What Causes Municipal Amalgamation Reform? Rational Explanations Meet Western European Experiences, 2004–13

Abstract

The chapter develops a theoretical model consisting of factors that exert pressure to undertake amalgamation reforms (fiscal stress, urbanization, decentralization, reform history), and factors that mediate the causal relationship between pressure to reform and decisions to implement amalgamation reform (e.g., political system characteristics). The model’s predictive power is tested using data on seventeen Western European countries between 2004 and 2013. During this period seven of the countries undertook reforms and ten did not. Based on mixed results of this model test, the authors discuss potential measurement problems, model construction (whether relevant variables are included), and potential weaknesses with the definition of the dependent variable—national amalgamation reform. Finally, suggestions are offered for future research into the causes of amalgamation reforms.

Appendix

Table 4.A.1 Predicted amalgamation reforms 2004–13, partial model with pressure factors only. Reform predicted if pressure from any three of the four pressure factors, or if strong fiscal stress

Table 4.A.2 Predicted amalgamation reforms 2004–13 among countries experiencing reform pressure, full model including filtering factors. Reform predicted if negative scores on three of the four filtering factors