Northampton City Government

City Hall Photo: V. Hoyt, Woodside Studio

The City of Northampton was incorporated in 1884. City Government consists of an elected Mayor, City Council, City Clerk, and Treasurer elected for two-year terms of office. The Mayor is the chief executive officer of the City. The City Council consists of nine members - seven ward councilors and two at-large councilors. The City is divided into seven wards with an equal number of voters. The City Council is the legislative body for the City and is responsible for adopting the budget as prepared by the Mayor and for adopting City ordinances.

City Charter

The Northampton City Charter is currently under review and revision. Recent revisions to the Charter approved by the legislature are not reflected in this document. The Charter document will be revised during fiscal year 2006 as part of a re-codification of City ordinances. The Charter and ordinances will then be made available on the website. Please contact the City Clerk's office for individual updates as approved by the legislature. City Charter

City Boards and Committees

There are a number of volunteer boards and commissions that work with city government to maintain and improve the quality of life in Northampton. Most of the boards are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The Board of Health and the Registrar of Voters are appointed solely by the City Council.

The term of service on most Boards is three years. Most Boards also allow members to be reappointed when their term expires. Most Boards meet once a month, and some have subcommittees that meet in between monthly meetings.

If you are interested in volunteering for a Board or Commission, you may download an application from this page or pick one up at the Mayor's Office during business hours. If you are unable to come into the office, you may call or email and we will send a form to you. Appointments to Boards are made on a rolling basis, as members resign or retire from service.

For more information and a complete list of boards and committees with links to their web pages, click on this link. City Boards and Committees