City Government
Somerville City Departments
Finding the Right Department
Most of what residents need from the city runs through a department, not an elected official: paying a bill, pulling a permit, reporting a problem, registering to vote. Each department reports to the Mayor, who appoints its head.
The directory below covers the departments residents contact most. For the full list, hours, and staff, visit somervillema.gov. The main City Hall line is 617-625-6600.
Department Directory
| City Clerk & Elections | The City Clerk keeps the city’s records, business licenses and permits, and vital records, and supports the City Council. City Clerk Courtney Henderson. 93 Highland Avenue, first floor. 617-625-6600 ext. 4100. Elections are a separate department under the Board of Election Commissioners, Chairman Nicholas Salerno: voter registration, every election, and the annual city census. Basement level of City Hall. 617-625-6600 ext. 4200, elections@somervillema.gov. Register there or online at RegisterToVoteMA. |
|---|---|
| Police | Public safety. Chief Shumeane Benford. Headquarters, 220 Washington Street. Non-emergency 617-625-1600, emergencies 911. |
| Fire | Fire suppression, prevention, and emergency response. Chief Engineer Charles Breen. Headquarters, 266 Broadway. Non-emergency 617-623-1700, emergencies 911. |
| Public Works (DPW) | Streets, sidewalks, snow, trash, and recycling. Interim Commissioner Eric Weisman. 1 Franey Road. 617-666-3311. Report issues through Somerville 311. Water and sewer service and bills are the Water and Sewer Department’s, 17 Franey Road, 617-625-6600 ext. 5850. |
| Health & Human Services | Public health and social services. Director Karin Carroll. 167 Holland Street. 617-625-6600 ext. 4300. |
| Parks & Recreation | Parks, fields, and youth programs. Director Ohemeng Kyeremateng. 167 Holland Street. 617-625-6600 ext. 2980. |
| Somerville Public Library | Books, programs, and computers. Director Cathy Piantigini. Central Library, 79 Highland Avenue. 617-623-5000. |
| Office of Housing Stability | Eviction prevention and rental help. Director Ellen Shachter. 50 Evergreen Avenue. 617-625-6600 ext. 2581. |
City departments carry out state and local law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your city.
MassCivics last checked this page on October 7, 2026.
Sources
- City records: City of Somerville, Department of Public Works (DPW), as of October 2026.
- City records: City of Somerville, Employee Directory, Health and Human Services, as of October 2026.
- City records: City of Somerville, Employee Directory, Libraries, as of October 2026.
- City records: City of Somerville, Employee Directory, Parks and Recreation, as of October 2026.
- City records: City of Somerville, Fire Department, as of October 2026.
- City records: City of Somerville, Office of Housing Stability, as of October 2026.
- City records: City of Somerville, Police Chief Selection Process, as of October 2026.
- City Clerk records: City of Somerville, City Clerk, as of October 2026.