Ajuntaments

Ajuntaments are the basic units of local government in Catalan-speaking regions, where the term is used to refer to the municipal governing body as well as to the town hall building that houses its offices. In practice, ajuntaments administer the affairs of municipalities such as towns and cities and are the closest level of government to residents.

Functions and powers of ajuntaments include urban planning and zoning, housing policy, management of public services (water, waste, street cleaning, transportation, parks, and infrastructure), social services, culture and education programs, local economic development, licensing and permits, and local taxation and fee collection. They operate within a framework of national and autonomous community laws, and they must align their budgets and plans with regional planning and state requirements.

Structure and leadership typically involve councillors elected by residents in municipal elections. The council, or plenary, is the main decision-making body. The mayor (alcalde or alcaldessa) is usually chosen by the plenary from among the councillors and acts as the head of the ajuntament and a representative of the municipality. Many ajuntaments also maintain a local government board or executive committees to manage daily administration and specialized commissions for areas such as finances, urban planning, and social services.

Elections for councillors are held every four years through proportional representation. The size of the council varies with the municipality, influencing the number of possible council seats.

Ajuntaments play a central role in shaping everyday life at the local level, coordinating with provincial and autonomous authorities to deliver services, implement policies, and respond to residents’ needs. They are often housed in a distinctive town hall building that symbolizes municipal authority.