Charlotte Kelly Announces Bid For Somerville Councilor At-Large

SOMERVILLE, MA — Charlotte Kelly, former executive director of the Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance, has entered the race for Somerville city councilor at-large. Kelly is a fourth-generation resident, renter and community organizer.

"We've won so much in Somerville thanks to working people fighting to make our community a better place to live," Kelly said in a release. "There is still so much work to do to make sure all of our residents have what they need to live full lives, We can have more affordable housing, invest in our schools, make public transportation free, and create good union jobs in the process."

As executive director of MEJA, Kelly led the Fund Our Future campaign to win the Student Opportunity Act. This secured more than $1.5 billion in public education funding to be distributed across Massachusetts, with a focus on funding working-class communities, communities of color, special education students and English Language Learners.

Throughout her years of organizing, Kelly has built community coalitions across the state and brought thousands of people together to fight for transformative solutions.

"Somervillens deserve a City Council that is fighting vigorously for them. Charlotte is a leader who has a proven track record of bringing marginalized people to the center of fighting for the change we need," State Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven said in a statement. "Working with her on the Fund Our Future campaign, I know Charlotte has the experience and know-how to transform our values for equity and justice into policies that shape our lives. That is why I am proud to endorse Charlotte."

Kelly will host a Virtual House Party April 1 at 7 p.m. to share her campaign's vision, raise funds and hear from community members.

"I support Charlotte's campaign because it's a vision of possibility grounded in using the tools and funds of municipal government for us," Pennie Taylor, Ward 2 resident, said in a release. "I have seen her organize to build coalitions for power, and now I’m excited to see her organize at City Hall."