What do U.S. mayors worry about? A recent survey finds that aging infrastructure is a top concern – and many mayors say state and federal agencies hinder their efforts instead of helping.
With South African local government elections coming up later in 2016, Jacob Zuma and his governing ANC must ensure that citizens still look to them as a party of hope.
Bligh Grant, University of Technology Sydney and Roberta Ryan, University of Technology Sydney
Wherever governments have merged local councils, they have faced a political backlash. New South Wales is no exception and, nearly four years into the process, many challenges lie ahead.
The plan is to devolve powers from Whitehall, giving local authorities more freedom and flexibility in the way they collect and spend money in their areas - but will it work?
A new study of more than 2000 Australians has found we care deeply about local councils, and overwhelmingly want governments – not private contractors – to deliver local services.
The thorny issue of what democracy is, what it’s not and whether it is an appropriate system for government has been at the top of the agenda at the start of 2015. At the same time, we are in the lead-up…
With a forced smile and through gritted teeth, Tower Hamlets’ elected mayor, Lutfur Rahman, has announced himself willing to accept – and even “welcome” – the intervention package set out for his borough…
Devolving power to English regions and cities could offer a real chance to introduce more local oversight of the way academies and free schools are being managed. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have…
Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, and Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University