Local Government

Level of governance operating within a specific geographic area.

municipal government local authority

Local government refers to a level of governance that operates within a specific geographic area, such as a city, county, or town.

The term 'local government' originated in the 19th century to describe administrative bodies operating at a local level.

Local government is like the city or town where you live, responsible for things like schools, parks, and roads.

The oldest continuous form of local government in the US is the Massachusetts town meeting
Many cities have a mayor as their chief executive
Local governments often handle zoning and building codes

What does local government do? It provides services like trash collection and police protection
Who elects local officials? Citizens living within the jurisdiction
How is it funded? Primarily through property taxes and fees

city council county government town hall

government public administration

city council county government town hall school board special district

mayor council member department head

federal government state government

political organization