Skip to Content

Get COVID-19 News and Resources for cities — frequently updated with the latest information

City Structure

Most cities operate under a “statutory city” structure set up by Minnesota law that dictates council size and powers. Fewer cities organize using the “home rule charter” option. How to become a city, grow and dissolve. Understand the city’s place in the hierarchy of state and federal governments.

Resources

Charter Assistance Program

Guidance for home rule charter cities or a statutory city considering adopting the home rule form of government.

Published Feb 3, 2020.

Handbook for Minnesota Cities Chapter 3: The Statutory City

Handbook Chapter

Minnesota law provides for two basic types of cities: statutory cities operating under the statutory city code, and home rule…

Published Oct 25, 2019.

Handbook for Minnesota Cities Chapter 1: Local Government in Minnesota

Handbook Chapter

Learn about the different kinds of local government such as cities, towns, counties, and their relationship to state and federal…

Published Sep 13, 2019.

Handbook for Minnesota Cities Chapter 4: The Home Rule Charter City

Handbook Chapter

Understand the authority to form a home rule charter city, charter city powers and the ways it may be organized.

Published Jun 14, 2019.