A Century of Municipal Reform in the United States

Abstract

In this article, we examine the legacy of four progressive reforms intended to secure "good" government-the model city charter, the council-manager plan, city management professionalism, and bureaucratic service delivery. Our analysis integrates research by historians, political scientists, sociologists, and public administration scholars, and provides a unique multidisciplinary perspective on the legacy of success and adaptation of the municipal reform movement. We use Hofstadter's concept of a reform "impulse" in American political culture to frame our analysis. We conclude with four observations on the future of municipal reform, ultimately arguing that the impulse to "reform" continues to be a dominant driver across both local government management and institutions.

Functional responsibilities of municipal government: Metropolitan disparities and instruments of intergovernmental management

“…Accordingly, the involvement of non-governmental sectors in urban service provision is a promising area for future research (Stein, 1990). Another area for specific study is the role of political institutions, such as the form of government, in the functional capacity of municipal governments (Frederickson et al, 2015; Wheeland et al, 2014).…”

“…Owing to a growing demand for services, the functional responsibilities of municipalities tend to increase. Their longevity could also reflect a dynamic process of professionalisation or institutionalisation of these governments (Frumkin and Galaskiewicz, 2004; Wheeland et al, 2014). Over the years, incorporation therefore embodies a fundamental dimension of a municipal government’s capacity to deliver public goods and services.…”

Interlocal interactions, municipal boundaries and water and wastewater expenditure in city-regions

“…As newly incorporated cities gain independent service capacity, they can insource the provision of water and wastewater services (Girth et al, 2012; Warner and Hefetz, 2012). Enhancing revenue sources is a long-term process that supports the ability of cities to provide municipal services (Frumkin and Galaskiewicz, 2004; Wheeland et al, 2014).…”

Depoliticization of Governance in Large Municipalities in Europe

“…This has led to calls for local governments to be managed apolitically (Borja 1996;Doron 2000). There are some indices for which local governments, where administration takes a greater role than politics, perform better than those in which politicians take the lead (Carr 2015;Choi, Feiock, and Bae 2013;Nalbandian et al 2013;Nelson and Svara 2015;Svara and Watson 2010;Wheeland, Palus, and Wood 2014). Leautier (2006) found that local governments led by a politician with extensive competences have inferior infrastructure and lower incomes than those led by a strong managerial team.…”