Public Management in Rural Local Governments: An Assessment of Institutional Differences and Implications

Abstract

Rural America often is portrayed in one of two ways. The first recalls quintessential American main streets—safe, friendly, and situated in picturesque landscapes. The second depicts empty storefronts, public health crises, and resentment toward change. Within this complex picture of rural life, however, are municipalities that must be managed. This research examines the use of a professional administrator by rural communities and the degree to which the position is correlated with public expenditures. Results indicate that use of a professional administrator is correlated with population, partisanship, education, and wealth, but its effect on expenditures appears limited.

Regionalism With and Without Metropolitanism: Governance Structures of Rural and Non-Rural Regional Intergovernmental Organizations

“…Examining the roles rural RIGOs play on behalf of their local government members generates important insights into the governance of rural communities. Scholars have identified a severe shortage of research into the internal functions of small, rural local governments (Catlaw & Stout, 2016; Helpap, 2019). It seems the external relations of small, rural local governments have been investigated even less rigorously.…”

Diversity Management in Action: Chief Diversity Officer Adoption in America’s Cities

“…While further support for active representation in local bureaucracies may be seen as a positive, it raises questions about diversity management in cities where the citizens are less likely to advocate for CDOs and other similar diversity-related initiatives. This gap may be particularly stark in rural governments that already face substantial management challenges (Helpap 2019). If diversity management truly is necessary for a well-functioning bureaucracy, then scholars should seek ways to “close the gap” between more liberal, diverse cities and those with a more conservative and less diverse citizenry.…”

Assessing and Addressing the Challenges of Rural Local Governments

“…There is also robust precedent for studies of small and rural local governments in single states (Brunet 2015; Dimitrijevska-Markoski 2023; Dimitrijevska-Markoski et al 2021; Dougherty, Klase, and Song 1999; Koven and Hadwiger 1992; MacManus and Pammer 1990; Propheter 2019; Sokolow and Honadle 1984). Additional studies have examined local governments in Wisconsin, specifically (Deller and Maher 2005; Diaz and Green 2001; Helpap 2019; Johnson and Ihrke 2004; Maher and Johnson 2008).…”