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Managing Local Government
An Essential Guide for Municipal and County Managers
Second Edition
- Kimberly L. Nelson - University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
- Carl W. Stenberg - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
November 2025 | CQ Press
Managing Local Government: An Essential Guide for Municipal and County Managers, 2nd Edition, covers the basics of the local government management curriculum with a regional approach that examines the local governmental structural forms, administrative functions, and financial considerations inherent to the metropolitan environment. To prepare the next generation of local leaders, authors Kimberly Nelson and Carl Stenberg incorporate real-life scenarios, case studies, and class discussion questions to help students understand contemporary issues.
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Chapter 1: Leading Local Governments in a Dynamic World of Complexity and Ambiguity
Chapter 2: U.S. Local Governments in Historical Context
Chapter 3: Types, Functions, and Authority of U.S. Local Governments
Chapter 4: Working across Boundaries
Chapter 5: Roles and Relationships
Chapter 6: Accountability and Ethics in Local Government
Chapter 7: Enhancing Council–Manager Effectiveness
Chapter 8: Engaging the Public
Chapter 9: Local Government Service Delivery
Chapter 10: Administering the Local Government Organization
Chapter 11: Emerging Issues and Management Challenges Facing Local Governments
Appendix: International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Code of Ethics with Guidelines
Nelson and Stenberg have crafted an accessible, quality resource that is both sound and real-world in its delivery.
SUNY Brockport
Review
Having taught local governance for 15 years, I was pleased when this book was first published. It is so difficult to find good resources that aren't also covering state government. I especially appreciate the inclusion of role and purpose of citizen engagement as a fundamental addition to political and administrative functions.
West Virginia University
Review
This text provides students with much of the classic and recent research on local government management in a condensed and easily readable format appropriate for both graduate and undergraduate students.
California State University, Fullerton
Review
