municipalité

A municipality, or municipalité, is the smallest unit of local government in many countries, defined as a territory with its own elected governing body and administrative responsibilities. Its core purpose is to manage local affairs within a defined area, including services, planning and basic infrastructure, and to represent residents in relations with higher levels of government.

Governance and functions are typically carried out by a municipal council and a chief executive such as a mayor or similar official. The council, elected for a fixed term, adopts budgets, ordinances, and policies, and oversees municipal departments responsible for areas such as urban planning, housing, utilities, waste management, culture, and social services. The exact powers and structure vary by country and region, reflecting different constitutional frameworks and administrative traditions.

The precise status and scope of a municipality differ across jurisdictions. In francophone contexts, the term municipalité often denotes the local government itself, while the territorial unit may be called a commune in some countries. In federal or decentralized systems, municipalities may have a high degree of autonomy and responsibility for local affairs, sometimes collaborating with neighboring municipalities through intermunicipal bodies to provide shared services such as transit, water, or waste management. In other places, municipalities operate under closer supervision by regional or provincial authorities.

Municipalities operate under national or regional laws and principles of subsidiarity, which grant local authorities authority to address issues closest to residents. Common responsibilities include urban planning, local roads, public spaces, sanitation, local economic development, and cultural or recreational services. The concept emphasizes local self-government, accountability to residents, and the ability to tailor policies to local needs.