Government
Boston, Massachusetts
The city is governed by a Mayor-Council system. The Mayor serves as the city’s chief executive officer, while the Boston City Council acts as the legislative body. The Mayor is elected to a four-year term in a nonpartisan election. The City Council consists of 13 members, with nine elected from districts and four elected at-large to represent the entire city. Council members serve two-year terms.
The City Council is responsible for establishing policies, approving the city budget, and overseeing municipal operations. Unlike a Council-Manager system, Boston does not have a city manager; instead, the Mayor directly oversees city departments and agencies.
The Boston Police Department, Boston Fire Department, and Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provide public safety services, while the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department manages corrections and legal processes.
Contact Information
Boston City Hall
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201
Phone: (617) 635-4000
Website: boston.gov
Mayor’s Office
Phone: (617) 635-4500
Email: [email protected]
Boston City Council
For a full list of City Council members and their contact information, visit the City Council Members page: boston.gov/citycouncil
Public Services
Non-Emergency Services & General Inquiries: Dial 311
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Medical): Dial 911
Boston Police Department (BPD): (617) 343-4500
Boston Fire Department (BFD): (617) 343-3550
Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS): (617) 343-2367
GOVERNMENT NEWS
Boston Fleet’s Megan Keller Scores Olympic Gold for Team USA
Milan, Italy (for the Olympics); Boston, MA (for the player’s team) – February 20, 2026 | By WHAT’S HAPPENING What happened in the 2026 Women’s Olympic Hockey Final? Team USA, led by Boston Fleet’s...
TSA Workers at Logan Airport Face Reduced Pay Amidst Funding Uncertainty
Boston MA – February 18, 2026 | By WHAT’S HAPPENING What TSA workers at Logan Airport are facing? TSA officers at Logan Airport are expected to receive only half their regular pay in the...
Boston Office of Black Male Advancement Awards $500,000 in Community Empowerment Grants
Boston MA – February 18, 2026 | By WHAT’S HAPPENING What are the 2026 Community Empowerment Grants in Boston? The grants totaling $500,000 were awarded to 39 Boston organizations to support Black men and...
Foxborough Threatens Cancellation of 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches
Foxborough, February 18, 2026 Foxborough, Massachusetts, has threatened to cancel upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium if it does not receive $7.8 million in security funding. Local authorities...
Boston Mayor Supports Statewide Rent Control Initiative
Boston, February 18, 2026 Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston has officially endorsed a proposed statewide ballot question aimed at reintroducing rent control across Massachusetts. This noteworthy announcement highlights her recognition of...
State Auditor Files Lawsuit for Legislative Audit Compliance
Boston, February 18, 2026 Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio has filed a lawsuit against top legislative leaders to enforce a voter-approved law that allows her office to audit the state Legislature....
Massachusetts Politicians Discuss Pushback Against Trump’s Agenda
Boston, Massachusetts, February 18, 2026 Political leaders in Massachusetts are currently holding bipartisan discussions aimed at countering former President Trump’s proposed policies on immigration, education, and voting. These discussions reflect a...
Massachusetts Gubernatorial Race Heats Up with Healey and Shortsleeve
Boston, February 18, 2026 The political landscape of Massachusetts is becoming more defined as Governor Maura Healey and Republican challenger Brian Shortsleeve ramp up their campaigns for the gubernatorial election. Healey...
Person Pulled from South Boston Waters; Investigation Underway
South Boston, February 18, 2026 Emergency services responded to an incident in South Boston where a person was pulled from the water on Sunday morning. As the investigation progresses, the individual’s...