For an excellent introduction to understanding local government in Arizona, Arizona Local Government located in Government Documents Service on Table 7A, is highly recommended. For the bigger picture of local governments in the United States, please refer to the Census of Governments. For the latest Census data on local Arizona please refer to ARIZONA DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILES from the State Data Center.

Arizona Counties

• Link to official Arizona Counties info online and at ASU.


• The 15 counties in Arizona are basic subdivisions of the state, with elected officials providing local accountability of state mandated functions. The basic principles of these municipal governments are found in Article 12 of the Arizona Constitution. Current laws regarding Arizona counties are available from Title 11 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. More and more, counties are providing needed municipal-type services and addressing problems common to their geographic area.

Arizona Cities and Towns

• Link to official Arizona Cities and Towns info online and at ASU.


• There are currently 90 incorporated municipal governments (cities and towns) in Arizona which provide a wide variety of direct services. The basic principles of these municipal governments are found in Article 13 of the Arizona Constitution. Current laws regarding Arizona cities and town are available from Title 9 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Visit the League of Arizona Cities and Towns for more information about issues currently facing Arizona's cities and towns.

Arizona Councils/Associations of Governments

• Link to official Arizona Councils/Associations of Governments info online and at ASU.


• Associations and Councils of Governments are voluntary assemblies which coordinate project planning on common, regional issues (such as pollution, mass transit, etc.) that affect local governments as a group rather than stopping at city or county limits.

Special Purpose Governments

• Link to official Arizona Special Purpose Governments info online and at ASU.


• Special purpose governments make up the majority of local governments in Arizona. Special purpose local governments provide a specific service (such as fire protection, water delivery, etc.) for a specified area or population. Current laws regarding Arizona special districts are available from Title 48 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Arizona school districts (which are not currently part of our library collection) also fall into this category, with basic principles found in Article 11 of the Arizona Constitution and current laws found in Title 15 of the Arizona Revised Statutes.