Art Space Update

May 03, 2023

Anti-Displacement Taskforce

The City of Somerville Anti-Displacement Task Force (ADTF), which was formed to research and recommend policies to prevent residential displacement, has now expanded to advocate for a wider range of the Somerville community, including small business displacement and cultural displacement.

The Task Force is seeking community members with an interest in working on anti-displacement policies to serve in a volunteer capacity on one of the Task Force’s three committees:

· Residential Displacement Committee (RDC)

· Small Business Displacement Committee (SBDC)

· Cultural Displacement Committee (CDC)

All committees are seeking both committee members and co-chairs.

For more information about the task please read the full press at the link below.

Anti-Displacement Committee Press Release

Cultural Displacement Committee

The Somerville Cultural Displacement Committee will be made up of creatives that have connections to the Somerville community. The committee will be made up of community members, city staff, and a city councilor.

Applicants for the Cultural Displacement Committee should have professional or lived experience with displacement or otherwise have a strong interest in working on issues of anti-displacement in Somerville. Members of the creative community who are at risk of displacement or have been previously displaced are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duration and Time Commitment

Members serve a one-year term in a volunteer capacity. Members will meet four times ADTF-wide and once monthly as their committee on a Thursday, with time to be set by the group.

Applicants should expect to commit a total of approximately five to seven hours a month, which includes ADTF-wide meetings, monthly committee meetings, and reviewing and drafting documents circulated in connection with each meeting. Co-Chairs can expect to commit an additional two hours a month to administrative duties.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted until seats are filled. Interested candidates should send a resume and/or letter of interest explaining why they want to be a part of the committee as a member or as a co-chair, along with brief answers to the questions below by e-mail to l quizhpe@somervillema.gov or by mail to Luis Quizhpe, City of Somerville, OSPCD Admin, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville MA 02143. Please contact Luis at the email or address above or call 311 to obtain assistance in applying by telephone.

What is your understanding of Somerville’s displacement crisis?
Why is it important for you to participate in this task force?
Please explain which of the eligibility criteria above you meet and how?
Do you have any additional experiences that you think will add a new perspective to the Task Force?
In your opinion, what are one to two things that would allow residents/small businesses/creatives/nonprofits (please select based on which committee you are interested in joining) to remain in Somerville?