The main emphasis of the institute's work is to see that the local bodies contribute more effectively to the development process and provide the citizens with better living conditions by meeting their aspirations in terms of required amenities, infrastructure and better environmental conditions, thus contributing to social and economic development of the society as a whole by better urban management.
Besides this long-term objective, the more immediate ones are:
1. To advance the knowledge on principles of Local Urban Governance, conducting research work and organizing training programmes at various centers in India for officials and elected representatives of the local bodies.
2. To strengthen and improve Local Government Institutions by improving their performance through education, orientation training and bringing them together for common endeavor's by organising conferences, conventions and seminars.
3. To provide platform for members of local bodies and officials for exchange of views and ideas related to urban development and administration.
4. To represent the views of local authorities supported by research work to the concerned higher authorities from time to time.
5. To publish bibliographies, articles, books and other literature on matters of interest to local bodies.
6. To publish journals, bulletins and other literature on different aspects of Local Government and on the working of local bodies in different states.
7. To undertake research studies in Public Administration, problems of local bodies and related topics of urban and environmental factors and arrange for their publication etc.
8. To establish and maintain an information-cum-documentation service for local bodies.
9. To undertake consultancy assignments in various areas of urban development and problems of local bodies with a view to improve and develop organizational, managerial and operational efficiency.
In view of the above, the Institute has been collaborating with relevant government departments, Central / State, Universities and community level organisation. The work of Institute encompasses several aspects involving multi-disciplinary team work.