1. GO # 13
Local Government
The units of local government in Virginia are _counties_, _cities_, and __towns_. Local
government exercise _legislative__, __executive_, and __judicial_ powers. These units are
political subdivisions created by the __General Assembly___
Counties
• Have
an
elected
__board
of
supervisors__,
which
exercises
_legislative__
powers,
enacting
__ordinances__
(local
laws)
and
adopting
an
annual
__budget__.
• May
hire
a
_manager__
to
oversee
the
operation
of
the
local
government.
• __State
Courts__
resolve
judicial
disputes
• Voters
must
elect
a
_sheriff__,
a
clerk
of
the
circuit
court,
a
commissioner
of
_revenue_,
and
a
treasurer.
• Have
an
elected
__school
board_,
which
oversees
the
operation
of
the
K-­‐12
public
schools
in
the
county
Cities
• Have
an
elected
__city
council__,
which
exercises
__legislative__
powers,
enacting
__ordinance__
(local
laws)
and
adopting
an
annual
__budget_.
A
mayor
is
elected
either
by
the
__voters_
or
the
city
council
members.
• May
hire
a
__manager_
to
oversee
the
operation
of
the
local
government.
• __State
Courts__
resolve
judicial
disputes
• Voters
must
elect
a
_sheriff_,
a
clerk
of
the
circuit
court,
a
commissioner
of
__revenue_,
and
a
treasurer.
• Have
an
elected
__school
board__,
which
oversees
the
operation
of
the
K-­‐12
public
schools
in
the
county
Towns
(Incorporated)
• Have
an
elected
__town
council__,
which
exercises
__legislative__
powers,
enacting
__ordinances__
(local
laws)
and
adopting
an
annual
_budget__.
A
mayor
is
elected
either
by
the
_voters_
or
the
city
council
members.
• May
hire
a
__manager_
to
oversee
the
operation
of
the
local
government.
• __State
Courts__
resolve
judicial
disputes
• Voters
must
elect
a
__sheriff_,
a
clerk
of
the
circuit
court,
a
commissioner
of
__revenue__,
and
a
treasurer.

2. Virginia local government exercise defined and limited powers, including the powers to
• enforce state and local laws
• promote public health
• protect public safety
• educate children
• protect the environment
• regulate land use
• levy and collect taxes
The authority of local governments in Virginia are _derived_ from the _state__.
All powers of local governments in Virginia are given to them by the __Constitution of Virginia__ and
acts of the _General Assembly_.
Not all counties and cities are given the same powers. Cities have __charters_ listing their powers.
Counties, cities, and towns adopt and enforce _ordinances_ to provide services for their residents.
An elected __board of supervisors_ is the legislative body in counties. While an elected __council_ is
the legislative body in independent cities and incorporated towns.
Individuals can have the greatest influence on the decisions made by local government officials.