The Special Areas cover about 2.1 million hectares of southeastern Alberta. More than 30 hamlets (communities smaller than villages) such as Jenner, Monitor and Altario are located in the Special Areas. The three areas all experienced particular hardship in the Depression and drought of the 1930s.

In 1938, the Alberta government established a special governing body to provide municipal services to these three areas. That body is called the Special Areas Board. The Chairman of the board reports directly to the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Local Government Services Division.

The Special Areas Board consists of three members:

• A chairperson designated by the Provincial Cabinet
• Two members nominated by the Special Areas Advisory Councils and then appointed by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

The board works closely with the Special Areas Advisory Council. This council is elected every three years under the Local Authorities Elections Act.