Local Wiki · State overview
Local Government in Michigan
How local government works in Michigan, the kinds of local government it has, and where to look for more. For your own county or city, browse Michigan’s Local Wiki pages below.
The great majority of Michigan's 83 counties (80 of them) are run by an elected County Board of Commissioners that holds both legislative and executive authority — there's no separate elected county executive. A small number of populous counties (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Bay) have adopted an elected county-executive structure with a downsized board. For most Michigan residents, the county commissioners — and an appointed county administrator, where one exists — are the right point of contact for a public meeting or records request.
Local government in Michigan
- County governments83
The main local government across most of the state.
Browse county pages - Cities, towns & villages533
Incorporated municipalities with their own elected council or board.
Browse city & town pages - Townships1,240
Township governments beneath the county, often handling local roads and assistance.
- School districts567
Independent school districts with their own elected boards. Listed on county pages where known.
- Special districts437
Single-purpose governments — fire, water, library, parks, housing, transit, and more.
Counts: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments — Government Units listing. A consolidated city-county is counted once.
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