View the Lawrence Handbook
City Services
City Departments
Finding the Right Department
City departments handle the everyday services that keep Lawrence running — trash and recycling, permits and inspections, tax bills, public health, recreation, and more. Most are based at or near City Hall, 200 Common Street, and can be reached through the city’s main line at (978) 620-3000.
The directory below covers the departments residents contact most often. For a full list and the most current staff and hours, see the city’s official departments directory at cityoflawrence.com.
Department Directory
| Mayor’s Office | The city’s executive office; constituent services and citywide leadership. (978) 620-3010. |
|---|---|
| City Clerk | Vital records (birth, marriage, death), business certificates, public records, and licensing. Located at City Hall. |
| Elections | Voter registration, polling places, early voting, and election administration. |
| Assessing | Property valuations, real estate and personal property assessments, and abatements. |
| Treasurer / Collector | Property tax, excise, and utility billing and payments. |
| Budget & Finance | City budget, accounting, and purchasing. |
| Public Works (DPW) | Streets, trash and recycling collection, water and sewer, and parks maintenance. |
| Inspectional Services | Building, electrical, and plumbing permits and inspections; code enforcement. |
| Community Development | Housing, planning, and federal community development funding. |
| Health Department | Public health, inspections, and community health programs. |
| Police Department | Public safety and emergency response. Call 911 for emergencies. |
| Fire Department | Fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical response. Call 911 for emergencies. |
| Recreation | Parks, programs, and youth and family recreation. |
| Veterans Services | Benefits and support for Lawrence veterans and their families. |
| Council on Aging | Senior center programs, services, and resources for older residents. |
City services are only part of the picture. See how Massachusetts state government works alongside your city.