Executive Legislative Judicial Executive

Special district governments

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 

over one-third of all governmental enti-

ties in the United States are so-called 

special district governments. Special 

district governments operate 

independently of other local 

governments and are usually 

established to serve a spe-

cifi c purpose within a specifi c 

geographic region. Examples 

include:

• Water and natural resource 

conservation;

• Fire prevention;

• Water supply;

• Emergency services;

• Transportation.

Leaders of these gov-

ernmental entities may be elected or 

appointed. Powers of special district 

governments vary widely, but many have 

signifi cant regulatory and taxing authority. 

Their activities are commonly funded by a 

special sales tax or property tax collected 

within their area of jurisdiction, or by fees 

charged to users of their services.

Small towns throughout America, such as this idyllic spot in the Napa 

Valley, California, rely on local governments to deal with the basics of 

municipal and community life.

H

OW THE

 U.S. I

S

 G

OVERNED

---

27