KS in English

The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) is the organisation for all local governments in Norway. KS is Norway’s largest public employer organisation.

About KS

The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) is the organisation for all local governments in Norway. All municipalities and county councils are members.

European and international affairs

The Norwegian local government sector is greatly influenced by European Union matters, and benefits from exchanging interests and collaborating with international partners.

Finding Norwegian partners

The international projects team at KS is available to forward requests for Norwegian project partners for the EEA/Norway Grants through its network of international coordinators in the various regions of Norway.

Local government reforms in Norway

119 municipalities are merging to 47 and 19 county councils become 11. In 2020, Norway will have 356 municipalities and 11 regions.

The consultation scheme

KS and the central government agree on the need for good dialogue between the state- and local government sectors. Therefore, there are regular consultative meetings.

The elected officials training programme

The purpose of this programme is to support elected officials in Norwegian local governments to fulfil their role in the best manner. All municipalities, county councils and district committees are offered the programme during each election period.

News in English

How do the Nordic countries and Europe work towards the SDGs?

On behalf of KS, Nordregio has carried out a survey of Nordic and European initiatives that are relevant for local and regional authorities to know about in the work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Universal design and age-friendly society

KS ' newest handbook on age-friendly communities is now available in English. Several other booklets with examples of universal design and age-friendly society from Norwegian municipalities and counties are already available in English.

KS supporting local development in Bulgaria

KS is using Norwegian experience to mobilize local resources for development in small- and medium-sized communities in Bulgaria.

KS and the coronavirus situation

KS has acted as a contact point and coordinator during the pandemic. Our organization’s role has been described and sent to the coronavirus commission.

Call for the rights of LGBTI people in Polish municipalities

In an open letter to local and regional authorities in Poland, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) expresses concern about how the rights of LGBTI people are being protected. KS supports the call.

Implementing the SDGs at local and regional level – examples from Norway

KS motivates, supports and encourages its members to develop innovative and good services for citizens and inclusive communities through applying the SDGs. Here you can learn about some examples of how municipalities and county authorities in Norway work.

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