The type of local governments varies in different parts of the country. However, most of them have a similar structure, with a central council, which is elected by the voters, an executive officer and heads of the different departments. Although there exists a charter, which talks about the power and objectives of the city government, they have to work in close contact with the state and the federal government. The three different types of city governments are:
•Mayor Council
•Commission
•Council Manager
Mayor Council – Type of City Government
The oldest type of city government is the mayor council kind of government. This city government type apes the state and federal government structure, where there is an elected chief of the executive branch and there exists a council to help the chief with the administration. The heads of the different departments are appointed by the mayor. However, it is the mayor who is the face of the city government. The authority given to the mayor may differ from one city to another. In some cities, the mayor may have the veto powers, with which he will be able to veto laws passed by the council, while in other cities, the mayor will need the approval of the council. Preparing the budget of the city is the task of the mayor. The purview of the city council is the laws governing the local issues.

Commission
As the name suggests a commission comprises of three or more elected members from the city. The legislative as well as the executive functions rest with this group of officials. The laws and ordinances are set and passed by the commission working as one single team. There is a commissioner, who is entrusted with the job of supervising work in one or more city departments. In most cases the commissioner is elected by the voters often with nonpartisan election system. In some cities, a mayor may be elected from the council, but it is merely a decorative or ceremonial post.

Council Manager
The council manager is one of the city government types, where the chief executive officer is not elected, but appointed by the council members. Normally a highly trainer and experienced person is chosen for the job. The policies and ordinances are made by the council, but it is the professional manager who is responsible for implementing the policies. The day to day administration is carried out by the appointed manager. The task of making a budget for the city is the task entrusted to the city manager. The manager holds the post as long as he enjoys the faith of the council, as there is no set term for the manager.