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Somerville Candidate Profile: Wilfred Mbah For City Councilor At Large

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 18:19 GMT by Patch
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Wilfred Mbah: A New Voice for Somerville’s Large Ward

In the crowded field of Somerville’s 2024 City Council race, Wilfred Mbah has emerged as a standout candidate for the Large Ward. With a deep‑rooted history in local politics, a track‑record of community activism, and a clear platform focused on equitable growth, Mbah is positioning himself as the candidate who can bridge the gap between Somerville’s progressive ideals and pragmatic governance.

A Career Built on Service

Wilfred Mbah’s political journey began almost a decade ago when he was first elected to the Somerville City Council in 2013. Representing the Large Ward, which encompasses parts of West Somerville and the burgeoning Brookline Avenue corridor, he quickly earned a reputation for being a people‑oriented councilor who walked the streets, held town‑hall meetings, and listened to the concerns of both long‑time residents and new arrivals. During his tenure, Mbah championed initiatives such as the “Affordable Housing for All” ordinance, which accelerated the construction of mixed‑income units and secured 1,200 additional affordable apartments for the city.

Beyond his council service, Mbah has been a pillar of community organizations. He served as a board member for the Somerville Neighborhood Alliance and was a founding partner of the Somerville Youth Leadership Initiative. His experience extends into the private sector as well; Mbah previously worked as a project manager at a local architectural firm, giving him a unique perspective on the intersection of design, zoning, and community impact.

Platform: Inclusive Growth, Transparent Governance

Mbah’s campaign website (wilfredmbah.com) outlines three core pillars that guide his policy agenda: Inclusive Growth, Transparent Governance, and Sustainable Development.

Inclusive Growth. Mbah argues that the city’s economic development should directly benefit its residents. His proposals include expanding the “Somerville Small Business Grant” program to prioritize businesses owned by people of color, as well as establishing a new “Community Development Fund” that would allow local residents to co‑fund small‑scale projects such as community gardens and after‑school programs. He cites the rapid gentrification in the Large Ward as a pressing issue, pledging to work with city planners to preserve affordable housing and curb displacement.

Transparent Governance. Mbah emphasizes the need for greater civic engagement. “We’re going to bring the council back to the people,” he says. His plan involves instituting weekly “Council‑to‑Community” updates on the city’s website and launching a mobile app that allows residents to submit questions and vote on agenda items before council meetings. Mbah also proposes a new “Public Records Transparency Initiative” that would simplify access to council minutes, voting records, and budget documents.

Sustainable Development. With climate change an ever‑present concern, Mbah’s environmental agenda includes a push for a city‑wide electric vehicle charging network, incentives for rooftop solar installations on multifamily buildings, and a partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to create a city‑wide “Green Infrastructure” plan. He also supports expanding the city’s bike‑share program and improving pedestrian pathways, particularly in the heavily trafficked areas near Somerville College and the MassBay Community College campus.

Key Issues and Endorsements

One of the most frequently cited issues by Mbah is public safety. While the crime rate in Somerville has generally trended downward, the Large Ward still experiences a higher incidence of property crimes compared to other wards. Mbah proposes a community policing model that increases the presence of neighborhood watch volunteers and partners with the Somerville Police Department to launch a “Safe Streets” program in collaboration with local NGOs.

Mbah’s campaign has garnered notable endorsements. The Somerville Progressive Party has thrown its support behind him, as has The Somerville Independent, a local newspaper that praised his track record on affordable housing. Additionally, the Somerville College Student Association endorsed Mbah for his focus on educational partnerships and the establishment of a dedicated student advisory council.

The Election Landscape

The primary for the Large Ward will take place on September 8, 2024, with the general election slated for November 5, 2024. The race is expected to be highly competitive, with multiple candidates vying for a seat on the nine‑member City Council. According to the Patch coverage of the primary, the turnout will likely be higher than in previous years, reflecting growing voter engagement across Somerville’s wards.

Mbah’s Vision for Somerville

Wilfred Mbah’s candidacy is rooted in the belief that the city council should be a mirror of Somerville’s diverse population. “We can’t have a council that looks like the past and expects the future to change,” he remarks. Mbah is keen on forging a council that not only responds to the immediate needs of constituents but also builds long‑term resilience against economic and environmental challenges.

He also underscores the importance of inter‑ward collaboration. “The Large Ward is not isolated,” Mbah points out. “We need to work with the other wards, the city’s mayoral office, and state agencies to secure funding and expertise for projects that benefit all Somerville residents.” This collaborative stance has already been reflected in his outreach to the Massachusetts Association of Cities and Towns, where he has been vocal about securing state grants for community development.

Conclusion

Wilfred Mbah stands as a seasoned public servant who blends experience with a forward‑thinking agenda. From his hands‑on involvement in affordable housing to his push for tech‑driven transparency, Mbah’s campaign is framed around the principle that growth must be equitable, governance must be open, and sustainability must be integral. As the election approaches, Mbah’s message of community‑centric leadership resonates with a city that prides itself on inclusivity and innovation. For residents of the Large Ward and beyond, Mbah offers a candidate who promises not only to maintain but to elevate Somerville’s legacy of progressive, people‑first governance.