A municipality is a specific area of local government that is responsible for providing services and maintaining infrastructure within its boundaries. This can include cities, towns, or villages, and each municipality has its own governing body, often called a city council or town board. They manage essential services like police, fire protection, and public transportation. Municipalities are important for local governance because they allow residents to have a say in how their community is run. They create and enforce local laws, manage budgets, and oversee public services, ensuring that the needs of the community are met effectively.