City Government
Salem Departments
Finding the Right Department
Salem’s departments handle nearly everything the city touches, from your family’s property tax bill to building permits to the condition of the parks. Most work out of City Hall at 93 Washington Street or the City Hall Annex, though several have their own addresses. City Hall is open Monday to Wednesday 8am to 4pm, Thursday 8am to 7pm, and Friday 8am to noon.
For general questions, call 978-745-9595 or visit salemma.gov. For the everyday stuff, a pothole, a missed trash pickup, a code complaint, the SeeClickFix portal routes it to the right crew.
Department Directory
| Assessors | Property valuations and tax assessments. City Hall. salemma.gov |
|---|---|
| City Clerk | Elections, vital records, licenses, and official city records. Ilene Simons, City Clerk : 978-745-9595 , isimons@salem.com. City Hall, 93 Washington Street. |
| City Solicitor | Legal counsel and representation for the city. City Hall. |
| Community & Economic Development | Planning, zoning, economic development, and housing initiatives. City Hall. |
| Community Life Center | Recreation programs, senior services, and community events. 401 Bridge Street : 978-744-0924. |
| Finance | City budget, accounting, treasury, and purchasing. City Hall. |
| Fire Department | Emergency response, fire prevention, and inspections. Multiple stations throughout Salem. |
| Health & Human Services | Public health programs, elder services, veterans services, and housing stability resources. |
| Historical Commission | Historic preservation review and local landmark designation. City Hall. |
| Human Resources | City employment, benefits, and labor relations. City Hall. |
| Inspectional Services | Building permits, code enforcement, and zoning compliance. City Hall. |
| Mayor’s Office | Executive leadership and constituent services. 93 Washington Street : 978-745-9595 , mayor@salem.com. |
| Park, Recreation & Community Services | Parks, athletic programs, and community events. 978-744-0924. |
| Police Department | Public safety and emergency response. 95 Margin Street. |
| Public Library | Books, programs, and community resources. 370 Essex Street : 978-744-0860. |
| Public Services | Roads, sidewalks, street sweeping, snow removal, and waste collection. |
| Salem Public Schools | PK-12 education across 11 schools. 29 Highland Avenue : 978-740-1212 , salemk12.org. |
Sources
Salem government website (salemma.gov). Verified July 2026.
Salem’s departments plug into a much larger web of state agencies. See how city and state government fit together.