Somerville Announces Large-scale Layoffs At City Hall

SOMERVILLE, MA — Mayor Jake Wilson announced that 13 people have been cut from Somerville’s payroll as part of large-scale city hall layoffs this past weekend.

A total of 29 positions are being cut from the city’s operating budget, with the remaining 16 being currently vacant. Wilson attributed the layoffs to a projected $5.4 million budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2027.

Layoffs are always a last resort. But like many communities across the Commonwealth and country, we have found ourselves facing a difficult budget season,” Wilson said. “Any layoff is painful for the employees affected, the colleagues they worked alongside, and the community that relies on their daily work. I’ve been laid off twice myself and have had coworkers laid off too, so I know how hard and awful it is.”

The 13 people affected by the reductions will be placed on paid administrative leave through the end of June. According to Wilson, the city's human resources department will assist and provide resources throughout the process.

The city made the announcement at approximately 2 p.m. on Friday, May 22. An email was sent to Somerville spokespeople Friday evening for specifics on the timing of the layoffs and their announcement, and on which positions are affected.

“I cannot say strongly enough that we cut positions, not people. Somerville is fortunate to have extraordinarily dedicated public servants. The employees impacted by these layoffs have served this community well, and I’m grateful for their work,” Wilson said. “As we move forward, we will be taking every operational step needed to ensure the work continues through new approaches and structures, so we can continue to serve the community well.”

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