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A Citizen's Guide: Community Decision -Making Basics <br />This information is provided as a resource and it is important to know that the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) has <br />no jurisdiction over local government planning and community development. The primary role of the EQB is to advise <br />organizations on the proper procedures for environmental review and to monitor the effectiveness of the process in <br />general. It is encouraged to contact the EQB on matters related to environmental review. <br />Overview <br />The term "Local government" applies to: <br />• Counties • Towns (townships) • Cities <br />• Hospital districts • Regional development commissions • School districts <br />• The Metropolitan Council • Soil and water conservation districts <br />While local governments have a great deal of authority to oversee activities that take place under their jurisdiction, they <br />are also subject to the laws, permits and rules of the state and federal government. Cities, townships, counties and <br />certain joint power organizations can be named the responsible governmental unit (RGU) for a project to carry out <br />environmental review. Other forms of local government, such as school districts, cannot be the RGU. <br />The diagram below shows some of the services/locations the three types of local government provide for: <br />Cities <br />Intensely developed <br />areas including: <br />• Residential <br />• Commercial <br />• Industrial <br />Townships <br />Areas including: <br />• Agriculture <br />• Rural residential <br />• Open space <br />• Land use <br />• Planning <br />activities <br />• Zoning <br />Counties <br />Carry out certain mandates: <br />•Public assistance <br />• Corrective systems <br />2 <br />