Requesting approval to appropriate $228,000 from the Medicinal Marijuana Stabilization Fund for the salary and fringe of three positions related to youth-serving staff in FY 2026.

To the Honorable City Council: The Mayor respectfully requests that this Council appropriate $228,000 from the Medicinal Marijuana Stabilization Fund to support youth-serving staff in FY 2026. This will cover three positions as follows: $90,000 (salary and fringe) for the Out of School Time (OST) Coordinator, housed within Health and Human Services (HHS), who will be responsible for working towards the goal of ensuring all K-8 students in Somerville, regardless of background or circumstances, have access to inclusive and culturally relevant OST programs that nurture their academic, social and emotional development; $90,000 (salary and fringe) for the Youth Workplace Learning Coordinator, housed within HHS, who will be responsible for the success and expansion of the Mayor’s Youth Jobs Initiative by providing year-round planning and support to the Summer Jobs Program as well as the newly developed school year jobs programming; from recruitment, hiring, onboarding and regular oversight of 18 students placed in the city in the first year; and $48,000 (salary and fringe) for the Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention Specialist, housed within Somerville Public Schools, who will provide support for students and staff with drug and alcohol education, prevention, intervention and consultation. These key youth-serving roles provide programming and support known to mitigate risks associated with youth substance misuse. Appropriate staff will be available to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Respectfully Submitted, Katjana Ballantyne, Mayor