When county councils (landsting) were established in 1863, Stockholm Municipality (Stockholms stad) was neither part of Stockholm County nor its county council. Instead, it operated as a separate entity managing its own county-related matters.
During the 20th century, the Greater Stockholm area emerged, as an integrated labour and housing market, increasing the need for regional coordination. A proposal for a "Greater County Council" (storlandsting) was introduced. In 1966, the Municipal Association for Regional Affairs of Stockholm City and County (Kommunalförbundet för Stockholms stads och läns regionala frågor) was established. By 1968, regional affairs of Stockholm Municipality were incorporated into Stockholm County, and in 1971, the Stockholm County Council (Stockholms läns landsting) was formed, encompassing the entire county with responsibility primarily for healthcare and public transport. Starting from 2019, Stockholm County Council was replaced by Region Stockholm, expanding its mandate to include regional development.[1]
The Regional Council in session at the Landstingshuset in Stockholm, August 2009
The Regional Council consists of 149 members who meet eight times a year. The Social Democrats, the Centre Party, and the Green Party form the governing coalition for the 2022–2026 term. The Left Party is a supporting party to the coalition, collectively holding a majority.[9]
