Sveitarstjórar

Sveitarstjórar are the chief administrative officers in Icelandic municipalities (sveitarfélög). The term refers to the individuals who head the municipal administration and are responsible for the day-to-day management of the municipality and for implementing the decisions of the municipal council (sveitarstjórn). Their work covers the preparation of the municipal budget, the supervision of civil servants, and the delivery of local services such as education, social welfare, infrastructure, and planning.

Appointment and accountability: The municipal council appoints the sveitarstjóri and can dismiss them. The position is generally a professional civil service role rather than an elected office, and the councillors set policy while the sveitarstjóri ensures its execution. In larger municipalities a separate mayor may exist alongside the administrative head, but the exact structure varies between municipalities.

Relationship to the council and services: The sveitarstjóri is responsible for coordinating administrative functions, reporting to the council, and providing information to council members and the public. They ensure compliance with national law and local regulations, and oversee inter-municipal cooperation when applicable.

Significance and variation: The powers and duties of sveitarstjórar vary among municipalities, reflecting local needs and governance arrangements. The term is often translated as “municipal manager” or “chief executive” and is comparable to similar roles in other countries, such as city managers or chief administrative officers.