“How can we make sure new public and private investments in our communities directly benefit the low- and moderate-income residents, without leading to gentrification and market pressures that cause people to leave?”
Meridith Levy explores and develops strategies with residents, nonprofits, businesses, institutions and municipal agencies to achieve social equity.
In her 15 years at Somerville Community Corporation (SCC), Meridith has been deeply involved in efforts to preserve affordable housing, connect residents to good jobs and spearhead community planning efforts. She was named deputy director in 2013, and oversees critical programs, like community organizing and economic opportunity as well as leading fundraising and communications programs.
Meridith specializes in land-use organizing and public policy. Prior to her work at SCC, she was organizing director at Twin Cities CDC (now NewVue Communities) in Fitchburg. Over the years, she has built on her experience organizing with family farmers in Minnesota as part of the Land Stewardship Project.
Meridith earned both a master’s of art and a master’s of science from Tufts University, one in urban and environmental policy and the other in agriculture, food and the environment. She did her undergraduate work at Grinnell College, focusing on anthropology and environmental studies. She’s involved in local advisory groups and programs including the Somerville Jobs Linkage Advisory Committee, MAPC Equity Policy Agenda Advisory Group, the Boston Ujima Project, and currently serves as co-chair of the Mel King Institute Steering Committee.
Organization:
Somerville Community Corporation; Somerville, MA
Area of Focus:
Impact lending
Fellowship Project:
In-depth research to explore impact community investment and lending models that help address the demand for better housing and jobs, while also protecting residents from displacement in the face of fast-moving economic forces.