Kommunnivå

Kommunnivå refers to the level of government at the municipal level within Sweden, where public administration is organized into municipalities (kommuner). Sweden has 290 municipalities, and residents elect a municipal council in general elections held every four years. The municipal level is characterized by local democracy and autonomy in delivering services and shaping local development.

Governance at the kommunnivå includes the municipal council (kommunfullmäktige), which holds legislative power, passes budgets, and makes local regulations. An elected municipal executive board or committee (kommunstyrelse) implements council decisions and oversees the administration. The day-to-day administration is managed by a municipal administration led by a chief executive (kommunchef) or förvaltningschef. They supervise departments handling schools, care services, planning, and infrastructure.

Responsibilities at the kommunnivå typically cover preschools and compulsory schooling, social services and elderly care, child and youth services, urban planning and housing, water and sewerage, solid waste management, local culture and recreation, environmental protection, and municipal roads and public transport coordination.

Financing and cooperation: Municipalities fund these services largely through municipal income tax (kommunalskatt), state grants, and fees for services. They also participate in inter-municipal cooperation for specialized services or larger infrastructure projects. At the regional level, counties or regions handle healthcare and certain cultural services, with cooperation with municipalities to coordinate planning, transport, and emergency preparedness.