Mayor Katjana Ballantyne's leadership on environmental issues has made Somerville a recognized leader in climate change mitigation, urban ecosystem restoration, and carbon footprint reduction. She’s implemented many ground-breaking initiatives to address these critical issues. Examples are Mayor Katjana’s first-ever Pollinator Action Plan to protect native pollinators, building on Somerville’s Native Species Ordinance, which she introduced as a City Councilor. These are a first of a kind plans for a dense, urban city like ours, and have already become models for similar cities across the country.

"Veterans have shouldered one of the heaviest burdens demanded of any member of society. As mayor, I am resolved to repay veterans by helping guide them, not only to veterans benefits, but to every city service to which they are entitled." - Mayor Katjana Ballantyne