Local Wiki · State overview
Local Government in Wisconsin
How local government works in Wisconsin, the kinds of local government it has, and where to look for more. For your own county or city, browse Wisconsin’s Local Wiki pages below.
Counties are governed by an elected county board of supervisors — a legislative body — with day-to-day administration typically handled by an appointed administrator or coordinator, though 11 of the state's 72 counties instead have a separately elected county executive with veto power. Just as important for residents: Wisconsin's roughly 1,250 towns are full units of general-purpose government, not just service districts, so a town board often handles roads, zoning, and permitting that elsewhere would be a county's job. Depending on the issue, a resident may need to contact either their town board or their county board — worth checking both.
Local government in Wisconsin
- County governments72
The main local government across most of the state.
Browse county pages - Cities, towns & villages605
Incorporated municipalities with their own elected council or board.
Browse city & town pages - Towns1,244
Town governments, which cover most of the state outside its cities.
- School districts437
Independent school districts, plus 3 school systems run by a county, city, or town government. Listed on county pages where known.
- Special districts696
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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