The Somerville Beacon

New tool: Somerville City Council Digests

City Council meeting summaries, delivered directly to your inbox

Jan 10 • Ben Orenstein

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November 2025

An Interview with Judy Pineda Neufeld

Looking back on years of elected service

Nov 17, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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1:36:33

October 2025

How I Moderated My First Mayoral Debate

A peek behind the scenes.

Oct 21, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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What Should I Ask at Monday's Mayoral Debate?

I'm moderating a debate between Wilson and Burnley and would like to include your questions.

Oct 14, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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June 2025

New Course: How The Somerville Government Works

Taught by yours truly.

Jun 18, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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1

Let's Fix the School Street Crossing

I'm putting together a crew!

Jun 12, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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April 2025

Automatically Addressing a Housing Shortage

A model for writing an automatic response system into the law

Apr 6, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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March 2025

An Interview with Willie Burnley Jr.

Somerville City Councilor and Candidate for Mayor

Mar 11, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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February 2025

An Interview with Jake Wilson

From At-large Councilor to Mayor?

Feb 28, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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How is spot zoning defined in Massachusetts?

Fortunately, the courts have been rather clear on this!

Feb 17, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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January 2025

You're invited to the Somerville City Council

Let's go to a meeting together!

Jan 31, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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Somerville Upzoned 12 Lots in 2024

My previous post, “Somerville Passed 7 Laws in 2024”, focused on statute (changes to the Code of Ordinances).

Jan 14, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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