View the Salem Handbook
Essex County
Salem, Massachusetts
Everything you need to understand and take part in local government in Salem, one of Massachusetts’ most historic cities, celebrating 400 years in 2026.
Salem at a Glance
- County: Essex, coastal North Shore city, historic spice trade port and founding settlement
- Government: Strong-Mayor, Mayor Dominick Pangallo since May 2023; 11-member City Council
- Schools: Salem Public Schools, ~3,889 students across 11 schools
The Salem Civics Handbook
The 2026 Salem Civics Handbook is your pocket guide to local government, civic rights, and getting involved in Salem. Designed for students completing their civics project requirement, and useful for any resident who wants to understand how the city works.
How Salem’s Government Works
The Mayor
Salem’s elected chief executive. The Mayor prepares the city budget, appoints department heads, signs or vetoes City Council ordinances, and chairs the School Committee.
City Council
Salem’s 11-member legislative body, four Councillors at Large and seven Ward Councillors. The Council passes ordinances, approves the budget, and can override mayoral vetoes with a two-thirds vote.
School Committee
Seven elected members plus the Mayor as chair. Sets district policy, approves the school budget, and hires the Superintendent.
- A City Councillor or the Mayor proposes an ordinance
- Referred to a Council subcommittee for review
- Public hearing held, residents may testify
- Full City Council votes on the ordinance
- Mayor signs into law or vetoes within 10 days
- Council can override a veto with a two-thirds majority
Civic Calendar
- City Council: Regular sessions held monthly on Thursdays at City Hall, 93 Washington Street. Subcommittee meetings ongoing.
- School Committee: Regular sessions held monthly at 29 Highland Avenue, Room 227. Available via Zoom and SATV YouTube.
- City Budget: Fiscal year July 1 – June 30. Budget hearings in May and June, residents may testify.
- Municipal Elections: Mayor and City Councillors elected in odd-numbered years. Next city election: 2027.
- Salem 400+: Throughout 2026, Salem celebrates its 400th anniversary. Heritage Days Parade: August 1, 2026.
- Haunted Happenings: All of October. Salem’s annual month-long Halloween festival is a major civic and public safety event.
City Government
- Mayor’s OfficeMayor Dominick Pangallo — elected executive, budget authority, veto power
- City Council11 members — 4 at-large, 7 ward — Salem’s legislative body
- School Committee7 elected members + Mayor — school district governance
- City DepartmentsPolice, Fire, Planning, Finance, and more
- Boards & CommissionsVolunteer bodies advising on planning, preservation, and public life
Community & Data
- Salem HistoryFrom the Naumkeag to Salem 400+ — four centuries of history
- LegislatorsState senator, state rep, and congressional delegation
- DemographicsPopulation, income, voters, and student data at a glance
- Non-ProfitsCommunity health, housing, food access, and more
- Student DataEnrollment, demographics, and academic performance
Salem has a long tradition of civic engagement. Find out how to attend a meeting, volunteer, or run for office.