- Public safety (police and fire departments)
- Public works (street maintenance, snow removal, etc.)
- Education
- Parks and recreation
- Housing and zoning
- Public transportation
- Utilities (water, electricity, etc.)
City governments are typically headed by a mayor, who is elected by the city's voters. The mayor is responsible for the overall administration of the city government, and typically appoints the heads of the various city departments. The city council is the legislative body of the city government, and is responsible for passing laws and ordinances that govern the city. City council members are also elected by the city's voters.
The structure and powers of city governments can vary significantly from country to country. In some countries, city governments are relatively weak, with limited powers and resources. In other countries, city governments are very powerful, and play a major role in the overall governance of the country.