Local Government Research

Review of International Local Government Efficiency Reforms

This paper presents a brief overview of reforms undertaken in several jurisdictions designed to improve the efficiency of local government services. In any comparative review, one must consider the distinctive nature of each country’s institutional environment. Local government in different countries have different structures, population sizes, decision-making structures, provide a different range of services, and operate under distinctive financing systems.

Nevertheless, parallels and comparisons can be drawn, and appropriate lessons can be learned from the experience abroad.