A Jurisdiction-Based Model of Intergovernmental Management in U.S. Cities

Variations in levels of intergovernmental activity are explained in terms other than standard “top-down” or “bottom-up” federal management perspectives. Data from 237 cities on intergovernmental management by local managers of economic development policy indicate that differences are determined by the degree to which managers assume a more mutually interactive approach through bargaining, strategic activity, local adjustment, and other internal actions. The jurisdiction-based model is consistent with growing diversity in the federal system and with changing models of public management.