City Government
City Departments
Finding the Right Department
Almost everything you actually need from City Hall, paying a bill, pulling a permit, reporting a pothole, registering to vote, runs through a city department, not through an elected official. Every one of these departments reports up to the City Manager, who hires the people who lead them.
The directory below covers the departments residents reach for most. For the full list, hours, and staff, visit worcesterma.gov/departments, or just dial 311, the Worcester customer service line that exists to point you to the right place.
Department Directory
| City Manager | Chief executive; oversees all departments and the budget. |
|---|---|
| City Clerk | Records, licenses, vital records, and the legislative function. |
| Election Commission | Voter registration, elections, and the annual city census. |
| Assessing & Taxes | Property valuations, tax billing, assessments, and exemptions. |
| Inspectional Services | Building permits, zoning enforcement, and housing inspections. |
| Police | Public safety. Lincoln Square, 9-11 Lincoln Square. |
| Fire | Fire suppression, prevention, and emergency response. |
| Public Works & Streets | Streets, sidewalks, snow, parks, and infrastructure. |
| Water & Sewer | Drinking water, sewer service, and water billing. |
| Trash & Recycling | Curbside collection, yellow bags, and the drop-off center. |
Sources
Worcester government website (worcesterma.gov). Verified July 2026.
These departments are where state and local law turns into daily life. See how the Massachusetts government above them connects down to your city.