The 8th Edition continues earlier editions' focus on the critical roles played by states and local governments and the complex structure of our state-local system. It challenges students to understand the competing models of local government that frame the field. It then takes that theoretical analysis to the hands-on questions of local government formation and boundary change; home rule and state-local disputes; interlocal conflict and regional governance; spending, tax and debt limits; and service delivery. This Edition contains a new treatment of fiscal distress and municipal bankruptcy, and examines the state and local roles in such cutting edge issues as fracking, school finance, promoting social and economic equity, and economic development.