Cities in U.S. Federalism: Policy Innova

Cities can and do develop innovative policies to address problems and respond to residents. Examples include ordinances involving workers rights, LGBTQ rights, and environmental regulation. However, local policies are regularly overturned by state legislatures and courts. Cities are constrained by state and federal policies and laws as well as local voters and taxpayers. This course explores the ways in which the dynamics of American federalism influence public policy and policymaking in U.S. cities. We will review how cities fit into the U.S. federal system and examine both city-state and city-federal relations. To better understand the real-world impact of federalism, we will focus on specific policy domains, including fiscal policy and budgeting, zoning and land use, employment, and the environment.