View the Worcester HandbookWorcester County
Worcester, Massachusetts
Everything you need to understand and take part in local government in Worcester, the people who run the city, the boards that shape your neighborhood, the legislators who carry your voice to Boston and Washington, and the data that tells Worcester’s story. Known as the “Heart of the Commonwealth,” Worcester is the second-largest city in New England and one of the most diverse communities in Massachusetts.
Worcester at a Glance
- County: Worcester, the county seat and the second-largest city in New England, about 40 miles west of Boston at the center of the state.
- Government: Plan E Council-Manager, City Manager Eric D. Batista (since 2022); Mayor Joseph M. Petty, popularly elected, chairs the City Council and School Committee.
- Schools: Worcester Public Schools, about 24,800 students across 47 schools, led by Superintendent Brian Allen.
The Worcester Civics Handbook
A plain-language guide to how your city works, who represents you, how decisions get made, and how to make your voice heard. Read it free online.
How Worcester’s Government Works
Worcester operates under “Plan E,” a council-manager charter the city first adopted in 1947 and modified to its current form in 1985. Voters elect a Mayor and an eleven-member City Council along with a School Committee; the Council appoints a professional City Manager to run day-to-day operations. The structure resembles a corporation, the Council acting as a board of directors, the Mayor as its chair, and the City Manager as chief executive.
City Manager
The chief executive, appointed by and accountable to the Council. Runs all departments, prepares the budget, and carries out Council policy.
City Council
The eleven-member legislative body, six at-large and five by district, sets policy, passes ordinances, and adopts the budget.
Mayor & School Committee
The Mayor, elected city-wide, is the city’s official head and chairs both the Council and the elected School Committee.
- Residents elect the Mayor, the eleven councilors, and the School Committee every two years in odd-numbered years.
- The Council appoints a City Manager to administer the city.
- The Mayor presides, chosen directly by voters, the Mayor chairs the Council and the School Committee.
- You take part, public comment, board service, and contacting your district councilor all shape what happens next.
Civic Calendar
- City Council: meets most Tuesday evenings at City Hall, 455 Main Street.
- School Committee: meets twice monthly; broadcast on Worcester’s government channel and streamed online.
- Municipal elections: odd-numbered years (next November 2027); Mayor, all Council, and School Committee seats.
- State & federal elections: even-numbered years, the 2026 primary (Sept. 1) and general (Nov. 3) are this fall.
City Government
Community & Data
Local government works best when residents show up. Find your district councilor, speak at a meeting, or apply to serve on a board.