Bowman/Kearney/Scavo's STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, 11th edition equips you with the knowledge and tools to develop your own well-informed positions on the divisive issues currently facing our nation. This bestseller delivers comprehensive coverage of institutions, political behavior and policymaking at the state and local level and highlights politics at the grassroots level. Thoroughly updated, the new edition includes expansive coverage of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on state and local government as well as insight on how local governments are attempting to deal with global climate change.

Until recently, Austin, the progressive, politically liberal capital of Texas, elected its city council using a not-so-progressive system. Candidates competed citywide for seats, and voters could cast ballots for as many candidates as there were seats up for election. However, this approach disadvantages the representation of geographically-concentrated minority groups, thereby-among other things-preventing the benefits of growth from reaching all of the city's communities. Reinventing the Austin City Council explores the puzzle that was Austin's reluctance to alter its at-large system and establish a geographically-based, single-member district system. Ann Bowman chronicles the repeated attempts to change the system, the eventual decision to do so, and the consequences of that change. In the process, she explores the many twists and turns that occurred in Austin as it struggled to design a fair system of representation. Reinventing the Austin City Council assesses the impact of the new district system since its inception in 2014. Austin's experience ultimately offers a political lesson for creating institutional change.

Bowman/Kearney's STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, THE ESSENTIALS, SIXTH EDITION takes a positive look at state and local government, in a shorter and more streamlined approach than its full-length counterpart (State and Local Government 9781435462687). It espouses clearly and succinctly that government can be a force for good in society, while addressing critics simultaneously. Through engaging coverage of current events and an accessible writing style, the text fosters interest and involvement in state and local politics, policy, and public service.

Until recently, Austin, the progressive, politically liberal capital of Texas, elected its city council using a not-so-progressive system. Candidates competed citywide for seats, and voters could cast ballots for as many candidates as there were seats up for election. However, this approach disadvantages the representation of geographically-concentrated minority groups, thereby-among other things-preventing the benefits of growth from reaching all of the city's communities. Reinventing the Austin City Council explores the puzzle that was Austin's reluctance to alter its at-large system and establish a geographically-based, single-member district system. Ann Bowman chronicles the repeated attempts to change the system, the eventual decision to do so, and the consequences of that change. In the process, she explores the many twists and turns that occurred in Austin as it struggled to design a fair system of representation. Reinventing the Austin City Council assesses the impact of the new district system since its inception in 2014. Austin's experience ultimately offers a political lesson for creating institutional change.

The 10th edition of STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT provides comprehensive and completely updated coverage of institutions, political behavior, and policy-making at the state and local level. This bestselling text's theme of increased capacity and responsiveness of state and local government conveys excitement about politics at the grassroots level and is pro public service.