What is a city council? A county commission? A board of supervisors? And why should I care?

 

Local governing bodies may go by different names, but they have one function in common: to be the people's eyes and ears in government.


.
 

City Council is a group of elected officials responsible for making decisions and laws at the local level within a city. They handle matters like budgets, ordinances, and policies that affect the city's residents.

County Commission (or Board of County Commissioners) is a body of elected officials responsible for governing a county. They oversee various county services, such as public safety, infrastructure, and budget allocation.

Board of Supervisors is similar to a City Council but operates at the county level. They are elected officials who manage county legislation, oversee public services, approve budgets, and ensure efficient operations within the county.

Why Should You Care?

Understanding the roles of these bodies is crucial as they directly impact your daily life. City Councils make decisions on local issues like schools and roads, County Commissions manage services like law enforcement and public works, while Boards of Supervisors ensure effective governance and service delivery in counties. By being aware of their functions, you can participate in local governance, influence policies that affect you directly, and ensure efficient use of public resources

 





Jurisdictional relevance: US

Legal Consumer - CaliforniaLaw. The content of this article pertains to all US states and counties.