Services that affect you on a daily basis—such as education, law enforcement, street maintenance, and public health—are usually provided by local units of government such as cities, counties, and special districts. There are two types of city government in Texas. General-law cities, with less than 5,000 people, function under the general laws of Texas. Home-rule cities can make their own laws, unless those laws are prohibited by state or federal laws. Three common forms of city government in Texas include mayor-council, council-manager, and commission. The most important source of income for local governments is property taxes.

Texas has 254 counties. County governments are the most important unit of local government in Texas. They help the state government by collecting state taxes, handling important election matters, and issuing licenses. They also work with state and federal agencies to provide services and programs for their citizens.

Another form of local government is the special district, which is created to meet a specific need. Special districts are the most numerous of all government units and include school districts, rapid transit authorities, and water control and improvement districts.

How Are You Involved? Many opportunities exist for Texans to participate in government and politics. Some people are involved in government through volunteer work. Others run for public office. Citizens help make many important decisions when they vote, because they elect individuals to carry out specific government tasks.