1.
local government; municipality; local authority
A governing body at the regional or municipal level, including prefectures, cities, towns, and villages. Responsible for local administration, public services, and community governance.
地方自治体に問い合わせる。
To contact the local government.
地方自治体が独自の支援策を発表した。
The local government announced its own support measures.
多くの地方自治体が人口減少という課題に直面している。
Many local governments are facing the challenge of population decline.
Compound of 地方 (local/regional) + 自治体 (self-governing body). Often shortened to 自治体 in conversation and news. In Japan, 地方自治体 includes 都道府県 (prefectures) and 市町村 (cities, towns, and villages). Common collocations: 地方自治体の取り組み (local government initiatives), 地方自治体の財政 (local government finances).