View the Salem Handbook
City Government
Salem Departments
Finding the Right Department
Salem’s city departments handle everything from property taxes to building permits to public parks. Most are headquartered at City Hall (93 Washington Street) or City Hall Annex, though several have their own locations. City Hall hours: Mon–Wed 8am–4pm, Thu 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–noon.
For general inquiries call 978-745-9595 or visit salemma.gov. For non-emergency issues, potholes, missed trash, code concerns, use the SeeClickFix portal.
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. |
Salem’s departments are part of a broader network of Massachusetts state agencies. Learn how city and state government work together.