Regardless of size, type or location, the core purpose of all municipalities is to deliver effective and efficient services to residents and businesses. While many municipal services such as water and transportation are often so central to resident and industry needs that they are taken for granted, municipalities invest tremendous amounts of money and capacity in ensuring that such services are delivered reliably and at a level that meets specific local needs. While there are certain services that nearly all municipalities provide, the scope and level of services provided can vary across municipalities, and will often impact tax rates, capital investment decisions, land use planning, and other municipal purposes. Rural municipalities often face unique service delivery challenges due to their large geographic size, dispersed population, and high level of industrial activity. As a result, the level, scope and method of service delivery often varies between rural and urban municipalities.
