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Municipal incorporation in the United States

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  • Agustin Leon-Moreta

Abstract

This article empirically examines the formation of municipalities in the USA. It traces change in unincorporated areas over decades to determine how basic dimensions of population heterogeneity affect the probability of municipal incorporation. The article also examines how state legislation on local government autonomy affect the probability of municipal incorporation. To guide the research, this article follows theory on local government boundary change and the Tiebout hypothesis – literatures interested in the role of municipal fragmentation in tax-and-service differentials within metropolitan areas. Main findings are that income heterogeneity raises the probability of municipal incorporation and state restrictions on local government autonomy lower that probability. I present a boundaries-normalised data set that can be useful for research extensions.

Suggested Citation

  • Agustin Leon-Moreta, 2015. "Municipal incorporation in the United States," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 52(16), pages 3160-3180, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:52:y:2015:i:16:p:3160-3180
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098014556588
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Patrick, Carlianne & Mothorpe, Christopher, 2017. "Demand for new cities: Property value capitalization of municipal incorporation," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 78-89.

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