View the Chelsea Handbook
Suffolk County
Chelsea, Massachusetts
Everything you need to understand and take part in local government in Chelsea: who runs the city, how decisions get made, and how you can have a say, paired with the Chelsea edition of the civics handbook.
Chelsea at a Glance
- County: Suffolk County, smallest city in Massachusetts, directly across the Mystic River from Boston
- Government: Council–Manager (1994 charter), City Manager Fidel Maltez since January 2024
- Schools: Chelsea Public Schools, ~6,100 students across 11 schools
The Chelsea Civics Handbook
The Chelsea edition of the Massachusetts Students Pocket Guide to Civic Engagement: fully online and tailored to your community. Find your district councilor, explore city departments, and understand how local decisions get made.
How Chelsea’s Government Works
City Manager
Chelsea’s chief executive, appointed by the City Council. Manages all departments, prepares the budget, and delivers city services.
City Council
11 members: 3 at-large, 8 district, serving two-year terms. Adopts ordinances, approves the budget, and appoints the City Manager.
School Committee
Sets policy for Chelsea Public Schools and hires Superintendent Dr. Almi Abeyta. Nine elected members: one at-large and one per district.
How a resident takes part
- Attend a meeting. The City Council meets two Mondays per month (Sept–June) in Council Chambers (City Hall, 3rd floor, 500 Broadway) and is broadcast on Chelsea Community Cable (Comcast Ch. 22).
- Speak up. Council and School Committee meetings include public comment. Submit written comments by noon on the Wednesday before each Council meeting at chelseama.gov.
- Contact your district councilor. Each of Chelsea’s eight districts has its own elected councilor, the person closest to issues on your street.
- Vote in city elections. Municipal offices are on the ballot every odd-numbered year. Register through the Chelsea City Clerk at chelseama.gov.
Civic Calendar
- City Council: 2nd & 4th Monday, September–June · City Hall Room 306; in recess July and August.
- School Committee: Evenings during the school year, check chelseaschools.com for exact dates.
- Next city election: November 2027, City Council and School Committee (two-year terms).
- Speak at a meeting: Contact the City Clerk, Chelsea City Hall, 500 Broadway, for public comment rules.
City Government
- City Manager’s OfficeFidel Maltez and the city’s administrative team — what the office does and how to reach it.
- City CouncilChelsea’s 11-member legislative body and your district councilors.
- School Committee & SuperintendentThe elected School Committee and Dr. Almi Abeyta’s office.
- City DepartmentsContacts and responsibilities for every city department.
- Boards & CommissionsThe appointed bodies that guide planning, licensing, and local policy.
- LegislatorsThe state senator and representative who represent Chelsea at the State House.
Community & Data
- Chelsea HistoryFrom Winnisimmet and colonial settlement to the Great Fires, state receivership, and immigrant renewal.
- DemographicsPopulation, race, income, housing, and voter registration data for Chelsea.
- Non-Profits & Food ResourcesKey community organizations and food resources serving Chelsea residents.
- Schools & Student DataStudent demographics, MCAS scores, graduation rates, and district enrollment.
Ready to do your part?