The Union of Local Authorities in Israel (Merkaz HaShilton HaMekomi) is a registered nonprofit association representing Israel's cities and local councils before the Knesset and government ministries, and advising them on law, finance, education, welfare, emergency and labor matters. Founded in 1938, it is based in Tel Aviv and controls bodies such as the municipal economic company Mashcal; it also runs training programs for local-authority employees. It is chaired by Modi'in mayor Haim Bibas and led by Director General Liron Doron-Levi.