Fiscal Resilience
A proactive plan to safeguard city services, stabilize taxes, and build long-term fiscal strength, even in tough times.
A Stronger Fiscal Future for Somerville
Smart diversification. Strategic growth. Real-time adaptation.
Somerville’s future depends on fiscal resilience. With ~73% of our city’s revenue coming from property taxes, we’re dangerously exposed to market downturns; especially if commercial or residential values drop. And with federal funding in flux, we can’t afford to operate on hope and outdated assumptions.
We need a City Council that understands municipal finance, isn’t afraid to make hard calls, and has a real plan to safeguard our city’s services, especially during economic turbulence. That’s the kind of leadership I bring to the table.
I’m not here to cut for the sake of cutting. But I will always prioritize sound budgeting, diversified revenue, and smart growth that pays for itself. Because a progressive city without fiscal discipline is just one recession away from falling apart.
A Fiscal Resilience Agenda for Somerville
1. Diversify the City’s Revenue Streams
We can’t keep depending almost exclusively on property taxes. I will push for expanded PILOT agreements with large nonprofits, increased grant-seeking capacity at City Hall, and targeted new revenue streams, like short-term rental taxes and local linkage fees, that reduce the burden on homeowners.
2. Make Growth Pay for Itself
Development must support, not strain, our city budget. I will champion smart, mixed-use growth near transit and commercial corridors that strengthens our tax base and funds public services. That means requiring developers to contribute to infrastructure, green space, and affordable housing up front.
3. Prepare the Budget for Market Downturns
Somerville must start scenario-planning for commercial value declines, federal funding losses, or both. I support creating a budget stress-test model and formal reserve fund policies so we can make proactive, not reactive, decisions during fiscal emergencies.
4. Protect Core Services Through Smarter Budgeting
If revenue tightens, our first priority must be protecting public safety, education, and social services. I will push for a transparent, tiered service prioritization framework and fight to keep essential services intact without defaulting to across-the-board cuts.
5. Increase Efficiency Through Modernization
We need a full audit of city operations to root out inefficiency and duplication. I will support investments in digital tools, performance tracking, and streamlined procurement systems that improve service delivery and save money over time.
6. Stabilize Our Residential Base
A collapsing residential market hurts everyone. I will support housing stabilization programs, foreclosure prevention, and property tax relief options for seniors and vulnerable homeowners, so we don’t lose our neighbors when the market shifts.
This is how we build long-term fiscal strength, not through austerity or slogans, but through strategy, honesty, and discipline. Somerville deserves leadership that treats public money like it matters, because it does.
