Local governments include counties, municipalities, and various taxing districts.  Counties and municipalities issue law in the form of ordinances which are then often codified.  Typically, researchers will be searching for those ordinances / codes or other documents such as board meeting minutes, budgets, and resolutions.  The first step in locating these documents is to review the government's website.  Many local governments use a commercial website, Municode.com, to publish and maintain their codes.  Researchers should also contact the local government to determine what is available and for other assistance.