Municipalities

Municipalities are local government units that administer a defined territory and possess corporate status and limited self-government. They can be cities, towns, boroughs, villages, or townships, depending on the country and its administrative conventions. Municipalities are typically the lowest tier of government with direct responsibility for many daily life services and rules that affect local communities.

Most municipalities are governed by an elected council and an executive leader such as a mayor or city manager. In some systems, the mayor is elected separately; in others, the council selects the mayor from among its members. Some use a council-manager arrangement with professional administrators.

Powers and functions come from national or regional law. Municipalities levy local taxes and fees and receive transfers from higher levels. They regulate land use through zoning and building codes, issue permits, manage local roads, parks, water supply, sanitation, waste collection, and public safety services like police or fire protection, depending on arrangements.

They oversee budgeting, planning, and service delivery; they may provide libraries, cultural facilities, and social services directly or contract with other providers.

Municipalities may merge or annex; regional bodies may coordinate services; inter-municipal cooperation is common.

In many countries, the naming and structure vary; city, town, village, borough, or district terms may be used, with differing powers.