Author: Yelena B. Dvoryadkina, Dr. Sc. (Econ.), Prof. of Regional, Municipal Economics & Governance Dept; Yevgeniy V. Rogachev, Cand. Sc. (Econ.), Deputy General Director; Irina V. Aragilyan, Jr. lecturer of Regional, Municipal Economics & Governance Dept.

Abstract: The article generally outlines the content of social development theories applied to study urban settlements. It proves the necessity of indentifying urban settlements accounting for the local government theories as well as in connection with city theories. The paper specifies particular aspects characterizing urban settlements in the context of the local government theories and reveals their essence.

Keywords: city; urban settlement; local government; city theories; local government theories.