Rural development:
There are 12 Community Development Blocks in the District. They are Balussery, Chelannur, Kozhikode, Kunnamangalam, Kunnummal, Melady, Panthalayani, Koduvally, Perambra, Thodannur, Tuneri and Vadakara. The first Community Development Block in the district was formed in Kunnummal in October 1956. Of the 12 blocks, Koduvally is the largest followed by Kunnamangalam. Vadakara is the smallest block in area. According to 1991 census Kunnamangalam stands top in population while Melady has the lowest population.

Local Bodies:
Of the five Municipal Corporations in the State, one is the Kozhikode Municipal Corporation. Vadakara and Koyilandy are the two municipalities in the district.

The Kozhikode Corporation has geographical area of 82.67 sq.kms. For purposes of revenue collection, etc., the Corporation has been divided into 39 survey wards. But for purposes of election, it has been divided into 50 electoral divisions on the basis of population, each division being represented by one member.

The Kozhikode Development Authority was formed on May 15, 1980, with the aim of planned development. The authority covers Kozhikode Municipal Corporation and suburban panchayats, namely, Elathur, Kakkodi, Kuruvatoor, Kunnamamgalam. Peruvayal, Olavanna, Parumanna, Cheruvannur, Nallalam, Beypore, Feroke, Kadalundy and Ramanattukara. A master plan has been prepared for the development of Kozhikode urban area.

Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies:
Kozhikode district comprises of two parliamentary constituencies and 12 assembly constituencies. Vadakara and Kozhikode are the two parliamentary constituencies. The following are the assembly constituencies; Vadakara, Nadapuram, Meppayur, Koyilandy, Perambra balussery, Koduvally, Kozhikode - North, Kozhikode - South, Beypore, Kunnamangalam (SC) and Thiruvambadi.