Patterns of Metropolitan Service Dominance

Abstract

This study found that large central city service roles were dependent on state laws providing for greater functional responsibility, easy annexation procedures, and less restrictive property tax limitations and receipt of substantial state aid. When such factors were not present, a large central city service role was more likely where its population was socially and racially similar to its suburb(s) and the city contained an adequate supply of managerial and professional talent. On the other hand, large central county service roles were associated with substantial state and federal aid, less restrictive property tax limitations, greater county functional responsibility, and large urban populations.