gemeente (municipality)

A gemeente, or municipality, is an administrative region responsible for local governance within a specific area, such as a town or city. It manages local services like education, public transportation, waste management, and infrastructure, ensuring community needs are met. The gemeenteraad (municipal council) makes decisions on policies, budgets, and regulations, while the burgemeester (mayor) oversees daily operations. Municipalties function as the closest government level to residents, providing a framework for community development, local safety, and public services, and they vary in size and scope depending on the country and region.