Kosovo's local self-government reform became a prominent issue in early October 2002, with the publication of the Seven Planning Points for Mitrovica by the then Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Michael Steiner. Steiner's plan was to decentralize local government in exchange for Kosovo Serb participation in the October 2002 local elections. Although the offer to the Serbian community was a dubious success in this regard, decentralization remained on the agenda, with the Secretary-General's Special Representative calling for a broader process involving all Kosovo municipalities.

For the proper functioning of the Council as a "legislative" body at the local level, which conducts policy and adopts acts in the municipality, it is essential that its members have critical knowledge of the legal rights and competencies they have chosen. Therefore, we believe that this Handbook will greatly facilitate the acquisition of the necessary knowledge of all members, that will solve some of the dilemmas that the members of the councils face in relation to the legal work. In the end, we hope that the use of the Manual will contribute to greater efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and oversight in the performance of the advisory function at the local level. The manual provides an opportunity for reflection, which means that opens the horizon for further action and the creation of greater political will by local elected representatives in order to develop local democracy.

As democracy is not an event but a complex and continuous process, it is essential that its inception and development are properly managed and nurtured. It is in this regard that this handbook will be a very useful tool in the process of promoting and developing democracy at the local level. It will be an essential reference document for all those who are involved in the political and administrative processes of democratization. It will enhance people’s capacity to manage diversity and to design appropriate systems to suit various levels and degrees of democratization.

This handbook will enable you to learn about all the information and legislation necessary to help you successfully perform your duties over the course of the next four years. The sooner you become acquainted with the legal framework, the better you can begin to perform these duties. To a large extent, your performance over the course of your term in office is dependent upon your knowledge of the laws pertaining to local self-government. It is thus important that you understand that local self-government has been given a special position within this country's constitution and laws. Therein, you are charged with an even greater obligation to perform well so as to justify the faith that citizens have entrusted to you.