Local Government Structure

We are learning to explain the structure of the local government.

We are looking for different types of local governments.

What is Local Government Structure?

Local governments in Ohio are structured, or organized, in a variety of ways. They are different sizes and have different types of leaders who have a variety of responsibilities. These structures include:CountyCityVillageTownship

*Please note: The word municipal or municipality is used to describe a township, city, or village.

Local Government Structure: County

A county is the largest region of a state that has a large variety of local government leaders including a sheriff, county council, and court system. In Ohio we currently have 88 counties! Do you know what county you live in?

Local County Example: Cuyahoga County

http://www.cuyahogacounty.us/

Notice how many people are involved in making our county run smoothly!

Local Government Structure:City

A city is a densely populated municipality that is run by a mayor or a city manager and a city council. There are currently 251 cities in Ohio.

Local City Example: City of Solon

http://www.solonohio.org/

Mayor Mayor Susan A. Drucker

City Council Richard A. Bell, Ward One Robert N. Pelunis, Ward Two Toni M. Richmond, Ward Three William D. Mooney, Ward Four Nancy E. Meany, Ward Five Edward H. Kraus, Ward Six (Vice Mayor) William I. Russo, Ward Seven

Local Government Structure:Village

A village is a less populated municipality than a city, but is still run by a mayor or a city manager and a group of council members. There are currently 681 villages in Ohio.

Local Village Example: Village of Glenwillow

http://www.glenwillow-oh.gov/

Mayor and Council Members

Local Government Structure:Township

A division of a county, a small town. Run by a Board of Trustees or Representatives. They usually have many of the same responsibilities as both a mayor and city council. However, by law they do not have the authority to do all of the things that a city council has the authority to do.

Local Township Example:Chagrin Falls Township

http://chagrinfallstownship.org/

Township Representatives (sometimes called Trustees)

Tom Florkiewicz

John Finley

Mike Wise

I thought Chagrin Falls was a Village? Chagrin Falls has both!

Now it’s your turn! Local Government Structure

Scavenger Hunt Visit the following link:

http://Ohio.gov/government/localities Use the link above to identify one of each kind

of local government structure discussed...you choose each location. Then explore each website to determine and record the type of leaders they have.

Finally, highlight where the county, city, village, or township is on the map. Hint: You may need to use google.com to find the specific location!

Let’s try one together! Go to the city/village website menu and find Aurora. Click “go”. Using their website we know their leaders include a…It’s located…