Vibrant Neighborhoods

• Promote events and opportunities for residents to get involved locally and meet new friends and neighbors

• Support our local small businesses in Magoun and Ball Squares by helping them stay in their locations, making it easier to get permits, and conduct outdoor dining, and promoting the square as a destination

• Support green space by planting more trees, flowers, and native plants

• Help our arts community by preserving the Armory for artistic use and by creating a new Mass Cultural Council district in Somerville

• Create safe accessible neighborhoods that have essential services, restaurants, and attractions within a 15-minute walk