Each municipality has a council where decisions are made: an executive or mayoral committee that coordinates the work of the municipality, a municipal manager that manages the municipality, and municipal officials and staff who carry out the work of the municipality. The council also sets up smaller committees (See Structures of a Municipality). The municipality is made up in the following way:

The council – Elected members (councillors) who represent the people have legislative powers to pass by-laws and approve policies for their area. The council also sets up smaller committees.

The mayor – Elected by the council to co-ordinate the work of the council; the mayor and/or executive committee act as the executive of the council. The mayor is assisted by a mayoral executive committee.

The executive or mayoral committee – Made up of councillors with specific portfolios which match the departments within the municipal administration; they oversee the work of the municipal manager and department heads.

The municipal manager – The chief executive officer who is head of the administration of the municipality and legally accountable for the finances and work of the municipality.

Municipal council officials – People who work for the administration.

Ward committees – Mainly advisory committees which can make recommendations on any matter affecting the ward. A ward committee consists of the councillor and a maximum of 10 people from the ward who are elected by the community. The ward committee therefore plays a very important role as a link between the community and decision-makers. It provides important opportunities for public participation. (See Ward committees)