This paper is intended to provide an assessment of the impact of the silent revolution (decentralization reforms) of the last three decades on moving governments closer to people to establish fair, accountable, incorruptible and responsive governance. To accomplish this, a unique data set is...

Local government refers to specific institutions or entities created by national constitutions (Brazil, Denmark, France, India, Italy, Japan, Sweden), by state constitutions (Australia, the United States), by ordinary legislation of a higher level of central government (New Zealand, the United...

This book develops a comparative institutional framework for responsive, responsible, and accountable governance in developing countries. It provides a synthesis of analytical literature on local governance. It traces the historical evolution of local governance and presents a stylized view of...

1. Introduction -- 2. Local Tax Administration -- 3. The Practice of Real Property Taxation in the World -- 4. Municipal Budgeting and Accounting -- 5. Local Fiscal Discipline -- 6. Local Public Infrastructure and Corruption -- 7. Measuring and Monitoring Local Government Performance -- 8....