Local Government and Community-Based Strategies: Evidence from a National Survey of a Social Problem

Abstract

In this study I examine the use of community-based shared-leadership strategies. I focus on the role of local government in four aspects of community-based planning and implementation: (1) coordination, (2) the use of partnerships, (3) community-based planning and (4) collaboration in funding. Through a national survey of homelessness efforts in cities over 50,000 population, this study finds that local government involvement in community-based planning and implementation is positively associated with (1) the range of local homelessness efforts, and (2) increased effectiveness and targeting of these efforts. This study also finds that local governments are driving forces for community-based strategies, as are requirements by higher governments and a variety of local events and conditions.