A procedure is a documented series of steps that outlines exactly how a specific task or process should be completed within an organization. In municipal government, procedures ensure consistency and compliance in operations like processing building permits, handling Freedom of Information requests, or conducting workplace safety inspections. Procedures sit below policies in the organizational hierarchy: policies state what should happen, while procedures detail how it happens. Well-documented procedures help train new staff, ensure service quality, and provide accountability. They typically include step-by-step instructions, responsible parties, required forms, timelines, and any applicable regulations or bylaws that must be followed.