Local Government Archives – Decentralization Net

Sustainable development becomes real when it becomes local

July 21, 2026 Marina Jandrevska

Sustainable development is no longer only about defining ambitious global goals—it is about ensuring that these goals translate into measurable improvements in people’s everyday lives. As countries face increasingly complex social, economic, and environmental challenges, […]

Is there an economic payoff from creating new local governments? Evidence from Brazil

July 11, 2026 Limabenla Jamir

Changing local political boundaries by splitting local governments to create more localized governance is a common, yet contested reform pursued worldwide. Proponents argue smaller local government units can improve services, boost local economic activity, tailor […]

Call for Papers: Financing Sustainable Cities

May 6, 2026 Marina Jandrevska

Cities are at the frontline of the climate crisis. As pressures mount—from rising temperatures and climate risks to growing infrastructure needs—local governments are facing an increasingly complex financial landscape. At the same time, they are […]

Decentralized responsibilities without decentralized resources?

April 10, 2026 Marina Jandrevska

The role of local governments in European public service delivery has expanded significantly over the past two decades. Across the European Union, municipalities have become central actors in the provision of education, healthcare, social protection, […]

Multi-Level Governance in the Western Balkans

January 12, 2026 Marina Jandrevska

Multi-level governance (MLG) in the Western Balkans has made notable progress over the past decade, with administrations aligning institutional and legal frameworks to European principles and strengthening the role of local governments in democratic governance […]

Nearby solutions: The role of regional and local governments in Latin America

December 18, 2025 Limabenla Jamir

The decentralization process over the past four decades in Latin America and the Caribbean has strengthened the role of local and regional governments, yet systematic knowledge of their functions, resources, and service delivery remains limited. […]

Unlocking Zambia’s Property Tax Potential: A Path Toward Inclusive Reform

August 25, 2025 Marina Jandrevska

Effective property taxation is contingent on comprehensive property identification. In Zambia, as in many low- and middle-income countries, the first step toward fiscal inclusion is the systematic discovery and recording of properties, creating a fairer […]

Exploring Public Employment Trends and Policy Implications in OECD and EU Countries

March 22, 2025 Marina Jandrevska

Subnational governments play a critical role in the provision of public services and infrastructure across OECD and EU nations. These entities are responsible for a significant proportion of public-sector employment, highlighting their importance in the […]

Empowering Local Communities Through Digital Transformation

January 29, 2025 Marina Jandrevska

In an era where digital interactions dominate daily life, local governments stand at the forefront of innovation, directly engaging with citizens. Cities, bustling with tech-savvy populations accustomed to seamless online experiences like shopping and banking, […]

How does intergovernmental coordination strengthen local governance?

December 4, 2024 Marina Jandrevska

The crux of decentralization is that a multilevel public sector can produce better (more responsive and efficient) outcomes compared to a centralized public sector. An underlying–often unstated– assumption is that intergovernmental coordination mechanisms are in […]