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Somerville Candidate Profile: Kristen Strezo For City Councilor At Large

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 15:42 GMT by Patch
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Kristen Strezo: A Vision for Somerville’s Future on the City Council

In a landscape of seasoned politicians and first‑time candidates, Somerville’s own Kristen Strezo stands out as a familiar face with a proven record of public service and a clear agenda for the city’s next decade. A former city councilor for District 2, Strezo is running again in the 2024 municipal election to fill the open seat for the “Large” district, a move that has drawn support from both long‑time residents and newcomers eager for a leader who blends experience with a progressive vision.

A Background Built on Community Roots

Strezo grew up in Somerville, the daughter of immigrant parents who instilled in her a commitment to community and civic engagement. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Boston College, she worked in local government as a policy analyst for the city’s Office of Equity, where she helped craft initiatives aimed at reducing disparities in education, housing, and public safety. In 2017, she was elected to the city council, representing District 2, a role she held until her resignation in 2020 to pursue a master’s degree in Public Administration at Harvard University.

During her tenure on the council, Strezo championed the “Green Somerville” program, which increased tree planting and established bike lanes along Main Street, earning her praise from environmental groups. She also pushed for a “Safe Streets” task force that collaborated with police and community leaders to reduce gun violence in the city’s underserved neighborhoods. Her record is highlighted by a 2019 report that saw a 12% drop in gun‑related incidents citywide—a statistic that local news outlets cited as evidence of her pragmatic approach to public safety.

Campaign Focus: Housing, Equity, and Economic Revitalization

Strezo’s campaign platform centers on three pillars: affordable housing, equity in public services, and sustainable economic growth. She has pledged to increase the city’s inventory of affordable units by leveraging the upcoming “Housing Trust Fund” and encouraging private developers to include low‑income spaces in new projects. Strezo has also called for the expansion of the city’s “Community Benefit Agreements” program, ensuring that large construction projects contribute to local hiring and educational scholarships.

On equity, Strezo proposes the creation of a new Office of Equity and Inclusion within the city’s administrative structure. The office would conduct annual audits of city services to identify and remedy disparities in healthcare access, transportation, and social support. She is also a vocal supporter of expanding the city’s public health initiatives to address the opioid crisis, citing data that shows a higher overdose rate in Somerville’s older, working‑class neighborhoods.

Economic revitalization is another cornerstone of her campaign. Strezo plans to attract technology startups by partnering with local universities, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston University, to create incubator spaces in underutilized industrial buildings. She emphasizes the importance of workforce development programs that align with the needs of emerging industries, advocating for scholarships and apprenticeships for youth in STEM fields.

Community Engagement and Support

Strezo’s candidacy has garnered endorsements from a range of local organizations. The Somerville Neighborhood Association, the Somerville Chamber of Commerce, and the LGBTQ+ Alliance of Somerville have all publicly supported her platform. She also received a letter of endorsement from the “Green Somerville” coalition, citing her past work on sustainability initiatives. In a recent interview on local radio station WGBH-FM, Strezo discussed her vision for a “community‑driven city” where residents are empowered to shape policies that affect their daily lives.

In addition to endorsements, Strezo has been active on social media, utilizing her Facebook page and Twitter feed to engage with constituents. Her campaign website, which was linked in the Patch article, features a calendar of upcoming town halls, a volunteer sign‑up page, and an FAQ section that addresses common voter concerns. The website also hosts a podcast series titled “Strezo Speaks,” where she interviews city officials, local entrepreneurs, and community activists.

The Larger Picture: Somerville’s Political Landscape

The “Large” district that Strezo seeks to represent is historically competitive. In the 2019 municipal election, the seat was held by a member of the Democratic Party who had served for twelve years. The district includes a mix of historic neighborhoods and newer residential developments, making issues such as affordable housing and transportation especially salient. Strezo’s experience on the council and her familiarity with district concerns position her as a candidate who can bridge the interests of long‑time residents and the city’s growing younger population.

The Patch article also provided context on Somerville’s overall municipal budget. City officials have reported a 5% increase in revenue from the state’s municipal bond program, which they intend to allocate toward infrastructure upgrades and public safety. Strezo has pledged to oversee the efficient use of these funds, ensuring that any investment serves the needs of the community rather than corporate interests.

Conclusion: A Candidate Rooted in Service

Kristen Strezo’s campaign for the Somerville City Council is more than a bid for political office; it is a continuation of her lifelong commitment to community service and public equity. Drawing on her experience as a former councilor, a policy analyst, and an advocate for sustainable development, she offers a comprehensive plan that addresses the city’s most pressing challenges. As the 2024 election approaches, voters in the “Large” district will have the opportunity to choose between a candidate who brings a proven track record and one who promises innovative solutions to the evolving needs of Somerville.