St Helier has taken the first step towards more independence from central government.
A Parish Assembly has voted to set up a shadow municipal council.
It will operate as a trial for the next year, looking at what powers could be transferred to the Town Hall.
Constable Simon Crowcroft says there are several functions that should be delivered at a local level, such as traffic management.
"Sometimes simple things like painting a line here, or putting in a pedestrian crossing can take quite a long time. We feel that the Roads Committee, in its expanded form, will be quite able to do those sort of jobs. But there are other things, like having some ability to deal with the simplest planning applications, or licensing."
The idea was approved by 39 votes to six.
Constable Simon Crowcroft says some residents have expressed concern it will lead to bigger rates bills:
"There is certainly no intention to see rates to go up at all. If we are going to take on a service - and we have taken on services in the past from the States of Jersey - then we would expect some income to be transferred to the parish so we can discharge that service."
Haut du Mont trial: Island Energy 'placed health and safety at risk'
Deportation recommended after sex-demanding attacker jailed
Teenage boy arrested on suspicion of sexual touching at Millbrook Park
Eyes up! It's Air Display day...
Haut Du Mont Trial: 'It could explode', jury hears 999 calls
Haut Du Mont Trial: Worker checking gas valves spent almost 'entire' time on his phone
Red Arrows still expected for Jersey Air Show
Haut Du Mont Trial: Gas works were 'sloppy, unsafe, and cut corners', allege prosecutors
