Committee of Housing, Community Development and Equity Meeting - January 28, 2026

The Committee of Housing, Community Development and Equity convened on January 28, 2026, with Councilors Strezzo, Link, and Shrezo (later Saeed joining) in quorum. The meeting opened with the unanimous approval of the minutes from prior equity, seniors, and funding committee meetings. The primary focus shifted to two major discussion items: an order regarding economic support for immigrant-owned businesses in East Somerville and an order discussing a U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on parental mental health, featuring testimony from key city officials and community leaders.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the Committee on Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations (May 27, 2025): Approved unanimously by Councilors Link and Shrezo.
• Minutes of the Housing and Community Development Committee (November 18, 2025): Approved unanimously by Councilors Link and Shrezo.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brunzy Allen, Executive Director, East Summerville Main Streets: Stated that the past six months have been "very hard" for the neighborhood. Expressed deep concern over an alarming trend where five immigrant-owned businesses have closed since July 2025 (compared to three closures during the first three years of COVID). Reported that 60% of businesses surveyed in December saw declined revenue in the past 12 months, noting that some are experiencing revenue levels comparable to the COVID era but without the accompanying federal, state, or city funding. Highlighted that restaurant, barber, and specialty store owners are struggling and at risk of displacement.
• Richard McCurney, Director of Economic Development: Expressed a position that the city is striving to utilize the "Loyal to Local" campaign to revitalize narratives but noted a limitation in the Communications Office's mandate to run siloed campaigns focused on single wards. Stated that while they have pivoted campaigns to Reddit to mitigate technical issues with Instagram, they cannot specifically target Ward One or immigrant businesses without broadening the messaging to the whole city. Expressed a position of caution, noting that the city fears backlash if they highlight specific groups in a way that might be interpreted as discriminatory, especially during a tense political climate.
• Councilor Strezzo: Expressed a position that the "Loyal to Local" campaign's citywide approach, including yard signs and sandwich boards, is effective. Noted the importance of the dialogue and the need to support businesses without positioning them as helpless. Expressed a position that promoting specific immigrant-owned businesses might be perceived as negative by the community due to safety concerns and the current political atmosphere.
• Councilor Said (Ward Five): Expressed full support for the initiative, noting that Ward Five also faces significant difficulties with immigrant-owned businesses. Stated a position of personal commitment to encourage constituents to order from Ward One immigrant-owned businesses and attend Wednesday events to support them.
• Deputy Director (Economic Development): Expressed a position that municipalities must be mindful in their messaging to avoid positioning local districts or businesses as "worse off" or less capable. Stated that businesses appreciate support but prefer language that emphasizes enjoyment and living rather than a deficit-based "help" narrative.
• Director Karen Carroll (Health and Human Services): Expressed a position that families are facing disproportionate stress due to social determinants including poverty, racism, and domestic violence. Stated that while HHS is implementing the "Hope Framework" to build youth strengths rather than just addressing risks, there are significant gaps in funding and resources. Expressed concern that many programs relying on ARPA or SAMHSA funding face sustainability threats if those funds are revoked. Noted that while the city has invested in free vending machines for diapers and period products, there are no remaining grants for direct business support.
• Councilor Link: Expressed concern regarding the potential loss of federal grants (SAMHSA) and asked if contingency plans exist to keep safety net programs like Head Start operational. Expressed a position that childcare in the region is the most expensive in the US, making these programs essential.
• Councilor Saeed: Expressed frustration regarding the skepticism and racial bias present in the community toward social workers, noting that residents of color often feel unsafe discussing mental health struggles due to fears of child removal. Stated a position that the city must address structural issues like rent stabilization and support union contracts to financially assist families, as this addresses the root causes of parenting stress.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 260058 (Collaboration to promote immigrant home businesses in East Somerville): The committee discussed the severe economic distress in East Somerville. While the Director of Economic Development explained that the "Loyal to Local" campaign has been expanded to the whole city to avoid political backlash, Councilor Strezzo noted the risk of highlighting specific wards. The committee debated the inability of the city to fund direct business grants, with the Director stating that CD (Community Development Block Grant) funds are difficult to implement on a business-specific basis and that most previous support was COVID-specific. The item was adjourned to allow for further dialogue and the exploration of cross-municipal grant strategies (e.g., comparing with Cambridge).
• Order 2600083 (U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on Parental Mental Health): Director Carroll presented findings from the 2024 Surgeon General advisory, highlighting that 48% of parents report overwhelming stress daily. Discussion focused on the city's current response, including the "Hope Framework," free vending machines for basic needs, and the Summer Promise program. Councilor Strezzo emphasized the impact of paternal mental health (8-14% perinatal depression in men) and the epidemic of loneliness. The committee agreed to keep this item in committee to await a formal report from HHS and to discuss sustainable funding options as federal grants potentially expire.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 260058: The item was moved to the Committee of the Whole for future discussion; no vote was taken. The committee acknowledged the need for further exploration of funding mechanisms and cross-city collaboration to support East Somerville businesses.
• Order 2600083: The committee voted to keep the item in committee. Councilor Strezzo expressed hope for future updates from the state and city regarding the implementation of the Surgeon General's recommendations, specifically highlighting the need to address loneliness and racial bias in mental health services.
• Order 260049: A request for a report on housing units approved since the adoption of Somerville 2040 was also kept in committee for a future meeting.
• Meeting Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 PM after all items were addressed.