The causes, spread and effects of intermunicipal cooperation and municipal mergers in Switzerland
Since the 1990s, many of the 2,842 Swiss municipalities have reached their performance limits when fulfilling their tasks. As a response to this problem, different reforms have been introduced by the local authorities. The article focuses on the intermunicipal cooperation (IMC) and the municipal mergers that belong to the most widespread reforms in Switzerland. A survey mailed to all Swiss municipalities and thirteen case studies show that municipal mergers tend to be implemented in small, weakly performing municipalities. On the other hand, IMC is widespread among all types of municipalities. Reform-friendly authorities, intensive social contacts among the inhabitants of the municipalities, a favorable topographical location and the policies of the superordinate government level promote enthusiasm for reforms. Following mergers and cooperative ventures, the performance quality generally improves. On the other hand, this seldom eases the municipal budget situation.
Year of publication: |
2003
|
---|---|
Authors: | Steiner, Reto |
Published in: |
Public Management Review. - Taylor & Francis Journals, ISSN 1471-9037. - Vol. 5.2003, 4, p. 551-571
|
Publisher: |
Taylor & Francis Journals |
Saved in:
Online Resource
Saved in favorites
Similar items by person
-
Twins of the Alps: Comparing Autonomy of Federal Organizational Units in Austria and Switzerland
Hammerschmid, Gerhard, (2010)
-
Is Local Always Better? Strengths and Limitations of Local Governance for Service Delivery
Steiner, Reto, (2018)
-
Is local always better? Strengths and limitations of local governance for service delivery
Steiner, Reto, (2018)
- More ...