During a recent government meeting in Somerville, officials discussed the ongoing efforts to support local businesses as the community continues to recover from the impacts of COVID-19. A key focus was the "It Takes All Shapes to Make a Square" campaign, designed to encourage residents to shop locally and highlight the unique offerings of Somerville's small businesses.

City representatives emphasized the importance of fostering a strong local economy, especially as residents express a desire to contribute positively during challenging times. The campaign aims to remind both locals and visitors that the recently opened Green Line provides easier access to Somerville's diverse small business community. A dedicated website, explore.sunroblma.gov, has been launched to serve as a resource, featuring a directory of local businesses and a Google map for easy navigation.

In addition to the website, the city has initiated an Instagram campaign to promote local businesses through engaging content and catchy taglines. However, officials acknowledged the need for a social media policy to ensure that businesses are willing participants in promotional efforts. To enhance these initiatives, the city plans to hire a project assistant to manage and expand the campaign, focusing on creating new content and further engaging the community.

As Somerville navigates the post-pandemic landscape, these efforts reflect a commitment to not only support local businesses but also to strengthen community ties. The city is poised to continue its proactive approach, ensuring that residents have the resources and encouragement needed to shop local and support their neighbors.