Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments
Secretary General: Mudīte Priede
Latvijas Pavaldķbu Savienķba
1 Mazį Pils Str. - LV - 1050 Riga
Tel.: 371-6722 65 36
Adviser to the chairman on EU issues: Evita Grzibovska
Ph.: +32 2 550 12 62
Fax: +32 2 550 12 72
LOCAL STRUCTURES IN LATVIA
Latvia is a unitary state composed of municipalities (novads) and cities (pilsēta).
Local level: 110 municipalities (novadi) and 9 cities (pilseta)
Local authorities
The local council (dome) is the local authority's legislative body. Its members are councillors who are elected by direct universal suffrage for a period of four years. The council elects the council's chairperson/mayor from among its councillors and its standing committees.
The standing committees (komitejas) prepare draft decisions for the council. Each committee is chaired by a local elected representative and is composed of both politicians and relevant local specialists.
The chairperson/mayor (priekšsedētājs) is elected by the council for a four-year term. He/she chairs the local council and the financial and economic committee.
Local competences
. Provision of water-, heating- and waste management-related services
. Public services and infrastructure
. Public management of forests and water
. Primary and secondary education
. Culture
. Access to health care and promotion of a healthy lifestyle
. Social services
. Matters relating to guardianship and adoption
. Housing assistance, including housing benefits
. Aid for the promotion of economic activity and employment
. Public order and civil protection
. Land development and building design according to development plans
. Collection of statistical information
. Public transport
. On-going training for teachers
. Protection of children's rights
Note
Municipalities and cities in Latvia have the competences of both local and regional authorities. They can also take on a number of functions on a voluntary basis, without necessitating the national government's approval. Examples of these additional functions are municipal fire-brigades and adult education.
