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Abstract
Local governments have grown rapidly — both in size and complexity — in an attempt to expand and improve public services. The impetus for this trend is largely the result of increased State and Federal assistance — both for planning and financing local improvements. Current social, economic, and political conditions affect the ability of local governments to finance the wide range of services for which they are responsible. In rural America, local governments may find it more difficult to provide desired public services, particularly in communities that experience rapid population growth. This article summarizes the major issues affecting the performance of local governments in recent years. Special emphasis is directed to the unique conditions that local officials in nonmetro America will likely face.