About the book
While 97 percent of all American cities are smaller than 50,000 and millions of Americans experience civic life in these communities, what we know about their politics and governance is limited, particularly how local board systems operate, who the board members are, what motivates them to serve, and what they think about their experiences. Drawing on a unique and extensive set of survey data from board members, mayors, and city councilors in sixty cities across six states, Government in the Twilight Zone significantly expands our knowledge of small city boards and politics. By embedding the empirical research in the historical trajectory of small towns, John R. Baker provides a rich narrative that discusses the role of entities such as planning commissions, parks and recreation boards, and zoning appeals boards. He also clarifies how board and commission members are recruited in small cities, explains how these organizations work to make the decisions required of them, and reveals what they and their city councilors and mayors think about their importance and effectiveness.
Editions of Government in the Twilight Zone
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781438456317
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781438456300
- PDF
- ISBN 9781438456324
Read an Excerpt
While 97 percent of all American cities are smaller than 50,000 and millions of Americans experience civic life in these communities, what we know about their politics and governance is limited, particularly how local board systems operate, who the board members are, what motivates them to serve, and what they think about their experiences. Drawing on a unique and extensive set of survey data from board members, mayors, and city councilors in sixty cities across six states, Government in the Twilight Zone significantly expands our knowledge of small city boards and politics. By embedding the empirical research in the historical trajectory of small towns, John R. Baker provides a rich narrative that discusses the role of entities such as planning commissions, parks and recreation boards, and zoning appeals boards. He also clarifies how board and commission members are recruited in small cities, explains how these organizations work to make the decisions required of them, and reveals what they and their city councilors and mayors think about their importance and effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Government in the Twilight Zone about?
While 97 percent of all American cities are smaller than 50,000 and millions of Americans experience civic life in these communities, what we know about their politics and governance is limited, particularly how local board systems operate, who the board members are, what motivates them to serve, and what they think about their experiences. Drawing on a unique and extensive set of survey data from board members, mayors, and city councilors in sixty cities across six states, Government in the Twilight Zone significantly expands our knowledge of small city boards and politics. By embedding the empirical research in the historical trajectory of small towns, John R. Baker provides a rich narrative that discusses the role of entities such as planning commissions, parks and recreation boards, and zoning appeals boards. He also clarifies how board and commission members are recruited in small cities, explains how these organizations work to make the decisions required of them, and reveals what they and their city councilors and mayors think about their importance and effectiveness.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Government in the Twilight Zone?
Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government > Municipal / city government
Where can I read a sample of Government in the Twilight Zone?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438456317
How long is Government in the Twilight Zone and how many pages does it have?
Government in the Twilight Zone has 204 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Government in the Twilight Zone?
John R. Baker
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Government in the Twilight Zone is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438456317) and paperback(ISBN 9781438456300) and pdf(ISBN 9781438456324)
Where can I buy Government in the Twilight Zone online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Government in the Twilight Zone from below
Where can I buy Government in the Twilight Zone?