Special Purpose Districts
A special purpose district (SPD) is a type of local government entity in the United States that is created to serve a specific purpose. These districts are typically created by state governments and are given the authority to levy taxes, issue bonds, and provide services such as water, sewer, and fire protection. Special purpose districts are often created to address a specific need or to provide a service that is not available from other local governments. Examples of special purpose districts include school districts, water districts, fire districts, and library districts.
History of Special Purpose Districts
The concept of special purpose districts has been around since the early days of the United States. In the late 1700s, states began creating special purpose districts to provide services such as water, sewer, and fire protection. These districts were often created to address a specific need or to provide a service that was not available from other local governments. Over time, the number of special purpose districts has grown significantly, and today there are thousands of special purpose districts in the United States.
In recent years, special purpose districts have become increasingly important in providing services to citizens. In many cases, special purpose districts are able to provide services more efficiently and cost-effectively than other local governments. This has led to an increase in the number of special purpose districts in the United States.
Comparison of Special Purpose Districts
| Type of District | Taxing Authority | Bonding Authority | Services Provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| School District | Yes | Yes | Education |
| Water District | Yes | Yes | Water Supply |
| Fire District | Yes | Yes | Fire Protection |
| Library District | Yes | Yes | Library Services |
Summary
Special purpose districts are local government entities that are created to serve a specific purpose. These districts are typically created by state governments and are given the authority to levy taxes, issue bonds, and provide services such as water, sewer, and fire protection. Special purpose districts are often created to address a specific need or to provide a service that is not available from other local governments. For more information about special purpose districts, visit the websites of the National Association of Special Districts and the U.S. Census Bureau.
See Also
- Local Government
- Taxation
- Bonding
- Public Services
- School Districts
- Water Districts
- Fire Districts
- Library Districts
- Municipal Corporations
- Public Utilities
