December 17, 2012

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced December 5 the debut of what the city calls the “nation’s first City Hall on wheels.”

Inspired by the now ubiquitous food truck, the brightly-designed “City Hall To Go” truck will travel throughout Boston’s neighborhoods, offering a select menu of city services to constituents. Residents visiting the truck will be able to pay or dispute parking tickets, request birth, death or marriage certificates, and pay property and excise taxes, among other services. The full menu of offerings is available at: www.cityofboston.gov/cityhalltogo.

“‘City Hall To Go’ builds on our mission to shake up the status quo in municipal services,” Menino said. “This pilot offers one more way for Boston residents to get personal, timely service from the city, and makes it even easier by cutting out the trip to city hall.”

Starting this spring, the city plans for the truck to become a regular feature in Boston’s neighborhoods, including at special events, block parties and street festivals, as well as offer seasonal services as resident needs shift throughout the year.

The program will evolve based on feedback from residents. “City Hall To Go” staff will connect with residents and gather input on the types of services Bostonians want the truck to offer. Ideas for the “City Hall To Go” truck can be shared through a brief online survey or in person at any of the truck’s scheduled stops. 

The design of the “City Hall To Go” truck was inspired by Boston’s diverse neighborhoods. The map encircling the truck takes a viewer from west to east, along actual city streets, while the skyline celebrates Boston’s thriving urban center. The truck originally served as a Boston Police Department SWAT vehicle.