Housing, Community Development and Equity Committee

The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Chair Kristen Strezo. The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format at City Hall and via remote participation.

• Attendees:
  • Councilor Kristen Strezo (Chair)
  • Councilor Jon Link
  • Councilor Naima Sait (Arrived at 6:05 p.m.)
• Staff Present:
  • Lindsay Allen, Executive Director of Somerville Main Streets
  • Rachel McCormick, Director of Economic Development
  • Dana Westwood, Deputy Director of Economic Development
  • Adriana Fernandez, Senior Planner for Women and Minority-Owned Businesses
  • Karen Carroll, Director of Health and Human Services
  • Justin Moose, Legislative Liaison

The committee voted on the approval of minutes from two previous committee iterations:

1. Minutes of the Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families, and Vulnerable Populations Committee (May 27, 2025)
   • Vote: Approved 2-0 (Councilors Link and Strezo in favor).
2. Minutes of the Housing and Community Development Committee (November 18, 2025)
   • Vote: Approved 2-0 (Councilors Link and Strezo in favor).

This resolution, sponsored by Councilor McLaughlin, calls for the administration to collaborate with East Somerville Main Streets to promote the 'Out in East' initiative.

• Public Comment/Stakeholder Input: Lindsay Allen (Somerville Main Streets) reported a troubling trend: "Since July, [we] have had five immigrant-owned businesses close. For context, during the first three years of COVID, we had three businesses close." She noted that 60% of businesses reported declining revenue and are seeing "COVID-like revenue" without the corresponding federal or state relief funding.
• Administrative Response: Rachel McCormick (Economic Development) detailed the 'Loyal to Local' campaign, which utilizes social media (specifically Reddit due to Instagram technical issues), yard signs, and sandwich boards.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • Adriana Fernandez noted that some immigrant business owners are hesitant to be specifically highlighted due to concerns regarding intensified ICE presence.
  • Deputy Director Dana Westwood emphasized using positive language like "support" and "enliven" rather than framing businesses as "needy."
• Outcome: The item was kept in committee for future dialogue.

The committee discussed the findings of the U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents.

• HHS Presentation: Director Karen Carroll highlighted that 48% of parents report overwhelming daily stress compared to 26% of non-parents.
• City Initiatives:
  • HOPE Framework: A positive approach to building protective factors in youth and families.
  • Summer Baby Universal Home Program: Provides outreach and support to all residents with new infants.
  • Public Health Vending Machines: The city has installed two machines providing free diapers, wipes, period products, and emergency contraception.
• Committee Discussion: Councilor Strezo emphasized the "epidemic of loneliness" and the specific risks of perinatal depression and anxiety in both mothers and fathers. Councilor Sait highlighted the intersection of mental health with economic stability, such as rent stabilization and fair union contracts.
• Outcome: The item was kept in committee.

This order requests a report from the Director of Housing on the number of new housing units approved annually since the adoption of Summer Vision 2040, including permanent affordability metrics.

• Administrative Update: Justin Moose informed the committee that the administration requires more time to prepare the data.
• Outcome: The item was kept in committee.

The meeting was adjourned following a roll call vote.

• Vote: Approved 2-0 (Councilors Sait and Link in favor).
• Adjournment Time: Approximately 7:15 p.m.