THE ALLURE OF GOVERNMENT CONSOLIDATION: Consolidation of local government units into regional governments is sometimes proposed as a strategy to provide government services throughout a metroplitan area, while generally improving cost performance.

CONSOLIDATION: MORE COSTLY & LESS DEMOCRATIC: However, virtually all experience indicates that local government consolidation does not produce cost savings. Indeed, a more reasonable expectation is that local government consolidation increases the unit cost base of government, while rendering local government less responsive to community and neighborhood concerns.

ALTERNATIVE STRUCTURES: LESS COSTLY & MORE DEMOCRATIC: Legitimate regional or metropolitan policy needs can be effectively addressed by cooperative metropolitan arrangements which preserve the accessibility, accountability and more efficient unit cost structures of local government.

WENDELL COX CONSULTANCY: Wendell Cox Consultancy has assisted clients in analyzing and designing local governance structures that are less costly and more democratic. Clients have included the city of Toronto, Oakland County (Michigan), the American Legislative Exchange Council and others.