We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape our neighborhood’s future. The Union Square Neighborhood Council (USNC) has negotiated a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with Somernova’s developer — and it includes:

• $50,000/year for 10 years to SCLT = $500,000 total

• Up to 50% of new housing units could be affordable

• 30% family-sized (2–3 bedroom) homes

This agreement offers SCLT long-term stability to fight displacement and expand community-owned housing. A 66% majority vote is needed to approve this CBA.

✅ Who can vote? Residents, property owners, business owners, employees, or regular volunteers within or within 1,000 feet of the USNC catchment area. Click here for a map.

What Else in the CBA?

• 🎨 100,000 sq. ft. of affordable creative space

• 💼 Good union jobs & job training programs

• 🌱 Green infrastructure & open space investment

• 🏛️ 20,000 sq. ft. of community space

• 🛍️ Support for BIPOC-, LGBTQIA+-, and women-owned businesses

  Click here for a full summary of all benefits negotiated in this CBA

Carnaval is East Somerville's annual festival on Broadway as a part of the Somerville Arts Council SomerStreets series. There is live music, performance art, food, and activities for all ages.

Keep the good May vibes going at JoyFest!

Enjoy local music, crafts, meet new neighbors and check out some new CLT swag! Click here to learn more about JoyFest.

Learn about and discuss the Community Benefits Agreement negotiated between Union Sq. Neighborhood Council and Rafi Properties regarding Somernova.

If this CBA is approved with a 66% majority vote, Somerville CLT will received $500,000 over the next 10 years.

The vote is schedule for June 4 and learn more here.

Join Somerville CLT and the Greater Boston CLT Network for a hybrid event to learn about housing policies that impact our communities, the Mass. policymaking cycle, and critical CLT legislative priorities. Click here to register. Meeting address shared in registration confirmation email.

There will be food for those attending in person. Please email a.bueno@somervillecommunitylandtrust.org if you will attend in person.

This meeting is strategically scheduled ahead of CLT Lobby Day, scheduled for June 12, 2025 at the Mass. State House when CLTs statewide will convene and engage state senators and representatives and advocate for our legislative priorities. More details to come!

Join Community Action Agency of Somerville and Somerville CLT this PorchFest and rock with Beft, meet neighbors and talk affordable housing!

Beft is a local band creating awesome tunes and whose members are advocates for neighborhood stability!

Click here to RSVP and reserve a seat at our “End of Year Celebration!” This is an event for the SCLT community to:

• Socialize over food and drinks;

• Celebrate 2024 accomplishments; 

• Vote for 4 new board members (Somerville residents may vote or run for the Board of Directors); And

• Enter a raffle to win gift certificates from local businesses, proceeds will support the SCLT! 

Join this zoom meeting to help plan our upcoming events and get involved with SCLT activities.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2492519271

Zoom Meeting ID: 249 251 9271

Join monthly Events Committee meetings over Zoom.

The Events Committee is responsible for supporting SCLT and the execution of SCLT events. It’s mission is to:

• Spread community awareness regarding SCLT’s mission, work and it’s community-based development model 

• Increase participation and diversity in SCLT’s activities, membership and leadership by organizing events and organizing community outreach and education campaigns 

• Establish a ready-to-activate base of volunteers to support SCLT activities and interests

• Build solidarity and further relationships with local and regional partner agencies

Join the Narrative and Communications monthly meeting over Zoom.

The Narrative & Communications committee is responsible for developing the narrative strategy of the organization, providing guidance and feedback on the following areas:

• Narrative Strategy & Storytelling

• Media Strategy

• Branding & Design

• Creative Projects

In place of our regular Volunteer Meetings, the Wednesday, July 10 meeting will be a CLT 101 learning session on Zoom from 7-8pm. Please join at our usual volunteer meeting link, and spread the word to anyone interested in learning the basics of Community Land Trusts!

Come to our upcoming weeknight Volunteer Meeting on Wednesday, June 26 on Zoom from 7-8pm to catch up and collaborate on SCLT volunteer efforts.

Come to our upcoming weeknight Volunteer Meeting on Wednesday, June 12 on Zoom from 7-8pm to catch up and collaborate on SCLT volunteer efforts.

We are trying out a new meeting time! Come to our upcoming weeknight Volunteer Meeting on Wednesday, May 15 on Zoom from 7-8pm to catch up and collaborate on SCLT volunteer efforts.

Stop by, enjoy tunes and meet SCLT volunteers during Porchfest at 9 Park Place, Somerville from 4-6PM!

View the event page here.

We are trying out a new meeting time! Come to our upcoming weeknight Volunteer Meeting on Wednesday, May 1 on Zoom from 7-8pm to catch up and collaborate on SCLT volunteer efforts.

We are trying out a new meeting time! Come to our upcoming weeknight Volunteer Meeting on Wednesday, April 17 on Zoom from 7-8pm to catch up and collaborate on SCLT volunteer efforts.

We are trying out a new meeting time! Come to our upcoming weeknight Volunteer Meeting on Wednesday, April 3 on Zoom from 7-8pm to catch up and collaborate on SCLT volunteer efforts.

We are trying out a new meeting time! Come to our upcoming weeknight Volunteer Meeting on Wednesday, March 20 on Zoom from 7-8pm to catch up and collaborate on SCLT volunteer efforts.