Pre-K, After School, and Winter Hill School. Cambridge residents used to (and in some cases still do) look longingly at Somerville for leading on universal Pre-K. I hear from residents that it’s still hard for some families to get into Pre-K near their homes, and that the After School program is still struggling to meet demand in some areas of the city.

Bike lanes. People love them, or they think they’re a problem. Our bike network master plan and Vision Zero are strong foundations. I support continuing to expand the network, but it’s clear we’re still in a learning phase. Overall, the city is doing a good job building a modern city where people can walk, run, wheel, or drive. But not all of the changes are perfect. We need to make sure we’re collecting data and feedback from residents so we can keep improving, and we need to design with accessibility in mind so that everyone, especially those who rely on mobility devices, can get to essential services safely.

Dangerous driving. Online, not everyone loves speed humps and cushions, but just about every person living on the street where they show up seems to appreciate them. I have kids and I walk around in Somerville. I see how hardened turns and other traffic calming have improved safety in our city, and I am all in on using data and resident feedback to continue expanding this program.

Rats! I want to see the results of the pilot using Evolve, the rat birth control, to reduce the rat population. Some studies have reported a 50–70% decrease in local rat populations. Of course, even if this program sticks, it alone won’t solve the problem. We need to finally launch the city-run compost pilot to cut off their food source, and increase the frequency of trash pickup in popular parks like Lincoln Park.

Empty storefronts. Permitting and licensing are overly complicated and slow in Somerville. We need a more permissive process, we need better oversight and data to find out where and why we’re failing would-be local businesses, and we need staff dedicated to helping people navigate the bureaucracy. We also need to exert more pressure on landlords who are content to land-bank properties.

Homelessness and safety. I’ve heard real concern about how we support people experiencing homelessness while also ensuring our public spaces feel safe and welcoming for everyone. What I know is this: homelessness is not solved by pushing people around or taking away what little they have. The evidence is clear that Housing First works. Stable housing paired with the right services keeps people off the streets and reduces emergency and policing costs. As a city, we need more permanent supportive housing and stronger partnerships with service providers already in Somerville. At the same time, residents deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods and parks. That means investing in outreach workers, mental health professionals, and unarmed crisis responders who can de-escalate situations and connect people to services.

Housing. Housing is at the root of nearly every issue in Somerville. Rents are up, costs are up, and too many of our neighbors are being priced out. I came here as a renter, and I’ve watched friends and colleagues forced to leave because they couldn’t keep up. I was lucky enough to eventually buy a home here, but I know how many people never get that chance. We need to build more affordable housing by upzoning responsibly around our transit hubs and offering incentives for developers to include affordable units. We also need to support the Somerville Community Land Trust and other non-market solutions that keep housing permanently affordable and in community hands. At the same time, we have to improve our ISD and protect tenants by cracking down on bad landlords and reducing displacement pressures. And because no single city can solve this crisis alone, we need to push for regional solutions. My goal is simple: Somerville should be a place where teachers, artists, nurses, baristas, and grandparents can afford to stay, and where new families can afford to start their lives. Our work is cut out for us, but there’s a lot we can do to improve the situation.