municipal

Municipal is an adjective relating to a municipality, a local government unit with defined territory and powers to govern local affairs. In many countries, municipalities are the basic units of local administration, incorporating cities, towns, boroughs, villages, or townships, depending on the jurisdiction. They are meant to provide governance and services close to residents.

Municipalities are typically governed by elected councils or assemblies and an executive authority such as a mayor or city manager. They are responsible for delivering local services, regulating land use, and maintaining infrastructure. Common duties include urban planning and zoning, issuing building permits, road maintenance, water supply and sanitation, waste collection, and parks and recreation. They may also administer local policing or fire protection, public libraries, and public transit, and they often levy local taxes or fees. Revenues come from taxes, charges for services, and transfers from higher levels of government; municipalities may also issue debt through municipal bonds to fund projects.

The legal basis for municipalities varies by country. They are typically created or recognized by higher levels of government and operate under statutes or constitutions that define their powers, responsibilities, and accountability. In federal systems, some municipalities enjoy a degree of home-rule autonomy, whereas in unitary states their powers are more tightly defined by national or regional law.

Etymology and usage: the term derives from Latin municipalis, from municipium, meaning a city or town with its own government. In some places, municipal refers broadly to local government administration, while in others it designates the specific corporate entity responsible for local governance.