Newton Economic Development

The City of Newton’s Economic Development team is here to support local businesses, strengthen Newton’s village centers and commercial corridors, and make it easy to do business in Newton. 

If you’re opening a new business, expanding an existing one, or exploring opportunities in Newton, we’re here to help! 

Leadership Team
Lauren Berman   Director of Economic Development   Email: lberman@newtonma.gov   Phone: (781) 400-3036	Cheryl Lappin   Deputy Director of Economic Development   Email: clappin@newtonma.gov   Phone: (781) 400-0982

City staff provide assistance with commercial licensing, permitting, regulation, and other matters affecting local businesses. See Who to Call at City Hall (below).

Who to Call at City Hall

Emergency? Dial 911.

For non-emergency issues, call Dispatch 24/7 at (617) 796-2123. 

Accessibility: ADA Coordinator Jini Fairley, (617) 796-1253, jfairley@newtonma.gov

Alcohol licenses: Health & Human Services, (617) 796-1420, licensing@newtonma.gov

Building permits: Inspectional Services, (617) 796-1060, isd@newtonma.gov

Parking for employees of village center businesses: Please contact David Koses in Public Works, dkoses@newtonma.gov

Parking for contractors: Temporary parking at metered spaces is available for a fee. Apply online.

Recycling & Trash: City and State law requires commercial properties to separate recyclable materials from trash and to recycle plastic, metal, and glass containers, mixed paper, and cardboard. For a list of vendors approved to collect commercial trash and recycling in Newton, please contact Environmental Health, (617) 796-1420. 

Retail packaging: Plastic bags and single-use, food and beverage service ware are subject to City ordinances. Please see plastic bag reduction and takeout containers. 

Restaurant licensing: Contact the Newton Health Department, (617) 796-1420, licensing@newtonma.gov

Signs, commercial: Contact Shubee Sikka in Planning & Development, (617) 796-1139, ssikka@newtonma.gov