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Is there an optimal size for local governments? A spatial panel data model approach

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  • Miriam Hortas-Rico
  • Vicente Rios

Abstract

The paper presents a framework for determining the optimal size of local jurisdictions and whether it varies depending on the geographical heterogeneity of the territory. To that aim, it first develops a theoretical model of cost efficiency that takes into account spatial interactions and spillover effects among neighbouring jurisdictions. The model solution leads to a spatial Durbin panel data specification of local spending as a non-linear function of population size. The model is tested using a large local data set over the period 2003–11 for an aggregate measure of public spending. The empirical findings suggest a ‘U’-shaped relationship between population size and the costs of providing public services. A second step investigates the role of geographical characteristics such as elevation and terrain ruggedness in the determination of the optimal jurisdiction size. The results reveal that optimal city size decreases with elevation and increases with ruggedness.

Suggested Citation

  • Miriam Hortas-Rico & Vicente Rios, 2020. "Is there an optimal size for local governments? A spatial panel data model approach," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 54(7), pages 958-973, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:regstd:v:54:y:2020:i:7:p:958-973
    DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2019.1648786
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    Cited by:

    1. Ning Jia & Huiyong Zhong, 2022. "The Causes and Consequences of China's Municipal Amalgamations: Evidence from Population Redistribution," China & World Economy, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, vol. 30(4), pages 174-200, July.
    2. Bryngemark, Elina & Söderholm, Patrik & Thörn, Martina, 2023. "The adoption of green public procurement practices: Analytical challenges and empirical illustration on Swedish municipalities," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 204(PA).
    3. Juan Luis Gómez‐Reino & Santiago Lago‐Peñas & Jorge Martinez‐Vazquez, 2023. "Evidence on economies of scale in local public service provision: A meta‐analysis," Journal of Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 63(4), pages 793-819, September.
    4. Cong Yu & Linke Hou & Yuxia Lyu & Qi Zhang, 2022. "Political competition, spatial interactions, and default risk of local government debts in China," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 101(3), pages 717-743, June.
    5. Peter Fandel & Eleonora Marišová & Tomáš Malatinec & Ivana Lichnerová, 2019. "Decentralization Policies in Public Administration in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, and Their Impact on Building Offices’ Scale Efficiency," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-15, November.
    6. Vidoli, Francesco & Auteri, Monica & Marinuzzi, Giorgia & Tortorella, Walter, 2023. "Spatial interdependence in cost efficiency and local government optimal size: The case of Italian municipalities," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).
    7. Iliopoulos, Panagiotis & De Witte, Kristof, 2024. "The expenditure composition and trade-offs in local government budgets," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    8. Ivana Dobrotic & Teo Matkovic, 2023. "Understanding territorial inequalities in decentralised welfare systems: early childhood education and care system expansion in Croatia," Public Sector Economics, Institute of Public Finance, vol. 47(1), pages 89-110.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • H72 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Budget and Expenditures
    • H77 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Intergovernmental Relations; Federalism
    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)

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