How Many Local Governments Are There?
Short answer
There are over 90,000 local governments in the United States, including counties, cities, towns, school districts, and special districts. These governments vary widely in size and function but collectively provide many essential public services close to where people live and work, making them the foundation of everyday community life.
What Is Local Government in Simple Terms?
Local government is the level of government closest to the people, created under state laws to manage community-specific needs. It includes entities such as counties, cities, towns, school districts, and special districts. These governments provide day-to-day services like policing, road maintenance, public schooling, waste collection, and water supply. Unlike federal or state governments that handle national or statewide issues, local governments focus on the local community’s quality of life.
For example, if a neighborhood wants new streetlights, the local government—perhaps the city or town council—would be the place to request that improvement. Local governments have elected officials who make policies and allocate funds specifically for their communities. They often have the power to raise money through local taxes or fees that residents pay, such as property taxes or utility fees.
How Does Local Government Work?
Local governments operate through elected officials and appointed staff who run daily operations. Officials such as mayors, city council members, county commissioners, or school board members represent residents’ interests. These leaders meet regularly in public sessions to discuss and vote on budgets, ordinances, and local projects.
Imagine a small town with 8,000 residents. The town has a mayor and six council members who meet twice a month. A resident notices that local playground equipment is unsafe. She can attend the council meeting, speak during the public comment period, and urge the council to allocate funds for repairs. The council then votes, and if approved, the town’s public works department schedules the repairs. The town funds this work through property taxes and grants from the state government.
Local governments also employ professionals like city managers, police chiefs, and school administrators who handle day-to-day tasks under the direction of elected officials. Public meetings are open to residents, ensuring transparency and community involvement. Many local governments publish meeting agendas and minutes online for easy access.
Why Does the Number of Local Governments Matter?
Understanding how many local governments exist is important because it shows the complexity and localized nature of governance in the U.S. With over 90,000 entities, citizens interact with multiple governments depending on where they live. For instance, a person may fall under a city government, a county government, a school district, and several special districts simultaneously.
This variety means services and rules can differ widely even between neighboring communities. For example, one city might have municipal trash pickup, while a nearby town requires residents to contract private services. One county could offer extensive public health clinics, while another provides limited services. Knowing which local governments serve you helps you access services, understand tax bills, and participate in government decisions that affect your life.
Additionally, the number of local governments reflects how communities organize themselves to handle specific needs. Some areas create special districts dedicated solely to fire protection or water supply because those services require focused management and funding. This decentralized approach helps tailor government to local preferences and priorities.
What Types of Local Governments Are There and How Many?
Local governments include several distinct types, each with its own roles and responsibilities. Here are the main categories, along with approximate counts to illustrate the scale:
| Type | Role & Services Provided | Approximate Number in US* |
|---|---|---|
| Counties | Oversee courts, law enforcement, public health, property records | About 3,000 |
| Municipalities | Cities, towns, villages handling zoning, police, parks | Nearly 20,000 |
| School Districts | Manage public education including schools and curricula | Around 13,000 |
| Special Districts | Provide specific services like water, fire protection, transit | Over 40,000 |
*Numbers change as governments form, merge, or dissolve.
Special districts are the most numerous, formed to address very specific needs that may cross city or county lines. For example, a regional transit authority may serve multiple towns, while a water district manages supply for rural areas. School districts operate independently of cities and counties, focusing on education.
By breaking down services among different governments, communities can create specialized entities better suited to each function. However, this can also mean residents pay multiple taxes and need to understand which government handles which service.
What Are Common Confusions About Local Governments?
Many people confuse or conflate types of local governments because names and powers vary by state. For example, a "township" in one state may have governmental powers similar to a city, while in another it may be a geographic designation only. Some assume “city” and “town” are interchangeable, but legal distinctions often exist depending on state laws.
Another common confusion is between local governments and state governments. Local governments focus on neighborhood and community services, while states handle broader policies like highways, state police, and statewide regulations. For example, issues with local roads are usually handled by city or county governments, whereas highways connecting multiple cities fall under state jurisdiction.
Additionally, special districts often confuse people because they may not have elected officials known to residents or may overlap multiple local governments. These districts can levy taxes and provide critical services, but their governance and funding can be less visible.
Understanding these distinctions is important for knowing where to seek help or raise concerns. For example, questions about local school policies go to the school district board, while property tax issues might be handled by the county assessor’s office.
How Can You Engage With or Get Help from Local Government?
Getting involved with local government starts by identifying which entities serve your area and learning how they operate. Here are practical steps to engage:
- Find your local governments: Visit your city, county, or state government websites to locate your local governments and their contact information.
- Attend meetings: Most local governments hold regular public meetings. Attend city council, county commission, or school board meetings to hear discussions and voice your opinions. Meetings often have public comment periods where you can speak directly.
- Vote in local elections: Local elections determine who leads your community. Register to vote and participate in these elections to influence policies and budgets.
- Contact officials: Write, call, or email your local representatives about concerns or ideas. Officials often provide contact details online.
- Use online resources: Many local governments have websites listing services, permit applications, and complaint forms. Use these to request services or report problems.
- Join boards or committees: Volunteer for advisory boards or commissions to help shape local policies and projects.
If you need specific help—such as applying for permits, accessing social services, or reporting safety hazards—local government offices and websites are the starting point. For example, if your neighborhood experiences frequent flooding, contact the local water district or county public works department to learn about mitigation plans.
Resources like How to Get Involved with Local Government and How to Get Help from Local Government provide detailed guidance tailored to residents.
What Should You Do Next to Understand Your Local Government?
Take action to deepen your knowledge and connection to your local government by following these steps:
- Identify all local governments in your area: Use online tools or contact your city or county offices to list all governments affecting you, including special districts.
- Learn about their functions: Visit their websites or call offices to understand what services they provide and how decisions are made.
- Subscribe to newsletters or alerts: Many local governments offer email updates or social media feeds to keep residents informed of meetings, projects, and emergencies.
- Attend a meeting or watch online: Seeing government in action helps demystify processes and shows how public input influences outcomes.
- Engage with officials: Introduce yourself at community events or via email to your representatives to build relationships and stay informed.
- Explore related topics: Reading about What Local Government Does and Its Role and Why Local Government Exists and Its Importance can broaden your understanding.
By taking these steps, you become an informed citizen ready to participate effectively, influence decisions, and access services efficiently. Your involvement helps shape the community’s future and improves quality of life for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
How do local governments raise money to pay for services?
Local governments typically collect revenue from property taxes, sales taxes, fees for services (like water or garbage), and sometimes receive state or federal grants. Special districts can also levy taxes specific to their function. Budgets are approved by elected officials during public meetings, allowing residents to see and influence spending priorities.
Can local governments be combined or eliminated?
Yes, state laws allow local governments to merge or dissolve, often to improve efficiency or reduce costs. For example, two small towns may consolidate into one city government after a local referendum. Residents usually vote on such changes to ensure community support.
What’s the difference between a city and a county government?
A city government manages services like police, parks, and zoning within city limits. A county government covers a larger area, including multiple cities or towns, handling courts, public health, property records, and regional services. Both have elected officials but separate responsibilities.
How are local government officials selected?
Most local government officials are elected by residents in local elections. This includes mayors, council members, and school board members. Some special district officials may be appointed, depending on local rules. Voting in these elections is key for residents to influence leadership.
What is a special district and why do they exist?
Special districts are local governments created to provide specific services like fire protection, water supply, or transportation. They exist because these needs often cross city or county boundaries or require focused management. Special districts have taxing authority and operate independently of broader local governments.