Local governments provide services, solve day-to-day public problems, and respond directly to the needs of their citizens. A more cooperative intergovernmental system would offer significant opportunities for all levels of government to serve the nation’s citizens better. From energy conservation efforts and public-private partnerships, to immigration reform and education reform, America’s cities are developing innovative and cost effective ways to deliver programs, to provide services, and to finance municipal needs. The federal government should support these local innovations and resist proposals that limit local authority or put local resources at risk.

Additionally, federal laws that restrict or compel local government actions – especially those with limited flexibility or no funding – are ineffective. Federal policies should not mandate new costs for local governments without providing adequate funds to support local governments for these new mandates. Instead, federal programs should support regional solutions and encourage collaboration among federal, state, and local officials, as well as business and non-profit organizations, to tailor policies to local needs and demands.

Finally, the economic fortunes of local governments nationwide are closely linked to the health of the federal government’s budget. Federal fiscal policies should not hamper the ability of local elected officials to respond to economic needs at the local level, especially during times of economic downturn.

Visit our Candidate Issue Matrix to find out where the candidates stand on Governments Working Together.