Local governments are the foundation of our democratic capitalist society. First they administer basic functions of our democratic system and are the front door for citizens' access to their constitutional rights. Second, they establish conditions for the effective functioning of regional economies by providing roads, water, sewer, public safety, land use controls and civil courts.

Providing these services, which are easily taken for granted, requires funding and dedicated citizens to step up to make difficult decisions that balance public cost against public benefit.

Wisconsin is lucky to have a strong democratic culture that values access to local government. The amount of local government representation per capita in Wisconsin makes us one of the most democracy-loving places in the U.S. The downside of this, especially as our regions have grown and developed over the years, is parochialism, duplication of services, inefficient scale of local services, and lack of effectiveness at making decisions regarding regional problems.

The Local Government Institute of Wisconsin was formed to find ways to more efficiently deliver local government services and more effectively make sound decisions regarding regional problems while maintaining our strong democratic traditions.

We would like to hear from you on these issues. Please use this blog to tell us what you think.