Managing Local Government
An Essential Guide for Municipal and County Managers

Second Edition

Kimberly L. Nelson - University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
Carl W. Stenberg - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA

Courses:
Introduction to Public Administration | Local Administration | Public Budgeting & Financial Management

September 2025 | CQ Press

Managing Local Government: An Essential Guide for Municipal and County Managers, 2nd Edition, covers the basics of the local government management curriculum with a regional approach that examines the local governmental structural forms, administrative functions, and financial considerations inherent to the metropolitan environment. To prepare the next generation of local leaders, authors Kimberly Nelson and Carl Stenberg incorporate real-life scenarios, case studies, and class discussion questions to help students understand contemporary issues.

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ISBN: 9781071916575 Paperback Suggested Retail Price: $156.00 Bookstore Price: $124.80

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Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Chapter 1: Leading Local Governments in a Dynamic World of Complexity and Ambiguity

Modern Metropolitan Complexity

The Contemporary Context: Continuity and Change

The Intergovernmental Landscape: Who’s in Charge?

Managing Challenges: Critical Competencies for Closing the Gap

References

Chapter 2: U.S. Local Governments in Historical Context

Early Development of American Cities: 1700–1900

Urban Population Growth

The Progressive Era

Urban Service Delivery Improvements

Post-Progressive Era Metropolitan Development

Looking Forward

References

Resource List/To Explore Further

Chapter 3: Types, Functions, and Authority of U.S. Local Governments

U.S. Local Government Authority

Local Government Types and Distribution

Regional Models of Local Government Structure

Local Forms of Government

References

Resource List/To Explore Further

Chapter 4: Working across Boundaries

Stressed Local Structure

Reform Perspectives

Snow White and the 17 Dwarfs

State Restructuring Incentives

Regional Cooperation: Looking Forward

References

Resource List/To Explore Further

Chapter 5: Roles and Relationships

Roles and Responsibilities in Local Government

The Chief Administrative Officer versus the Manager

Policy versus Administration

The Local Government Manager as Organizational Leader

Building a Leadership Team

References

Resource List/To Explore Further

Chapter 6: Accountability and Ethics in Local Government

State Government Oversight

Ensuring Accountability in Local Government

Ethics and the Profession of the Local Government Manager

Conclusion

References

Resource List/To Explore Further

Chapter 7: Enhancing Council–Manager Effectiveness

Local Government Manager Characteristics

Working as a Local Government Manager

The Manager’s Facilitating Role

Mutual Expectations

Recognizing and Dealing with Problems in the Governing Body

References

Resource List/To Explore Further

Chapter 8: Engaging the Public

Why Engage the Public?

History of U.S. Public Engagement

Objectives of Public Participation

Engagement Challenges

From Participation to Power

Virtual Public Engagement

Making Engagement Work

References

Resource List/To Explore Further

Chapter 9: Local Government Service Delivery

In-House vs. Alternative Service Delivery

Government-to-Government Approaches

Public–Private Partnerships

Other Alternative Service Delivery Tools

Key Questions

References

Resource List/To Explore Further

Chapter 10: Administering the Local Government Organization

Building Organizational Capacity

The Manager’s Toolbox

The Journey from Planning and Measurement to Management

Using the Tools as Manager

References

Resource List/To Explore Further

Chapter 11: Emerging Issues and Management Challenges Facing Local Governments

Wicked Problems Revisited

Current and Emerging Issues for Local Governments

Tackling Wicked Problems

Concluding Thoughts and Takeaways

References

Resource List/To Explore Further

Note

Appendix: International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Code of Ethics with Guidelines

Nelson and Stenberg have crafted an accessible, quality resource that is both sound and real-world in its delivery.

Michael R. Hattery

SUNY Brockport

Review

Having taught local governance for 15 years, I was pleased when this book was first published. It is so difficult to find good resources that aren't also covering state government. I especially appreciate the inclusion of role and purpose of citizen engagement as a fundamental addition to political and administrative functions.

Margaret Stout

West Virginia University

Review

This text provides students with much of the classic and recent research on local government management in a condensed and easily readable format appropriate for both graduate and undergraduate students.

Samuel B. Stone

California State University, Fullerton

Review

Key features

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

New chapter on accountability and ethics in local government.
New discussion on how the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent events and issues have affected the local government management environment.
New coverage on applications for artificial intelligence tools in local government.
Updated data points throughout the book.

KEY FEATURES:

A focus on management, as opposed to a focus on political issues and theoretical concepts, equips students with a working knowledge to manage and maintain high-performance organizations within an increasingly complex metropolitan system.
Practical examples in every chapter bring concepts to life and show students how to apply them to real situations they may face in local government management.
Multiple case studies presented throughout the text strengthen students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Local government management career profiles give students insight into the daily life of working professionals and tips for finding success in their career.
A chapter on citizen engagement shows students how engaging citizens can enhance the policy process and addresses the challenges when doing so.
The Manager’s Toolbox offers students strategic planning, performance budgeting, succession planning, and other tools to improve government performance.

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An Essential Guide for Municipal and County Managers

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