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: mayor@boston.gov
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 Prepares for Cooler Temperatures and Hurricane Erin
News Summary Boston is bracing for a significant drop in temperatures this week, with highs forecasted in the low 70s, contrasting the recent low 90s. Additionally, Hurricane Erin is expected...
Will Onuoha Promises Transformative Housing and Education Solutions
News Summary Boston city councilor candidate Will Onuoha is campaigning for transformative housing and education reforms. With extensive experience in city government, he aims to address housing affordability through inclusionary...
Boston Leaders Stand Firm on Sanctuary Policies Amid Federal Pressure
News Summary Boston’s officials, led by Mayor Michelle Wu, are defending the city’s sanctuary policies against the Trump administration’s demand for compliance. With the Justice Department’s threats of funding cuts...
Four Juveniles Arrested for Motor Vehicle Thefts in Dedham
News Summary In Dedham, Massachusetts, police arrested four juveniles late Friday for multiple motor vehicle thefts and firearms offenses. The arrests occurred after a police pursuit was initiated when the...
Museum of Science and MassDOT Plan Car-Free Connection Over Charles River
News Summary The Museum of Science and MassDOT are collaborating to create a car-free path over the Charles River to enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians between Boston and Cambridge....
Pioneering Television Host Sonya Hamlin Passes Away
News Summary Sonya Hamlin, a trailblazer in television and communications, has passed away at 101. Her groundbreaking work included the first all-women staff in TV production and innovative programming focused...
Boston Sees Record Homicides as Crime Rates Shift
News Summary Boston has reached 24 homicides by mid-August, matching 2024’s total for the entire year, and reflecting a notable increase from 12 last year. This rise in homicides contrasts...
Trump Amplifies Federal Policing in Washington, D.C.
News Summary President Trump has escalated federal law enforcement presence in Washington, D.C. due to rising crime, claiming a need for public safety. This federal initiative has met resistance from...
Boston Expands Bilingual Education Programs in Schools
News Summary Amid a rising demand from English learners, Boston Public Schools is gradually expanding its bilingual education programs. With about one-third of its 48,000 students being English learners, the...
