The Male' City Council is an independent and autonomous body that derives its legal authority from the Decentralisation Act (Law no. 7/2010) of the Maldives. Empowered to own property and to incur liabilities, the Council has devolved powers of self governance and decision making, as well as financial autonomy. With the ratification of the Act, all functions and assets of the former Male' Municipality were transferred to the Male' City Council. The Council is mandated to provide democratic and accountable governance, foster social and economic well-being and community development, and establish a safe, healthy and ecologically diverse environment.