We investigate the statistical mechanics of a family of two dimensional (2D) fluid flows, described by the generalized Euler equations, or α-models. These models describe both nonlocal and local dynamics, with one example of the latter one given by the Surface Quasi Geostrophy (SQG) model, for which the existence of singularities is still under debate. We aim to study the equilibrium mechanics, using initially a point-vortex approximation and then exploiting the full continuous equations, invoking the maximization of appropriate entropy functionals. The point-vortex approximation highlights an important difference between the 2D turbulence and local dynamics models. In the latter, it is in fact possible to derive a statistical measure only considering two conserved quantities as constraints for the maximization problem, the Hamiltonian and the angular impulse. This result does not hold for 2D turbulence. Both the continuous and the point vortex approximation allow for the derivation of mean field equations that act as constraints for the functional relation between the streamfunction and the active scalar of the model considered. Further, the analysis of the continuous equations suggests the existence of a selective decay principle for the whole family of models. To test these ideas we use numerical simulations of the partial differential equations of the α-models starting from different sets of initial conditions (i.c.s). For random i.c.s, all the solutions tend to a dipolar structure. The functional relation between the active scalar and the streamfunction shows an increase of nonlinearity with a decrease of the locality of the dynamics. We then test the evolution of the specific case of SQG for i.c.s in the form of a hyperbolic saddle, that is a candidate for the possible formation of singularity through a self-similar cascade though secondary instabilities. Results show the presence of a scale dependent selective decay associated to the breaking of the frontal structures emerging from the flow, suggesting a relation with the change of topology of the flow.