What does the municipal council decide? Decisions that reach your family

Published 2026-10-29

Small decisions that shape daily life

When we hear the word “election”, we think of the government and parliament. But many of the services your family uses every week are run by the municipality (kommune), and its priorities are set by the municipal council (kommunestyre) that you elect.

Examples from everyday life

• Kindergarten and school: The municipality is responsible for kindergartens (barnehage) and for primary and lower secondary school (grunnskole). Its budget affects the resources and support children receive.
• Health and care: Primary healthcare and care for older people are run through the municipality.
• Neighbourhood and local transport: Local roads, parks, playgrounds and cultural facilities.
• Planning: Where homes, schools and new neighbourhoods are built.

The county (fylkeskommune) and its council (fylkesting) handle other matters, including upper secondary school (videregående skole), and share responsibility for public transport with the state and the municipality.

How does a council decision reach my family?

Picture a family with a child in kindergarten and a grandmother who needs help at home. What the council decides about the budget and priorities affects both. And when the elected members disagree about where the money should go, it is the election result that decides which side gets a majority.

How do I follow what happens in my municipality?

• Your municipality’s website shows council meetings and minutes.
• As a resident you can follow local news and put questions to your elected representatives.
• Many parties publish local programmes before the election. It is worth reading more than one.

For official information about the election, see valg.no.

The association is politically independent. Our aim is that people know what is decided on their behalf, and by whom.