Taking part in local government.

Who decides what, locally

Most of the public decisions that shape daily life, the roads, the bins, the parks, the library, what gets built where, are made close to home.

• Local government comes in layers. Depending on the country, there may be a city or town council, a county, district or regional council, and separate bodies for schools, water or transport.
• Elected members and staff do different jobs. Elected councillors or board members set policy and budgets; staff carry them out and can usually tell you how a service works.
• Find the right body first. Your local government’s website usually lists what each body is responsible for. When in doubt, call and ask: “Who decides this, and when?”
• Many decisions start as reports. A staff report or proposal is often published before a decision is made. That is the best time to read it and say what you think.

Meetings and public comment

In many places, the meetings where local decisions are made are open to the public, and there is time set aside for residents to speak.

1. Find the agenda.Agendas and papers are usually published on the council or board website ahead of each meeting. Many meetings are also streamed or recorded.

2. Check how to take part.Some bodies ask you to sign up to speak in advance; others take written comments by email or post. There is often a time limit for each speaker.

3. Say it plainly.Name the agenda item, say who you are and where you live, explain how the decision affects you, and say what you would like to happen. Facts and your own experience carry weight.

4. Be respectful.You can disagree firmly and still be courteous. It makes it easier for people to listen.

5. Follow up.Read the minutes, see what was decided, and write to the members or staff involved if you have more to add.

Asking for public records

Many countries have laws that let anyone ask public bodies for the information they hold. They are often called freedom of information or right to information laws.

• Be specific. Say what you want, for which dates, and in what form, such as electronic copies. A narrow request is usually answered faster than a broad one.
• Send it to the right place. Many bodies have an online form or a named records or information officer. National, regional and local bodies are often covered by different laws.
• Ask about fees and timing. Rules on cost and deadlines differ by country and by level of government. You can ask for an estimate before work starts.
• Keep a copy of your request and the date you sent it.
• If you are refused, the reply should say why and how to appeal or ask for a review.

For public bodies answering requests, our records requests playbook covers the other side of the desk.

Reading a local budget

A budget is the clearest statement of what a local government plans to do. It is public, and you can have a say before it is adopted.

• Start with the summary. Most budgets open with an overview of where the money comes from, such as local taxes, fees and money from national government, and where it goes.
• Compare with last year. What grew, what shrank, and what is new? The changes are usually where the decisions are.
• Know the calendar. Budgets typically go through a proposal, public hearings or consultation, and a vote. Comments are most useful early.
• Ask questions. Staff can often explain a line you don’t understand. Some places also let residents propose and vote on how part of the budget is spent.

Serving locally

Local government depends on residents who give some of their time.

• Boards and commissions. Many councils have advisory boards on subjects such as planning, parks, libraries, transport or accessibility, with places for residents. Vacancies are usually posted on the council website.
• Election work. Elections in many countries rely on people who staff polling places and count votes. Your official election office says how to apply and what is involved.
• Schools and neighborhoods. School councils, parent groups, neighborhood associations and community councils are often the easiest place to start.
• Ask what it takes. Eligibility, training and the time involved vary. Ask before you apply, so you know what you are agreeing to.

Information you can trust

This guide doesn’t tell anyone what to think or how to vote. It is about finding out what is actually happening.

• Go to the source. Agendas, minutes, budgets and official notices are the record. Read them before relying on a summary.
• Check who published it, and when. Old news shared as new, and screenshots without a source, are common ways to mislead.
• Read past the headline. Headlines are written to be shared. The detail is often different.
• For voting, only use your official election office. How and where to register, deadlines, polling places and ways to vote come from the electoral authority where you live, not from a message, post or call.