The Green Line is Coming!         Rally and Press Conference for Somerville Jobs 

Did you know that only 16.5% of Somerville residents work in Somerville? And that the City plans to generate 30,000 new jobs by 2030? With major development projects like Assembly Square and the Green Line Extension unfolding as we speak, the time to take action to ensure that this massive investment in infrastructure is also an investment in the people of Somerville is NOW. 

Please join us for a rally and press conference at noon this Wednesday, May 22nd at the State Transportation Building.  After the press conference, we will testify at the MassDOT Board meeting in support of clear language in the construction contacts that encourages local hiring. 

Specifically, we will be asking for the following: 

1.  A meeting between SCC's Jobs for Somerville Committee and Sec.Davey to discuss our concerns 
2. A signed agreement by MassDOT that outlines how they will encourage hiring of residents   
3. Working meetings facilitated by MassDOT between SCC and the general contractor once they are selected.

While the extension of the Green Line through Somerville represents an enormous opportunity to increase access to much needed transportation in our city, there is also a unique opportunity to provide new jobs for local residents who either need work or who are commuting long distances out of town (often at the expense of their families and wellbeing). 

Will you join us?!

What Somervilleans are saying:

"When the Red Line came to Davis Square, it was a 'ticket out of town.' It pushed families out of Somerville. We want to learn from that experience and use the Green Line to give people jobs and careers in construction." - Mary Jo Connelly

"It's not easy to find a job in Somerville. We can share the work with people from other cities, but right now we're not getting any of it." - Yenii Majano

"A long commute out of the city affects Somerville residents economically and socially. We are losing resources because people in Somerville don't have jobs here." - Beatrice Kwaa

"The Green Line is supposed to be good for our community. But how can we ride transit if we don't have money to pay? I want to make sure my friends and family benefit from the Green Line." -Francisca Duarte

“Creating local jobs keeps money in the community and creates wealth right here in Somerville. It is a chance to build the workforce and the local economy along with infrastructure.” – Van Hardy

“Job training is really important. People need to be ready to take these construction jobs.” – Clotilde Mikiki

Want to get involved with SCC's Jobs for Somerville Committee? Contact Rene Mardones rmardones@somervillecdc.org or 617-776-5931