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
Cambridge City Councilor Proposes Boston Annexation for ‘MegaCambridge’
News Summary Cambridge City Councilor Burhan Azeem has introduced a bold proposal to annex Boston, creating a new entity called ‘MegaCambridge.’ The initiative aims to merge resources and improve public...
Boston Police Officer Charged with OUI After Crash
News Summary A Boston police officer has been charged with operating under the influence after crashing his vehicle into an unmarked police cruiser late at night. Officer Stephen O’Connell was...
Boston’s Courthouse Drama: DA Critiques ICE Tactics
News Summary Boston’s District Attorney, Kevin Hayden, is challenging the controversial arrest tactics employed by ICE outside a courthouse. The incident, involving the detainment of a defendant during an ongoing...
O’Brien Exits Mayoral Race, Shaping Boston’s Political Future
News Summary In a significant turn of events, real estate developer Thomas O’Brien has decided not to run for mayor of Boston, stepping back to focus on his business and...
Boston Police Need Your Help to Catch a Vandal!
News Summary The Boston Police Department is seeking assistance from the community to identify a suspect involved in recent vandalism incidents targeting Tesla vehicles in the area around Hemenway and...
Boston Youth Jobs Fair Canceled Amid Chaos
News Summary The Youth Jobs and Resource Fair in Boston faced an unexpected disruption this past Saturday, leading to its premature cancellation. A large disturbance erupted after a fight broke...
Boston Police Seek Community Help in Tesla Vandalism Cases
News Summary Boston is facing a troubling wave of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles. With multiple incidents occurring between March 11 and March 19, 2024, the police have released security footage...
Boston Police Successfully Locate Missing 91-Year-Old Woman
News Summary The Boston police have located 91-year-old Marie Maxi, who went missing in the Fenway area, raising concerns due to her age and dementia. After a public plea for...
WilmerHale Law Firm Challenged by Presidential Order
News Summary WilmerHale, a prominent law firm based in Boston, faces fallout from an executive order by President Trump that revokes its federal contracts due to alleged misconduct. The firm...
