Fiscal Decentralization and Local Governance

Fiscal decentralization and subnational fiscal policy play an increasingly important role in sound public policy and democratic governance around the world. By yielding greater fiscal responsibilities to regional and local governments, the public sector can be more flexible in response to variations in regional and local needs and demands for public services. As a result, decentralization of the public sector also increases citizen participation in the governance process and enhances government accountability. The Andrew Young School’s faculty experts are at the forefront of the design and implementation of all aspects of decentralization reform, including issues surrounding local government structure, expenditure assignments, local revenue mobilization, intergovernmental grants, and local government borrowing.