Mitigating Small Business Displacement

The Field Lab partnered with the City of Somerville to examine policy and financial tools to prevent the displacement of small and minority-owned businesses amid rapid development.

Project Partner

City of Somerville
Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development

Project Summary

Students worked with Somerville staff to analyze displacement risks facing small businesses, particularly in Union Square and other rapidly changing commercial districts. The project aimed to identify policy tools and incentives to preserve affordable commercial space and support long-term business retention.

Areas of Focus

The team examined commercial displacement dynamics, zoning and land use tools, financial incentives, and affordability mechanisms for ground-floor retail. The analysis focused on policy options to retain small businesses, especially women- and minority-owned enterprises, in high-growth areas.

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