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.

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.

Employees in the Norwegian local government sector

Three out of four employees in municipalities and county municipalities are women. Women earn about 94 percent of men's wages, which has increased by two percentage points over the last ten years.

News in English

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.

Action Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals – the local government sector is ready to contribute

The government will present a White Paper with proposals for a national action plan to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. - Norwegian municipalities and county authorities are ready to contribute to this work, says president Bjørn Arild Gram.

Roles and responsibilities in the national crisis

Civil protection work in Norway is based on the principles of equality, proximity, responsibility and cooperation. This applies to both national and municipal emergency preparedness.

Status quo 2019 - the local government sector in Norway

The population in Norway is 5.25 million, in which over half a million work in the local government sector. In 2020, after the newly initiated local government renewal reform, Norway will have 356 municipalities and 11 regional county councils.

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