Local Government Policy-Making Process | How Local Government Shapes Public Policy and Affect You

Local governments are essential in the development of any country. They play a key role in the implementation of national public policies and programs. However, most local governments often focus on service delivery only, rather than focusing also on national policies. In order for the whole country to improve and prosper, local governments need to strike a balance between local needs and national priorities by being aligned with national public policy priorities, while also being adaptable enough to the local context. In this video, we discuss the role of local governments in the development of public policy. We further highlight the crucial role played by local governments in the implementation and shaping of national public policies. We also explain why local governments should play a greater part in supporting priorities mentioned in the national public policy. So, without wasting any more time, let us get into today's video. But before we get into the specific role played by local government on national public policies, let us differentiate between these two spheres of government, being the national government and the local government. Let's start with the national government, which is also referred to as the central government. The national government is responsible for governing an entire country or nation. It has the authority to create and enforce laws that apply to the entire country. It maintains diplomatic relations with other countries, as well as defends the country against any external threats. It manages economic policies such as fiscal policies, public finance laws, and tax policies. It develops and implements national policies on a wide range of issues, including social welfare, healthcare, education, energy, national road and transport policies, as well as defence policies, and foreign policies. National government is usually structured into different branches, such as the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch, with each of these having different roles and responsibilities. Local government, on the other hand, is responsible for governing a smaller, more specific area within a country, such as a city, town, or region. It usually provides local services like water, rubbish collection, parks, animal management, local roads, public transport, and libraries. The local government also has the authority to create and enforce local laws. It also collects rates and taxes from members of the community, which it uses to provide local public services such as waste management, road maintenance, and public transportation. Local government is usually structured into elected bodies, such as municipal councils or boards, with varying degrees of authority, and decision-making power. Overall, while national government deals with broad policy issues that impacts an entire country, local government focuses on the needs and concerns of a specific community within that country. Local governments play a crucial role in implementing and shaping national public policies. They are responsible for the actual delivery of many public services, such as education, healthcare, transportation, and housing, and are often the first point of contact for citizens with government. Local governments are also responsible for enforcing national laws and regulations within their jurisdictions. The impact of local government on national public policies can be significant. This is because 1. local governments have a unique understanding of the needs and priorities of their communities and can provide valuable inputs to national policy makers. And 2. they can also pilot innovative programs and policies that can be scaled up at the national level, if successful. Welcome back. To Public Administration 101. Proudly brought to you by. Kano Consultants. Please make sure that you check out our other videos, on public administration, under this channel. And don't forget to like this video. And subscribe for more content. You can also support the channel, by joining our exclusive channel membership community, by clicking on the join button below. Now, back to today's video. So, how can local governments have an impact, on national public policies? The following are some of the ways, that local government, can have an impact, on national public policies. Isolated national policy initiatives often fail. Because they often lack the support of local government, in making them succeed. Therefore, the national government need to collaborate with local governments, and vice versa, to ensure that the national priorities are implemented, more effectively. The national government can utilize the competitive advantage of the local government. Which is being closer to the people. This advantage, can be used to lobby for local support, for the implementation of national policies. Local stakeholders such as, local politicians, local administrators, and local prominent personalities, can also be used to identify specific attributes, complexities, strengths, and weaknesses, in order to modify national public policy, to be relevant to the needs of that community. Local politicians, local administrators, and prominent personalities from the community, can further influence national policy, by advocating for their communities, and lobbying national decision makers. Various local governments in different jurisdictions, can also form alliances with other local governments, to advocate for policies that benefit their collective interests. Before we continue. We are excited to announce, our podcast. Kano Talks. This is where we talk about, everything relating to public administration, public management, and public finance. So, if you are interested in the fields of public administration, political science, public finance, and the overall management of the public sector, including the running of government. Then make sure you follow us or subscribe to our podcast show, on the audio streaming app of your choice. In conclusion. The importance of local governments in national public policies and programs, does not mean that the national government does not have a role to play. Essentially, national and local governments play complementary roles. This means that, neither the national government, nor the local government, can ensure the country's development, without the contribution of the other. We've come to the end of this video, on the role of local government, in the development of public policy. So, thank you for watching. Please take time to check out our other videos, on public administration, and public finance, under this channel. Where we discuss various topics, relating to public administration, public finance, public management, as well as, the management of the public sector, including the running of government. And don't forget to like this video, and subscribe to our channel, for more content. And remember to turn on the notification button on your phone, to make sure that you don't miss out, when we post new videos. You can also connect with us, by following us on social media, at consultkano. And continue the conversation, by leaving us a comment, or tagging us on social media, using the hashtag, consultkano. Thank you again for watching. Join us again next time, for another video. Until then. Check out these other videos. Kano Consultants. For professional advice. You can trust.