View the Springfield Handbook
Hampden County
Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield is Massachusetts’ third-largest city and the economic and cultural hub of western New England. Whether you’re following City Hall, navigating the school system, or looking for community resources, this guide gives you the facts you need to participate in local government.
Springfield at a Glance
- County: Hampden, county seat and largest city in western Massachusetts
- Government: Strong-Mayor, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno in office since January 2008
- Schools: Springfield Public Schools, ~23,670 students across 66 schools
The Springfield Civics Handbook
The 2026 Springfield Civics Handbook covers local government, elected officials, city services, demographics, and history in a print format designed for schools and residents.
How Springfield’s Government Works
The Mayor
Elected to a 4-year term. Chief executive: appoints department heads, prepares the annual budget, enforces city law, and chairs the School Committee.
City Council
13 members (5 at-large, 8 ward), elected to 2-year terms. Passes ordinances, approves the budget, and can override mayoral vetoes.
School Committee
7 members. Mayor chairs as ex officio member; 2 elected at-large, 4 by district. Sets policy for Springfield Public Schools.
- Residents elect the Mayor to a 4-year term. The Mayor serves as chief executive, appoints department heads, and prepares the annual budget.
- The 13-member City Council passes ordinances and approves the city budget. Eight members represent individual wards; five are elected at-large citywide.
- The Mayor can veto City Council ordinances. The Council can override a veto.
- The School Committee, chaired by the Mayor, sets policy and hires the superintendent for Springfield Public Schools.
Civic Calendar
- City Council: Regular meetings Monday evenings in the City Council Chamber, City Hall, 36 Court Street. Hybrid participation available; contact office at (413) 787-6170 to sign up for public speakout.
- School Committee: Regular sessions at City Hall Room 220 at 6:30 PM. Public speak-out held before select meetings; contact (413) 787-7100 x55112 at least 48 hours in advance to sign up.
- City Elections: Non-partisan elections held in November. Mayor elected every 4 years (next: November 2027). City Council and School Committee elected every 2 years (next: November 2027).
- City Budget: Springfield’s fiscal year runs July 1 – June 30. Budget hearings are held in spring; adopted by City Council each June.
- Voter Registration: Residents can register online at sec.state.ma.us or in person at the Elections office, City Hall Room 8.
City Government
- Mayor’s OfficeMayor Domenic J. Sarno — chief executive, budget, appointments
- City Council13 members — ordinances, oversight, budget approval
- School Committee7 members — policy for Springfield Public Schools
- City DepartmentsPublic works, health, housing, fire, police, and more
- Boards & CommissionsPlanning, zoning, conservation, and other advisory bodies
Community & Data
- Springfield HistoryFrom William Pynchon’s 1636 trading post to the birthplace of basketball
- LegislatorsYour state senator, four state reps, and members of Congress
- DemographicsPopulation, income, race, housing, and voter data
- Non-ProfitsCommunity health, housing, food resources, and family services
- Student DataEnrollment, demographics, and MCAS performance for Springfield Public Schools
Springfield’s elected officials want to hear from you. Find your legislators, attend a council meeting, or read the 2026 Handbook.