The Theory and Practice of Local Government Reform explores the entire spectrum of local government reform and focuses specifically on the question of structural reform in local government. It presents new theoretical models in an area largely lacking in analytical foundations and assesses the validity of these models against recent structural developments. Changes to local government are some of the most heartfelt and hotly contested political issues in advanced democracies today. The authors draw on recent policy developments in seven countries, as well as academic literature, to present new thinking on optimal municipal governance in the face of future policy challenges. This timely book will be invaluable for both undergraduate and graduate local government students in political science, public administration and public policy courses. Practitioners and policymakers in local government will also find this book an enlightening read.