View the Newton HandbookCity Government
City Departments
Finding the Right Department
Most of what residents need from the city, paying a bill, pulling a permit, reporting a problem, registering to vote, runs through a department rather than an elected official. Every department head serves under the Mayor and carries out city policy.
The directory below covers the departments residents contact most. For the full list, hours, and staff, visit newtonma.gov. The main City Hall line is 617-796-1000.
Department Directory
| Mayor’s Office | Chief executive. Oversees all departments and prepares the budget. 617-796-1000. |
|---|---|
| City Clerk & Elections | Records, licenses, vital records, voter registration, and elections. 617-796-1200. |
| Police Department | Public safety. Chief Timothy Cohoon. Headquarters at 1321 Washington Street. Non-emergency 617-796-2100. |
| Fire Department | Fire suppression, prevention, and emergency response. Business line 617-796-2210. |
| Public Works | Streets, water, sewer, trash, and recycling. Commissioner Shawna Sullivan. 617-796-1000. |
| Health & Human Services | Public health, inspections, and human services. Commissioner Shin-Yi Lao. 617-796-1420. |
| Parks, Recreation & Culture | Parks, fields, recreation programs, and the arts. Commissioner Marc Welch. 617-796-1500. |
| Newton Free Library | 330 Homer Street. A member of the Minuteman Library Network. 617-796-1360. |
| Planning & Development | Zoning, permitting, housing, and long-range planning for the city. |
City departments carry out state and local law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your city.