About Lexington Town Government

An Overview of Lexington's Form of Government

Select Board & Town Manager

Lexington's Select Board-Town Manager form of government was created through a special act of the Massachusetts legislature, the Selectmen-Town Manager Act of 1968.

An elected 5 member Select Board meets throughout the year to make policy and oversee the operations of Town government.

Day-to-day administration of the Town of Lexington is provided by a full-time professional Town Manager appointed by the Select Board. Municipal department and division heads report to the Town Manager.

Town Meeting

The legislative function is performed by a Representative Town Meeting comprising roughly 200 elected Town Meeting Members who meet at least annually to appropriate funds, revise local bylaws, and make other decisions as needed.

Find out more about how Town Meetings work.

Planning

The 5 member elected Planning Board is the steward of the Comprehensive Plan, the Zoning By-law and Subdivision and Development Regulations. The Planning Department is staffed by professional planners who manage the day-to-day planning work and provide technical information to the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Town Clerk

The Town Clerk is responsible for the public records of the town, as well as managing elections and handling marriage licenses, dog licenses and other vital records.

Affordable Housing

The Lexington Housing Authority is responsible for providing decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for low-moderate income individuals and families. A 5-member elected Board of Commissioners appoints an Executive Director to administer the Federal and State programs in Lexington.

Schools

A 5 person elected School Committee and a Superintendent appointed by the School Committee administer local school affairs. Lexington public schools include 6 elementary schools 2 middle schools, Lexington High School, and Minuteman Regional High School.

Public Library

The Cary Library Board of Trustees oversees library operations.

Other Boards & Committees

Numerous citizen volunteers are elected or appointed to a variety of other commissions, boards, and committees. The webpage for each group contains information about its Charge, membership, public meeting schedule and links to meeting minutes. See the Public Meeting Calendar for upcoming meetings with agendas.