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Late Winter 2024 NEWSLETTER
 Late Winter Newsletter 2024 My Dear Friend, I wanted to update you on what I’ve been working on these past months. Know I’m working hard every day to make sure you’re living your best life here in Somerville. So many good things happening. And, also! I wish to invite you to some upcoming in-person Office Hours I’ll be having. See below for dates and times. Hope you can join me. Know I’m here at your side, always. My Best, Councilor Kristen Strezo  OFFICE HOURSJoin me for Office Hours at City Hall on Friday, March 22nd from 11:15 am-12:30pm (Somerville City Hall, 2nd floor, Committee Room) and Tuesday April 23rd from 8:15am to 9:30am at True Grounds Cafe in Ball Square (717 Broadway). If you can’t make it that day and time, know I’m always happy to set up a time to meet in-person or talk over the phone or zoom. Reach out to me, if so. THE WORKQuick refresher: I chair the Housing and Community Development Committee and the Equity and Vulnerable Populations Committee, although I serve on numerous Committees in City Council. This winter in Housing and Community Development (HCD), we discussed the current plans–and the process–for the Arts and the Armory building and the Warming Center. We received an update on vulnerable resident housing needs from Director Shachter of the Office of Housing Stability. This month, we’ll talk about universal playground design and we will begin to discuss the cost of water bills–and how the city can help deflect the rising costs. I also represent the City Council on the Small Business Anti-Displacement Task Force. We’ll soon be uniting the work in the HCD committee, discussing the task force’s findings and recommendations in the Spring, including proactive measures to address repeat offender vacant store fronts, and relay how damaging a Snow Emergency can sometimes be to our small businesses. SUPPORTING FAMILIES Keeping up the work to support parents, children and families, I am the City Council Liaison on the Children’s Cabinet, an internal monthly committee meeting that unites all city departments that serve children and families. The committee, in partnership with Harvard University’s By All Means initiative aims to better the lives of Somerville families. In these meetings, we discuss and plan how to best serve our youngest constituents- and all parents and guardians who love them. I like to bring back to the Children’s Cabinet what I’m hearing from you (as anonymous feedback from the community) and I’m always happy to relay what you’re experiencing in the hope it will help. Let me know if you ever wish to talk further on this. Over the past months, we’ve been discussing summer needs for children, capacity, and how departments are trying to get ahead of hiring staff to ensure programing. There are also steps being taken to expand summer programs for Special Needs children. A SPACE FOR EVERYONEOver the winter, I proposed a budget request to allocate money to establish a small area for a children’s bookshelf within City Council Chambers. I’m super excited about it! I envision that this designated area hold children’s books, maybe crayons or small toys. But more than anything, this area is validation that children, families, guardians, caregivers are supported here in Somerville, too; that City Hall is a space for all. We need to convey that message that parents guardians are welcome, heard and planned for. REAL MOMENT…We’re living through some strenuous times right now and I want you to feel safe and supported here in Somerville. I believe in the strength of our community and that love truly conquers all. With that, know that hate has no place here. I have spent countless hours–and years—ensuring that this credo stands. But, discord, unfortunately, hums in the background. We’ve seen an indisputable rise in hate crimes throughout our state. Antisemitism, Islamophobia and hate-based acts of violence have increased. I am tracking this within our city. I will continue to do so. If you feel that you have experienced something like this, know you can report incidents within Somerville here. If you do report something, please (strongly consider and/or DO) reach out to me via email, call or text (call or text preferred). I want to be the best support I can to you. Know you are not alone. Know you can reach out to me. WITH SPRING FLOWERS COMES BUDGET SEASON Budget Season is fast approaching and soon the Mayor’s Office will unveil their FY25 Budget proposal. See my submitted FY25 Budget Requests here. There is still time to submit Resolutions in support of Budget ideas. Happy to talk with you if you have suggestions. YES! We do this together. And, I need your support to continue on the work: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/re-elect-strezo Let’s keep in touch. Find me on Instagram, Facebook and Threads. Or…in our beloved community. www.kristenstrezo.com FOLLOW ALONG TWITTER THREADS FACEBOOK Brought to you by the Committee to Elect KRISTEN STREZO Email me: strezoatlarge@gmail.com and call/text me at 617-209-9915 |
Somerville City Councilor-at-Large 