MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer 3) is a widely used digital audio file format that compresses sound recordings while maintaining reasonable quality. MP3 compression reduces file sizes dramatically compared to uncompressed audio, making files practical for downloading, streaming, and storage. The format became synonymous with digital music distribution. Municipalities may encounter MP3 files in audio recordings of council meetings, public consultation materials, or archived audio documents. Understanding common file formats helps staff and citizens work with digital records and ensures audio accessibility for public engagement purposes. While newer formats exist, MP3 remains universally compatible with devices and software.