Parks and Recreation. The Parks and Recreation Department maintains parks, golf courses, swimming pools, hiking trails, and zoos.
Public Safety. This Department usually includes the police, fire fighters, emergency services, animal control, and court system.
Arts and Education. The Arts and Education Department oversees schools, museums, libraries and art galleries. In some cities, these might be two separate Departments: Education, and Arts and Culture.
Transportation. The Transportation Department is responsible for streets, traffic lights, bridges, airports, local buses and trains, and parking meters.
Health. The Health Department provides health education, programs, clinics, and counseling. In some towns, the Health Department might be part of the Safety Department.
Community Development. Community Development creates housing for people who don't make a lot money, funds projects like community centers, and helps plan ways to improve the city.
Public Works. The Public Works Department is responsible for water and sewage, trash collection, and recycling.
Neighborhood Services. Neighborhood Services provide job training and volunteer programs, youth counseling, and assistance for those with special needs.