Theories of Local Governance

Theories of local governance explore how local governments function and make decisions. They include models like the **participatory theory**, which emphasizes community involvement in decision-making; the **managerial approach**, focusing on professional management and efficiency; and the **pluralist view**, where multiple groups and interest parties influence policy. These theories help us understand the dynamics of local authorities—how they operate, who holds influence, and how they serve their communities effectively. They provide different lenses to analyze how local systems work and how they can be improved for better community outcomes.