How do you get " a key to the city"?

Question

and what powers does it have

Answer 1

Do something creative/sporting bring fame to your city. It does not give you any power but gives you certain privilege's  some of them very obscure each city has their own list of privileges

Answer 2

Do something to make the mayor and/or city council want to have a photo op with you.

No powers whatsoever.

Answer 3

steal the bloody thing...

Answer 4

I think you are talking about a "Freedom of the City".

Basically it gets awarded by the local council in recognition of something benefitting the city, such as local councillors (ha-ha!), local businessmen, famous people from the city, local armed forces, etc, etc.

What powers you get vary from City to City, but usually include something like the freedom to graze your cattle on public land or drive your geese through the City. Organisations sometimes get the right to parade through the City (girl guides, army, etc).

The most relevant power these days is usually getting invited to civic occasions and free car parking.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

it's handed to you...

Answer 6

A key to the city is given to an individual who is being honored for something and it does not convey and special powers to the recipient.  It is just that, an honor.