Sveitarfélögin

Sveitarfélögin are the local government units in Iceland, covering towns, villages and surrounding rural areas. They operate under the Local Government Act and enjoy a degree of self-government within the framework set by the state.

Each municipality is governed by a municipal council (kjörin bæjarstjórn eller sveitarstjórn) elected for four-year terms. The council sets budgets, enacts local regulations, and oversees services. The administration is led by a chief executive (bæjarstjóri or sveitarstjóri) who implements council decisions. Municipalities may form committees or agencies to handle specific areas.

Powers and responsibilities include early childhood education and care, primary and lower-secondary education support, social services and welfare, elderly care, housing and urban planning, building permits, water supply and sewage, waste management, local roads and infrastructure, environmental protection, libraries, culture and sports, and civil protection.

Financing comes from a combination of central government transfers and locally generated revenues, such as municipal taxes and fees. Municipalities are subject to national oversight and audits.

Regional cooperation and reform are characteristic features of Sveitarfélögin. They work together through associations like Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga (SÍS) and various regional partnerships. Iceland has pursued municipal reforms to merge smaller municipalities in order to improve capacity, efficiency and service delivery, affecting the number and boundaries of Sveitarfélögin.

Overall, the municipalities are the primary providers of local public services and play a key role in local democracy and community life.