Somerville Mayor Curtatone holds ‘backyard’ chats with residents

A new program in Somerville encourages residents to invite Mayor Joseph Curtatone into their homes and yards to discuss city issues in a casual atmosphere.

According to Denise Taylor, the city’s communications director, Curtatone himself came up with the idea for the program, known as Mayor In My Back Yard – a play on “not in my backyard,” or NIMBY.

The mayor, Taylor said, was looking for a novel way to connect with residents and discuss their concerns and ideas. Taylor said that while Somerville was already active in encouraging civic engagement through public meetings, surveys and other tools, Curtatone wanted to engage in conversations in a more relaxed setting.

Eighteen “MIMBY” sessions had taken place by mid-July, covering topics such as the planned extension of the MBTA’s Green Line through the city and the redevelopment of Assembly Square, a large parcel of land between Interstate 93 and the Mystic River.

Taylor said the MIMBY program has helped to boost civic engagement. Some residents who have hosted the mayor – who, in potluck fashion, might show up with a fruit plate and vegetables – have gone on to serve on boards and committees or do volunteer work.