Plain-English explainers on cities, counties, school boards, budgets and the rules that decide who can do what.
How city budgets work: where local revenue comes from, operating vs. capital budgets, the budget calendar, public hearings and how to read a city budget.
How do school boards work? Elected vs. appointed boards, their power over budgets and curriculum, public comment rules, and how to run for school board.
What does county government do? A guide to boards of supervisors and commissioners, row officers like the sheriff and assessor, and where county money goes.
Council-manager form of government vs. mayor-council: how strong mayor, weak mayor, commission and town meeting systems work, with real city examples.
How does local government work? A plain-English guide to cities, counties, school boards and special districts, plus who to call when something goes wrong.
