Municipalities have the power to address local issues both directly and indirectly. Local town administration can directly address any issue within their jurisdiction and any services they deliver or for which they manage the service delivery contracts. Elected leaders can also indirectly address local issues through intergovernmental negotiations and by having a seat at the table and voice in interlocal decision-making bodies.

Being a municipality is a seat at the table at a meeting you otherwise would not be a part of. It is having a united voice for local citizens, more than a community organization or civic group might have. As a government, it is the level of government closest to the people and, therefore, the most able to unite the community’s voice.

Perdido’s local voice currently consists of three minutes per citizen at Board of County Commissioner meetings. As a municipality, citizens could have a unified local voice, with elected town leaders attending crucial intergovernmental meetings and negotiations and ensuring the community is adequately represented.

Municipalities typically have seats and votes on local transportation planning organizations, helping to address and prioritize road, traffic, and transportation projects in a way that benefits their communities.