Bezirkshauptmann

Bezirkshauptmann, in Austria, is the head of the district administration responsible for a Bezirk (district) in most Austrian states outside of statutory cities. The district administration, known as Bezirkshauptmannschaft, serves as the bridging authority between municipalities and the state government, implementing state and federal law at the district level and coordinating public services.

Bezirkshauptleute are professional civil servants appointed by the state government of the respective state. They usually operate from a district capital in a Bezirkshauptmannschaft and are supported by deputies and staff. The position is not elected; tenure depends on the appointing authority and adherence to civil service rules.

Responsibilities include supervising the execution of state law in the district, overseeing civil administration tasks (such as licensing, registration, and public order), coordinating welfare and health services, disaster management, and the supervision of municipalities within the district. They act as the state representative in district matters and liaise between local communities and the Landesregierung.

Historically, the office originated in the late 19th century during the Austro-Hungarian Empire and continues in modern Austria, with reforms reflecting changes in decentralization and administrative efficiency. In districts containing Statutarstädte or in the capital Vienna the administrative structure differs, as those cities maintain their own city administrations.