Description
This book offers an overview of the legal, political, and broad intergovernmental environment in which relations between local and state units of government take place, the historical roots of the conflict among them, and an analysis of contemporary problems concerning local authority, local revenues, state interventions and takeovers, and the restructuring of local governments. The author pays special attention to local governmental autonomy and the goals and activities of local officials as they seek to secure resources, fend off regulations and interventions, and fight for survival as independent units.
Now, in a thoroughly revised second edition, this book examines marijuana use, minimum wages, the establishment of sanctuary cities, and the regulation of ride-sharing companies. Looking at the intergovernmental struggle from the bottom up, and in the process examining a variety of political activities and policies at the state level, Berman finds considerable reason to be concerned about the viability and future of meaningful local government. This book improves our understanding of the relationship between state and local governments. It provides a thoughtful look at the past, present, and possibly the future of local home rule.
Table of Contents
List of Tables
Preface;
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Federal, State, and Local Relations
Chapter 3: Localities in State Politics
Chapter 4: Cities and the States: The Historical Perspective
Chapter 5: The Authority Problem
Chapter 6: The Revenue Problem
Chapter 7: The Takeover Problem
Chapter 8: The Restructuring Problem
Chapter 9: Concluding Note
Appendix A: State and Local Revenues, Selected Years, 1902-1999
Appendix B: State Aid to Local Governments, Selected Years, 1902-1998
Notes
Bibliography
Index
