Resource Library
Our strategy and approach to community development is informed by a wide variety of sources including research studies, people in our neighborhoods, movements in other cities, and local organizations and partners. Below, we've included some of the written studies and reports that inspire our work. The list is by no means complete, as movements and strategies are constantly growing and changing and more is always being written. We encourage you to explore these materials and to contact people and organizations with questions.
Studies commissioned or conducted by SCC
Somerville Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Strategy
This report was prepared for SCC by Reconnecting America, the Center for Transit-Oriented Development. The report analyzes and offers strategy ideas to address the major impact the new Green Line Corridor and Assembly Square T-stop will have on land uses and development.
East Somerville Initiative Report: Preventing Displacement
The East Somerville Initiative was a two-year, community-based planning process that provides a concrete example of how to involve residents in discussing and planning for the future of their community. Over 350 people were involved in developing and implementing an Action Plan to "proactively improve conditions in East Somerville while taking strong steps to minimize the displacement of the diverse population of people who live here."
Report on Summary of Results of the Community Workshop on the Green Line Extension Through Somerville and Medford
Research by SCC interns and fellows
Strategies to Develop and Preserve Affordable Housing along the Green Line. Cali Kay Gorewitz, Masters in Urban Planning, MIT, 2008.
Community Food Security in East Somerville: Small Businesses and Local Food. Written by Students of Tufts University, Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning, 2007.
topInspirations by peers in the field
Building the Line to Equity - 6 Steps for Achieving Equitable Transit-Oriented Development in MA (PolicyLink)
Community Controlled Housing for Massachusetts (PolicyLink)
Mass Legal Help: Tenants Rights, ALRI
Geography of Opportunity: Building Opportunity in MA(Kirwan Institute)
Foreclosed: State of the Dream 2008 (United for a Fair Economy)
Power Journal (Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations).
topOrganizations
- The Access Project
- Action for Regional Equity
- Alternatives for Community and the Environment
- City Life Vida Urbana
- Community Labor United
- Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition
- Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
- MIDAS
- PolicyLink
- Reconnecting America: Center for Transit Oriented Development
- Right To the City
- Transform
- United for a Fair Economy
Other Resources
Small businesses were on the edges of their seats May 12th, listening to real estate attorney Matthew Lynch answer questions about how to get or renegotiate a lease that gives the most power and ability to stay here in Somerville. Read the tips in this document. Matthew Lynch is a partner with Nixon Peabody and gave the workshop through his participation in the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights. The workshop was co-sponsored by Somerville Local First.