Eric D. Batista, City Manager
Welcome to the City of Worcester!
I am honored to serve as City Manager and lead a municipal staff that seeks to deliver exceptional public services and operations that are rooted in equity, innovation and integrity, and centered on people.
As the second largest city in New England continues to grow, my Administration works every day to maintain Worcester’s status as a safe and vibrant mid-sized city where opportunity is available to all.
Overview
The City of Worcester is governed by a Council-Manager, or Plan E, form of government.
Worcester first adopted a Plan E form of government in 1947, with nine councilors who chose the mayor and manager. Voters modified the city's Plan E form of government to its current form - an 11-member city council that includes a popularly-elected mayor and appoints a city manager - in 1985. That 11-member council includes six at-large councilors and five district councilors.
This council-manager form of government resembles a business corporation, with the council acting as a board of directors, the mayor acting as the chairman of the board, and the city manager acting as Chief Executive Officer. It is common in cities across the country, with nine of the 25 most populous U.S. cities following the model, including Phoenix, AZ; San Antonio, TX; and San Jose, CA; according to data from the 2020 U.S. Census.
The goal behind the council-manager form of government is to have a non-political executive office that acts as the administrative branch of the city's government. As such, the manager is fully responsible for day-to-day municipal operations. The manager oversees the work of all the department heads, who report to the manager; prepares the budget for council consideration; and makes reports and recommendations.
The City Council acts as the legislative branch of the city's government. The council can pass ordinances and set policy for the overall direction of the city.
FY25 - 29 Municipal Strategic Plan
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2029 municipal Strategic Plan lays out an updated mission, vision, values, strategies and objectives to guide municipal operations over five years.
The plan was informed by extensive self-study, internal discussion and community input dating back to the previous FY20-24 strategic plan. The community engagement process included listening sessions, focus groups, surveys and feedback solicited during the during the development of the Worcester Now | Next long-range plan and other city-wide municipal plans. The mission, vision, values and objectives aim to reflect the needs and priorities of Worcester's residents while maintaining inclusive, equitable and efficient local government.
Cabinet Members
The Cabinet Members are the administrative team that has been assembled to assist the City Manager with the everyday responsibilities and future development of the City of Worcester. This team consists of leaders from various departments across the City.
Quality of Life Team
The Quality of Life Team is an interdepartmental team made up of members of the City Manager's Office, Department of Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery and Worcester Police Department.
Executive Orders
The City Manager functions as Worcester's Chief Executive Officer and as such has the authority to issue Executive Orders. A history of Worcester's Executive Orders dating back to 1973 are available for viewing on our Informing Worcester portal.
- Executive Order Concerning Local Immigration Protocol
- City Immigration Response Policy 2025 (Amended Feb. 4, 2026)
Investigations Division Intake Form
Use this online form to submit a report of discrimination, bias, harassment or excessive force to the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion's Investigations Division.
Alternatively, members of the public can call the Investigations Division's hotline at 774-548-1696 or visit the Investigation Division's Office at 51 Sever Street to submit a report of discrimination, bias, harassment or excessive force specific to the Worcester Police Department.
Contact Information
Address
City Manager
City Hall Room 306
455 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Contact
Phone: 508-799-1175
Fax: 508-799-1208
CityManager@worcesterma.gov
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.