Districts (Bezirke) serve as Austria's second-level administrative divisions, with 116 districts operating between the federal states and municipalities. These units function primarily as deconcentrated state administration, meaning they implement federal and state laws at the local level rather than exercising autonomous political authority. District administrative authorities (Bezirkshauptmannschaften) handle a wide range of public services including building permits, business licenses, traffic regulations, public health matters, and civil registration. Statutory cities (Statutarstädte) are exceptions to this structure, as they perform both municipal and district administrative functions independently. The district system ensures uniform application of national and state policies while providing citizens with accessible government services closer to their communities.