Act Locally? Local Government in the U.S.

4.0 credits

Reformers and activists sometimes say that we should 'think globally, act locally,' meaning that we should try to address widespread needs by taking action in our neighborhoods, towns and cities. What happens when you apply this maxim to government and public policy in the United States? This course will introduce you to local government policymaking in the United States, with a focus on urban areas. You'll gain a familiarity with the powers local governments have over key policies and servicessuch as policing and criminal justice, housing and land-use regulation, transportation, public education and public healthand learn to think systematically about what local governments can do to address public needs. What you learn will be applicable throughout the U.S., but we'll focus on examples of policymaking currently underway in the City of Rochester and the surrounding regionoffering you a chance to learn more about the University's local community