The Inner West LGA makes up the eastern part of this wider region, and was formed on 12 May 2016 from the merger of the former Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville councils.

[2][3] The Inner West LGA covers an area of 35 square kilometres (14 sq mi) and as at the 2021 census had an estimated population of 182,818.

The most recent NSW local government election, on 14 September 2024, resulted in a Labor majority of 8 Councillors, for the second consecutive term.

[2] In December 2021, a majority of voters in the Inner West LGA voted in favour of reversing the 2016 merger and separating the three pre-existing councils of Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville.

In December 2022, Inner West Council prepared and submitted a final submission to the NSW Minister for Local Government.

The report recommended that the proposed de-amalgamation of Inner West Council should not proceed, stating this would be the best outcome for residents and ratepayers of the current local government area.