LOCAL GOVERNMENT “ALL POLITICS IS LOCAL” What does this quote suggest about the importance of the local governments?

REMEMBER… How many governments do we have in America?

FEDERALISM POWER SHARED BY: NATIONAL GOV'T STATE GOV'T CREATES: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

What types of Local Governments are there?

County New Hanover County CityWilmington Towns(Generally in New England) VillagesLandfall? Special Districts New Hanover County School Board: New Hanover County Water and Sewer

How do local governments get created?

Through the STATE Must get a CHARTER – Document that grants power to a local government: said to be incorporated – Many getting HOME RULE now Right of local government to create own charters, still must be allowed by the state.

How has Wilmington changed in size over time?

Why? Annexation – Bringing unincorporated land and its residents into an existing municipality(city, town, etc.) – Why would the City want to add lands to its limits? – What would be the PROS and CONS of being annexed into a city?

Annexation: Pros and Cons

ZONING BOARDS SECTIONING A CITY FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES EXAMPLES: – RESIDENTIAL – AGRICULTURAL – COMMERCIAL – INDUSTRIAL Why would we do this?

Structure of Local Governments Which of the three branches do they have? – Legislative-makes laws-called ordinances at local level. – Executive-enforces laws-mayor for city. – Judicial-interprets laws-local gov’t uses state court officials. Structure of the governments depends on the local government.

Structures of Local Government Mayor-Council Form – Strong Mayor – Weak Mayor Council Manager Form Commission Form

Voters Elect Heads of City Departments Mayor  Proposes Legislation  Prepares Budget  Appoints officials City Council Strong Mayor form of Mayor-Council Form of Government

Heads of City Departments Mayor  Leads City Council Meetings  Votes to break tie City Council  Makes policy decisions  Appoints city officials Weak Mayor form of Mayor-Council Form of Government Voters Elect

VOTERS ELECT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Police Commissioner Pass ordinances Controls Funds Carry Out Policy Fire Commissioner Parks Commissioner Finance Commissioner Public Works Commissioner Commission Form of Government

VOTERS CITY MANAGER Elect Elects MAYOR Appoints HEADS OF CITY DEPARTMENTS Hires Council-Manager Form of Government