Welcome to Waltham!
Located in Middlesex County just 10 miles west of Boston, Waltham (the evolved & local pronunciation is "wall-tham") is home to just over 62,000 residents. It was incorporated a town in 1738 and further incorporated a city in 1884. Administration is via a mayoral system and City Council. Waltham is also home to Brandeis University and Bentley University.
The City of Waltham has been frequently called "watch city" because of its association with the watch industry. Waltham Watch Company, a revolutionary cotton textile mill situated along the Charles River, opened its factory in Waltham in 1854 and was the first company to make watches on an assembly line. The company produced over 35 million watches, clocks and instruments before it closed in 1957, and would prove to be a milestone in the American Industrial Revolution. Explore below and see everything you need to know and all that this wonderful city has to offer! New to the City or have a question? Start here!
Ways to Stay Informed in Waltham
Citywide Alerts:
- Make sure you sign up for CodeRED, our citywide urgent alert notification system! CodeRED will send out urgent alerts via phone, text, or email. The system is used to notify residents in specific geographic locations of snow emergencies, parking bans, and missing persons, just to name a few. You can also text the word Waltham to 99411 to enroll. Translation to Spanish, Portuguese, and French is now available. If you're unsure if you're in the system or not, sign up anyways (it will automatically eliminate any duplicates)
- During the Winters in Waltham, a "Snow Emergency / Parking Ban" may be declared when significant snowfall is expected. When a Snow Emergency / Parking Ban is in effect, there is NO on street parking. All vehicles must be removed from all roadways or they are subject to tow. Residents may park in School & municipal parking lots (excluding the Public Library lot), however when the ban is lifted, vehicles must be removed from School lots within 2 hours and Municipal lots withing 24 hours. All Winter related alerts & information will be posted to our Winter Weather Alert Center. Snow Emergencies / Parking Bans will also be communicated through our CodeRED system.
City News / Announcements:
- All current city news and announcements will be posted here. You can subscribe to receive email alerts for the topics you care about here
- Make sure you're following all of our Waltham Social Media accounts, as well as the local news sources: Waltham Patch, Waltham News Tribune, and the Waltham Channel
- Citywide events & meetings will be posted to our city calendar
- All of our ongoing city projects will be listed here
- You can watch City meetings streaming & on Demand here
- Looking for a job? Here's our current Employment Opportunities in Waltham!
Trash & Recycling Collection
- EZ Disposal & Recycling is our dedicated pick-up vendor. The city provides recycling carts to each household, however, you must provide your own trash barrels. Barrels cannot exceed 32 gallons or 50lbs and all trash must fit in the barrel with a lid. All recycling needs to fit in your recycling cart with the lid closed. NO plastic bags are alllowed in recycling carts, as they get caught in recycling machinery. Trash and recycling is collected weekly in Waltham. Pick-ups are delayed a day for major holidays or snowstorms. See our Recycling & Trash Brochure for a full outline and pick-up calendar, and find your trash & recycling schedule here. You can report missed pick-ups to Public Works at 781-314-3855.
- See our Disposal Index for an overview of how to dispose of common items
- EZ Disposal and Recycling collects Yard Waste every other week. Collection alternates according to your address. Find your Yard Waste pick up schedule here
- EZ Disposal & Recycling will collect TV & Computer monitors, and major appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, washers, dryers, and metal cabinets by appointment only. Call them at 781-233-2211 to schedule a pick-up.
- Residents can take their household hazardous waste products to the Minuteman Household Hazardous Waste facility in Lexington MA, one weekend day per month. See here for more & how to register
Parking & Transportation
- The MBTA commuter rail has two stops in Waltham as part of the Fitchburg-Boston Line: Central Square Waltham across from City Hall (75 Carter St) AND one near Brandeis University (1 Sawyer Rd). MBTA bus service also covers the city, including routes: 61, 70, 170, 505, 553, 554, 556 and 558. The Charles River runs through Waltham, and bike and walking paths cover most of the south bank, as well as part of the north bank from Prospect Street to Moody Street. Some commuters ride the path to offices in Cambridge and Boston. See the Waltham map portion here, and a full map here. Our planning Department is currently overseeing the Waltham Wayside Trail Project which would connect the bike/walking path from Weston to the Belmont border. It is part of the 104-mile Mass Central Rail Trail which traverses east-west across the State. You can see project updates here.
- There are many Municipal & School parking lots in Waltham. See here for a map of all the available lots. During working hours, residents and visitors may park in any Municipal lot, however they must pay to park (Mon-Sat, 8am-6pm; $1/hr or $6/day). Parking can be paid using our “Pay by Phone” parking app, or at one of the pay stations located near the entrances of all Municipal lots. With the app, you’ll be able to make initial payments, extend parking sessions and pay to park multiple cars all from your phone without having to return to the meter (there is a 25 cent service fee to use the app). You can also enable reminders/alerts when your parking is close to ending. Electric car charging stations are also available throughout the city.
- Parking stickers are available for use in the City's municipal parking lots. The fee is $35.00 for a monthly sticker or $350.00 for a yearly sticker. Applications are available at the Treasurer's office or you can download the form here. Stickers are not valid in the Church Street lot, the Library Parking lot, or on any street.
- If you're over 62, you can buy a yearly parking pass at the Waltham Senior Center for only $5
- Make sure you're aware of your surroundings. No parking signs will be posted for major roadway work or street sweeping. During Winter months, a "Waltham Snow Emergency / Parking Ban" will be called when there is significant amounts of snowfall. You must remove all cars from roadways while the ban is in effect or you will be subject to tow.
- Got a parking ticket? You can appeal it here. Residents can also Request Traffic Improvements here
- See our full Traffic & Parking Rules/Regulations
- See an overview of bicycle riding do's and don'ts
- See here for a Handicap Parking Application
- See an overview on long-term & overnight parking options
- Want to request a city service, such as filling in a pothole, fixing a broken street light/signal, etc? You can fill out a work order request form here
- Snow clearing and plowing procedures/operations
- All boats with motors and recreational vehicles, such as snowmobiles and trailbikes, must be registered with the Mass Division of Law Enforcement
City Business
- Waltham's current Mayor is Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy. The Mayor is elected for a 4-year term, on odd-numbered years (2023, 2027, 2031, etc)
- The Waltham City Council is made up of 9 ward councilors and 6 at-large (city-wide) councilors who are elected for 2-year terms on odd numbered years (2023, 2025, 2027 etc). You can see their Council & Committee meeting schedule here & see a Ward/Precinct Map here to find out who your city Councillor is. Councillor emails can be found here. Council & Committee of the Whole Meeting agendas will be posted here (by the Thursday before the meeting), Council and Committee of the Whole meeting Minutes will be posted here. See here for individual Committee appointments, agendas, and minutes
- The Waltham School Committee has 6 members: Half are elected to a 4-year term, every two years, in odd-numbered years. 3 seats will be up for election in 2025, 2029, 2034, etc (for a 4 year term). The other 3 seats will be be up for election in 2023, 2027, 2031, etc (for a 4-year term)
- As a way to promote transparancy in all areas of city government, Waltham has acquired a financial transparency software called OpenGov. The software allows users to visually understand and examine the elements of the City’s budget and related finances. See here for more info and how to use it
- The City of Waltham launched a new Community Electricity Program, offering 4 different supply options so Waltham residents can find a product that matches their climate goals & their budget!
- You can view and pay your taxes & bills online here
- See Waltham City Ordinances
- Voting: Waltham is split into various Wards with Precincts. Wards are electoral districts used for local elections and polling, and are balanced to be approximately equal in resident population based on each US Census. There are 9 Wards in Waltham, each of which is represented by their own city Councillor. Each of the 9 wards are split into 2 different Precincts, which are smaller subdivisions of wards used to facilitate voting. Citizens at addresses in the same precinct all vote at the same polling station. Waltham municipal elections are held in odd-numbered years, and the entire 15-person City Council is elected at that time for a two-year term. In addition to electing their individual ward Councillor, all voters in the city also cast ballots for 6 At-Large (city-wide) Councillors who represent the city as a whole, and 3 of the 6 School Committee members. The mayor is elected every four years. To find your ward & precinct, see: Waltham Ward & Precinct Map, or you can also use the MA Secretary of State's election site's "Where do I vote?" section. See more on Elections in Waltham here.
Waltham Schools
- The City of Waltham, MA has seven (7) public Elementary Schools, two (2) public Middle Schools, and one (1) public High School. See a full list here, and a map of the schools here. Use the Waltham Public Schools website & the Parent Information Center (PIC) for all school related alerts and information. For enrollment information, see here
- Waltham is home to The Waltham Family School, an innovative family literacy program for residents who have limited educational opportunities
- Private schools in Waltham include: Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted (Catholic Prek - 8th grade), Gann Academy (independent Jewish high school), Chapel-Hill-Chauncy Hall (Boarding High School), Milestone School (for Special Needs Students ages 7-22), & Carroll School (elementary and middle school for learning disabilities)
- Waltham is also home to Brandeis University and Bentley University.
- See Waltham Public Schools athletic info/calendar
Voting: Wards & Precincts
- Waltham is split into various Wards with Precincts. Wards are electoral districts used for local elections and polling, and are balanced to be approximately equal in resident population based on each US Census. There are 9 Wards in Waltham, each of which is represented by their own city Councillor. Each of the 9 wards are split into 2 different Precincts, which are smaller subdivisions of wards used to facilitate voting. Citizens at addresses in the same precinct all vote at the same polling station.
- Waltham municipal elections are held in odd-numbered years, and the entire 15-person City Council is elected at that time for a two-year term. In addition to electing their individual ward Councillor, all voters in the city also cast ballots for 6 At-Large (city-wide) Councillors who represent the city as a whole, and 3 of the 6 School Committee members. The mayor is elected every four years.
- To find out who your City Councillor is, first find your address on our Ward & Precinct Map. From here you will be able to identify which Ward you are located in and can refer to the list of Ward Councillors here. You can also use the State's tool to locate all of your election & voting information here (including what Ward you are located in). See more on Elections in Waltham here.
Waltham Neighborhoods
- Various areas of Waltham are referred to as certain neighborhoods. See: Waltham Neighborhoods Map for an outline of neighborhood names.
- Additional maps of Waltham can be found here
Family Programs & Offerings
- Waltham's Recreation Department offers many programs for children & adults, including various Discounted tickets/passes. The Waltham Public Library also has lots of useful programs for Waltham kids, teens and adults.
- You can see a full listing of Waltham's parks here. The Recreation Department is currently working on various capital improvement projects to enhance parks, playgrounds, and open space with renovations and additional new recreational opportunities at different locations throughout the City.
- Waltham is also home to state run, Connors Memorial Community Swimming pool, as well as Veterans Memorial Skating Rink. A list of Spray Parks can be found here. The Recreation Department has free amusement park rides - see availability here.
- Youth Sport Organizations
- See a list of annual events in Waltham
Health & Services
- Affordable Housing Resources / Heating Assistance / WATCH CDC Community Resource Guide
- Waltham Health Department
- Massachusetts Child Care Services
- Waltham Partnership for Youth
- Local phone & cable services
- Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) - Internet Service Program
- Local Leash Laws / Pet Licensing
- Request a Waltham Birth, Death & Marriage Certificate
- Healthy Waltham
- Senior Guidance / Waltham Council on Aging
- CEDAR Clinic Youth Mental Health / Charles River Community Health
- Waltham Disability Services
- U.S. Post Offices
- Attractions / Local Arts / Special Interest Clubs / Annual Events
- The Waltham Public Library is a fully-funded community hub, fostering a healthy democratic society by providing a wealth of current informational, educational, and recreational resources free of charge to all members of the community.
- Waltham's Prospect Hill Park is the 3rd highest point in the region after two of the Blue Hills. The main entrance to the park is located off of Totten Pond Road, however there are various side / walk up trails as well. The top peak has a beautiful view of Waltham, Boston, and beyond. See a site map here & more on the park here
- Waltham Cemeteries
- Places of Worship / Synagogues & Mosques
- The Charles River runs through Waltham, and bike and walking paths cover most of the south bank, as well as part of the north bank from Prospect Street to Moody Street. Some commuters ride the path to offices in Cambridge and Boston. See here for a map of the Waltham Riverwalk. Paddle Boston also sets up shop every year near the walking path by Margaritas from Spring - Fall. See more on kayak and canoe rentals
- A list of great and various Trail Walks can be found here
- Waltham is known for its large selection of restaurants, most located along Moody & Main Streets
Thank you for considering Waltham for your business!
- Starting a Business in MA (registering your business with the state, tax information, obtaining licenses and permits)
- Waltham License Fees & Applications
- Anyone conducting business in Waltham must file a Business Certificate with the Department of the City Clerk. A Business Certificate is valid for four (4) years from the date of issue. A new filing must be made every four years as long as the business is functioning. It is the owner(s) responsibility to renew the form every four years. Renewal forms will not be automatically sent out. Should you need to file a withdrawal form, you can do so here
- City of Waltham Building Department – Permits, Zoning, and Inspections