Agenda Summary
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That Chapter 2, Article VIII, Division 1 of the Code of Ordinances be amended as detailed within.
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Official Text
CITY OF SOMERVILLE
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-
IN CITY COUNCIL: ________, 2026
WHEREAS: The City of Somerville is a welcoming community that does not support discrimination or violence anywhere in the world; and
WHEREAS: The City of Somerville has previously adopted a policy of ethical procurement, including refusing to do business with companies that supported the former apartheid regime in South Africa and those that use prison labor; and
WHEREAS: On November 4, 2025, 55% of voters in the Somerville general municipal election voted ‘yes’ on Ballot Question 3 to instruct the Mayor of Somerville and all Somerville elected leaders 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”; and
WHEREAS: On November 25, 2025, this City Council approved A Resolution in Support of Democratic Divestment Action Regarding Question 3, resolving 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.”; and
WHEREAS: This City Council recognizes that the actions of governments must always be distinguished from the people subject to those governments, and that people of all ethnicities, religions, backgrounds, and national origins must be fully welcome in our community, without exception; and
WHEREAS: A municipality, in its responsibility to consider the reliability, appropriateness, prudence and soundness of contracting agreements and investments, must bring to bear a full consideration of the capability, reliability and integrity of its contracting partners, and the economic value at risk du...
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