Local governments are administrative offices of an area smaller than a state or province. The term is used to contrast with offices at nation-state level, which are referred to as the central government, national government, or (where appropriate) federal government.
In modern nations, local governments usually have less powers than national governments do. They usually have some power to raise taxes, though these may be limited by central legislation. In some countries local government is partly or wholly funded by subventions from central government taxation. The question of Municipal Autonomy - which powers the local government has, or should have, and why - is a key question of public administration and governance.
The institutions of local government vary greatly between countries, and even where similar arrangements exist, the terminology often varies. Common names for local government entities include state, province, region, department, county, prefecture, district, city, township, town, borough, parish, municipality, shire and village. However all these names are often used informally in countries where they do not describe a legal local government entity.
More on [ Local government ]

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Auckland and the Government Working Together - The New Zealand Government's Auckland Issues website, hosted by Judith Tizard, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister with Auckland Issues. Covers areas such as transport, infrastructure, social policy and economic development, latest news and links to Auckland.
Ingenium - Organisation that represents engineers who look after public assets. Includes publication lists, details of the annual conference and information for members.
New Zealand Local Government - Clickable map with information, contacts and links to regional and territorial authorities, online document library, site search, and details of the local government managers and information manager societies.
Meta Description: [ Default ]
Oultwood Local Government Index - Index of Council web sites using clickable maps and links.
Meta Description: [ New Zealand local government council web site links using clickable maps and lists ]
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