the control and organization of towns and small areas, and the services they provide, by people who are elected by those living in the area

We are asking both local and national government to address the issue of climate change. 我们要求地方性和全国性行政机构都参与应对气候变迁所带来的问题。

an individual organization that is responsible for controlling and organizing a town or small area, providing its services, etc.

The study looked at the role of local governments in the financial crisis. 这份报告研究了各地方政府在金融危机时的作用。