Work and Life at the City of Boston
Learn more about who we are, what we do, and how we grow at the City of Boston.
Those who work for the City are more than just employees. We are a community of neighbors serving the neighborhoods in which we all live, work, and play. And though we come from different cultures and backgrounds, we are united through our shared commitment to protect and grow our sense of community— for it is Boston’s greatest strength.
Our Values
Values
Doing the Big and Small
City government is special. We are the level closest to the people, so we must do the big and the small. Every street light, every pothole, every park, every classroom lays the foundation for a better future. We'll tackle our biggest challenges by getting the small things right.
Getting City Hall out of City Hall
We believe the future of our city depends on the success of each individual. Our charge is to see every person and listen. To meet people where they are — by getting City Hall out of City Hall into our neighborhoods, block by block, street by street.
Embracing the possibilities of Boston
When we make City Hall more accessible, we are all raised up. When we communicate in many languages, we all understand more. Boston is constantly changing — sometimes rapidly, and sometimes through persistent effort — but with everyone’s inclusion and participation, we believe, ever for the better.
Work-Life Well-being
At the City of Boston, we understand that well-being extends beyond physical health. To be our best selves, we need to focus on all aspects of our well-being at and outside of work.
Paid Time Off and Holidays
We offer paid time off based on your position and years of service with the City. We also offer generous holiday benefits and paid holidays to all full-time employees.
Paid Parental Leave
The City seeks to promote health and wellness for employees and their families through its Paid Parental Leave policy. Eligible employees may be granted up to 12 weeks of compensated time off to care for and bond with a child added to their immediate family.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Employee Scholarship Program
The City partners with Boston University and Northeastern University in providing a limited number of full-tuition scholarships to qualifying City of Boston employees pursuing graduate degrees or certificates each year.
Employee Transit Benefits
The City of Boston offers several employee transit benefits to encourage biking, walking, and taking public transportation to get to work and travel around the city.
MBTA Passport Program
Through the City of Boston’s MBTA Passport Program, the City covers 65% of the cost of your monthly MBTA pass (up to $232), with the remaining portion deducted from your paycheck using pre-tax dollars. This not only reduces your commuting costs but also lowers your taxable income, providing additional savings on your yearly taxes.
Bluebikes Memberships
The City of Boston offers discounted Bluebikes memberships to our employees. Bluebikes, Metro Boston's public bike share program, consists of a fleet of specially designed, sturdy, and durable bikes locked into a network of docking stations throughout the city. The bikes can be unlocked from one station and returned to any other station in the system, making them ideal for one-way trips. It’s a fun, affordable, and convenient transportation option for quick trips around town.
Diversity and Inclusion
Employee Resource Groups
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are independently organized, led, and governed by City of Boston employees. These community-driven groups provide support and make an impact in and outside the workplace.