Town Government
Town Departments
Finding the Right Department
Most of what residents need from the town runs through a department, not an elected official: paying a bill, pulling a permit, reporting a problem, registering to vote. Each department reports up to the Town Manager, who appoints most of the department heads.
The directory below covers the departments residents contact most. For the full list, hours, and staff, visit needhamma.gov. The main Town Hall line is 781-455-7500.
Department Directory
| Town Clerk | Records, licenses, vital records, and the town’s elections. Town Clerk Louise L. Miller. 1471 Highland Avenue. 781-455-7500, ext. 71503. |
|---|---|
| Elections | Voter registration, precincts, and early and absentee voting. Board of Registrars 781-455-7500, ext. 71503. |
| Police | Public safety. Chief John Schlittler. 88 Chestnut Street. Non-emergency 781-455-7570. |
| Fire | Fire suppression, prevention, and emergency medical response. Chief Thomas Conroy. Non-emergency 781-455-7580. |
| Public Works | Streets, water, sewer, and snow plowing. Director Carys Lustig. 500 Dedham Avenue. 781-455-7550. |
| Health & Human Services | Inspections, clinics, and health complaints. Director Timothy McDonald. 178 Rosemary Street. 781-455-7940. |
| Park & Recreation | Parks, fields, youth sports, and summer programs. Director Stacey Mulroy. 178 Rosemary Street. 781-455-7930. |
| Needham Free Public Library | Books, programs, and computers, plus a free Minuteman Library Network card for every Massachusetts resident. Director Rob MacLean. 1139 Highland Avenue. 781-455-7559. |
| Council on Aging | The senior center at The Center at The Heights. 300 Hillside Avenue. 781-455-7555. |
| Conservation | Wetlands, rivers, and open space. Director of Conservation Debora Anderson. 500 Dedham Avenue. conservation@needhamma.gov. |
| Recycling & Transfer Station | Trash, recycling rules, and the Recycling and Transfer Station, run by Public Works. 500 Dedham Avenue. 781-455-7550. |
Sources
Needham government website (needhamma.gov). Verified July 2026.
Town departments carry out state and local law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your town.
