What Works in Latin American Municipalities?

Assessing Local Government Performance

Edited by Claudia N. Avellaneda, O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, US

This incisive book presents a critical compilation of empirical studies assessing local government performance in Latin America. Analysing original administrative data from municipalities in the understudied countries of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico, Claudia N. Avellaneda and contributors pose the titular question: what works in Latin American municipalities?

‘Claudia Avellaneda brings together a line-up of skilled authors at the forefront of Latin American public administration to craft a critical overview of the performance of municipalities. The volume examines long-standing concerns about human capital, bureaucratic quality, decision-making, environmental shocks and governmental effectiveness to provide cutting edge knowledge on this understudied region.’
– Richard M. Walker, City University of Hong Kong

‘The performance of local public services is an issue at the top of the policy agenda across the world. This superb collection presents cutting-edge empirical research casting much-needed light on what works for improving local government performance in Latin America, offering numerous valuable lessons for researchers and policy-makers everywhere.’
– Rhys Andrews, Cardiff University, UK