Some of Norfolk's eight councils look almost certain to be abolished after the Labour government revealed an overhaul which would bring the biggest local government shake-up in 50 years.
The government's devolution white paper is also likely to mean Norfolk and Suffolk would share an elected mayor.
Under the reforms two-tier council areas, such as Norfolk and Suffolk, will be abolished and replaced by new unitary councils and 'strategic authorities'.
A mayor would have control over 'big ticket' items such as housing, planning and transport.
The government said most new unitary authorities will cover populations of 500,000 or more, making it unlikely that Norfolk, with fewer than a million people, would get more than two.
The government is inviting areas to submit proposals for reorganisation, but has stressed it does not want "competing proposals".
Kay Mason Billig, leader of Conservative-controlled Norfolk County Council, said: "I am keen to engage with the government and our district councils to consider what the future shape of local government in Norfolk should look like.
"Let’s put the people before politics and attempt to design something that is the right shape and size to deliver efficient, accountable services to our residents."
Previous attempts at local government reorganisation caused bad blood.
Both Norfolk County Council and Norwich City Council made bids to become unitary authorities in 2010.
It was announced Norwich would become a unitary authority, but the coalition government pulled the plug.
There has been speculation City Hall might seek to become unitary this time on extended boundaries, taking in parts of South Norfolk and Broadland.
But given the city council covers a population of about 150,000, the government's 500,000 figure might mean that is a tough case to make.
Brian Watkins, leader of County Hall's opposition Liberal Democrat group, said he "cautiously welcomed" the white paper.
However, he said: "It will be difficult, but we have to have a proper, respectful conversation among everybody in Norfolk to come to a consensus on the right way forward."
Norfolk currently has Norfolk County Council, Norwich City Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Broadland District Council, South Norfolk Council, Breckland District Council, North Norfolk District Council and West Norfolk Council.
The county council is responsible for services such as adult social care, children's services, libraries, museums and running tips, while districts deal with housing, leisure centres and parks. Unitary authorities would run all services.
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