View the Lowell Handbook
City Government
City Departments
Finding the Right Department
Most of the services residents need from the city (paying a bill, pulling a permit, reporting a problem, registering to vote) run through one of Lowell’s departments rather than through an elected official. Each department reports up to the City Manager, who appoints department heads and is responsible for the city’s overall administration.
The directory below points to the departments residents contact most. For the full list, hours, and staff directories, visit the city’s departments page at lowellma.gov. The main City Hall line is 978-674-4000.
Department Directory
| City Manager | Chief executive; oversees all departments and the budget. City Hall, 375 Merrimack St. |
|---|---|
| City Clerk | Records, licenses, vital records, and the legislative function of city government. |
| Elections & Census | Voter registration, elections, and the annual city census. 375 Merrimack St, Room 5. |
| Assessor | Property valuations, tax assessments, and exemptions. |
| Treasurer / Collector | Tax and utility billing and payments. |
| Development Services | Planning, zoning, building permits, and inspections. |
| Police | Public safety. JFK Civic Center, 50 Arcand Drive. |
| Fire | Fire suppression, prevention, and emergency response. |
| Health & Human Services | Public health, inspections, and social services. |
| Public Works | Streets, water, sewer, parks, and trash & recycling. |
Department phone numbers and hours are listed on each department’s page at lowellma.gov.
City departments carry out state and local law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your city.