Self-Organizing Federalism

'Feiock and Scholz are on their way to doing for intergovernmental relations what Elinor Ostrom has done for common pool resource management: helping us understand how externalities can be overcome through bottom-up, local solutions. These remedies often surpass centrally provided solutions because they are designed to fit local needs, traditions, and capacities. The contributed chapters fill out the theory well and offer excellent examples of the variety of homegrown solutions. Those who set policy as well as those who study it will find much of interest in this unique volume.' Jenna Bednar, University of Michigan
'Today's policy problems cannot be solved by analysts recommending one solution for all problems based on narrow disciplinary viewpoints. Most policy problems are multi-level where solutions that work at one level, or for one problem, do not work at other levels or for other problems. This book analyzes multiple solutions without getting lost in chaos. An essential read!' Elinor Ostrom, Indiana University
'How can we encourage collaborative action in formally decentralized governance settings? Which of many possible institutional arrangements among local governments and agencies offers the best match for a particular policy challenge? How can we make sense of the myriad collaborative possibilities - networks, contracts, partnerships, and the like? Self-Organizing Federalism makes a significant contribution by offering needed and welcome answers.' Laurence J. O'Toole, Jr, University of Georgia
'The authors have produced an intelligent, accessible, and academic agenda-setting volume worthy of wide readership.' Mark Rhinard, Public Administration