Sociological comprehension of the processes of formation of the municipal autonomous bodies in the Ulyanovsk region and perception of the processes by local population are presented in the article. The reflections and conclusions are based on the studies conducted in the region in 2006 to 2010 by the author and with the author’s participation. Comparative analysis of the views of the municipal elite and of the local population as to the objectives and the results of the reform is offered; tendencies of the changes of activity and of the forms of participation of the people in the life of the local communities are considered, as well as interaction of the people with local public bodies.