Purpose. The article discusses the evolution of local self-government in the Russian Federation. Methods. The author conducted its study relying on methods of retrospective analysis, synthesis and evaluation of transformational regulatory framework governing the Organization of local self-government. The results. The author singles out several stages of development of the Institute of local government. Much attention is given to the constitutional foundations of local self-government. The author gave a clear summary of the main provisions of the reform of local self-government in 2014-2015, identifying trends for future development.