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City of Somerville header
File #: 25-1700    Version: 1
Type: Resolution Status: Tabled
File created: 11/11/2025 In control: City Council
On agenda: 11/13/2025 Final action:
Enactment date: Enactment #:
Title: In support of democratic divestment action regarding Ballot Question 3.
Sponsors: Willie Burnley Jr.
Attachments: 1. Resolution - Question 3

Agenda Summary

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In support of democratic divestment action regarding Ballot Question 3.

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Official Text

WHEREAS:                     More than 15% of registered Somerville voters signed a petition to place a Palestine solidarity question on the 2025 Somerville Municipal Ballot, whose language reads, “Shall the Mayor of Somerville and all Somerville elected leaders be instructed to end all current city business and prohibit future city investments and contracts with companies as long as such companies engage in business that sustains Israel’s apartheid, genocide, and illegal occupation of Palestine?” [hereinafter, “Ballot Question 3”]; and

WHEREAS:                     Somerville voters overwhelmingly supported Ballot Question 3, passing it with 55% of the vote, 11,489 votes in total, and majority support in 31 of 32 (97 percent) precincts; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED:                     That the Somerville City Council commits to work toward passing an ordinance within a year that implements the will of the majority of Somerville voters to boycott and divest in accordance with the language of Ballot Question 3, and in a manner that is practicable and legally feasible.