Guide to State and Local Government

School boards are the governing bodies of local school districts, setting the vision, goals, and policies that shape students’ daily experiences. Their responsibilities include approving budgets, adopting curriculum and instructional materials, hiring and overseeing the superintendent, and ensuring financial accountability and overall district performance.

Importantly, school boards also make decisions that directly affect LGBTQ+ students and families, such as setting nondiscrimination and anti-bullying policies, determining whether inclusive books and curriculum are used, and creating a school climate where all students are safe, affirmed, and able to learn.

While school boards provide direction and oversight, the superintendent and school administration handle the district’s day-to-day operations.

How Members are Chosen

In most states, school board members are elected by voters in the school district. In a few districts, members may be appointed by local officials (such as mayors or county commissions).

Find Your School Board Member

You can usually find your school board representative by visiting your school district’s website or local election office. Most list board members, meeting schedules, and contact information. If you’re unsure which district you live in, call your district office or check your voter registration for local education districts.

For information on attending school board meetings visit our Guide to Attending Public Hearings and Meetings page.

Library boards provide the leadership and oversight that keep public libraries thriving as centers of community learning and connection. They are responsible for setting the library’s mission, creating policies, developing strategic plans, securing and managing funding, and hiring and evaluating the library director. Just as important, board members serve as community advocates, ensuring the library reflects the full diversity of the people it serves.

That includes making decisions that directly affect LGBTQ+ people and families, such as whether inclusive books and resources are available on the shelves, whether library programs celebrate and affirm diverse identities, and whether policies protect the right of every community member to access information freely. While the board sets this vision and direction, the library director manages daily operations and carries out the board’s decisions.

How Members Are Chosen

Library boards vary by state and community as to how members are placed on the board. Most are appointed by local government officials (mayors, city councils, or county boards). In rare cases, board members may be elected or chosen through a hybrid model.

Find Your Library Board Members

Start with your local library’s website—most have a “Library Board” or “Board of Trustees” page listing members, meeting schedules, and contact info. If not, check your city or county government website, which often oversees library boards. You can also call your library’s main branch to ask who represents your community and when the next public meeting is held.

For information on attending library board meetings visit our Guide to Attending Public Hearings and Meetings page.

City councils serve as your local legislature, creating laws (ordinances), approving the annual city budget, and setting priorities for essential services like public safety, utilities, and community programs. They oversee the appointment of city officials, regulate land use and business activities, and provide leadership to address local needs while shaping long-term goals for the community.

These decisions directly affect LGBTQ+ people and their families. City councils determine whether local policies protect against discrimination, fund inclusive programs and services, and create safe, welcoming spaces in schools, parks, and public facilities.

How Members Are Chosen

City council members are almost always elected by local voters, either by district/ward or at-large.

 Find Your City Council Member

Visit your city’s official website and look for a “City Council” or “Elected Officials” page—most list members, district maps, and contact information. You can also search your local election office website by address to see who represents you. If you’re unsure, call city hall and ask which council district you live in and how to contact your council member.

For information on attending city council meetings visit our Guide to Attending Public Hearings and Meetings page.

State legislatures are responsible for creating and passing laws, approving budgets, overseeing government programs, and providing checks and balances on the executive and judicial branches of the state government. They make decisions on tax policies, funding priorities, and the accountability of elected officials.

These decisions directly affect LGBTQ+ people and their families. Legislatures determine whether laws and policies protect or threaten rights, shape access to healthcare and social services, influence education policies, and establish nondiscrimination protections. The actions taken at the state level can have a lasting impact on whether LGBTQ+ communities are safe, supported, and able to thrive.

How Members Are Chosen

State legislators, both senators and representatives, are elected by voters in their districts. Each district’s residents vote during scheduled elections, and in most states, these officials are never appointed. Special elections are held only if a seat becomes vacant.

Find Your State Legislators

Go to your state legislature’s official website—most have a “Find My Legislator” or “Who Represents Me?” tool where you can enter your address to see your state senator and state representative. You can also check your state election office website or call your local voter registration office for help identifying and contacting them directly.

For information on attending legislative hearings visit our Guide to Attending Public Hearings and Meetings page.