City Government
City Departments
Finding the Right Department
Almost everything you actually need from the city runs through a department, not an elected official: paying a bill, pulling a permit, reporting a busted streetlight, registering to vote. Every one of these departments reports up to the City Manager, who hires the department heads and answers for how the whole operation runs.
The directory below points to the departments people call most. For the full list with hours and staff, 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.
Sources
Lowell government website (lowellma.gov). Verified July 2026.
City departments carry out both local and state law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your city.