Public Administration ETDs

Publication Date

7-31-1975

Abstract

The concept of urban decentralization has been a salient subject of study for urban scholars since the mid-1960's. Decentralization has been studied and promoted as one possible solution to what has become commonly known as the "urban crisis." Specifically, the intent of decentralization innovations has been to ameliorate such problems as: the alienation felt by urbanites, especially minority groups and the economically disadvantaged; the lack of indigenous political leadership in urban neighborhoods; the failure of urban government to be responsive and accountable to citizens; and the ineffective and inefficient delivery of services. There are several dimensions which decentralization innovations can take. The success and intent of decentralization projects is dependent upon the political, social, and administrative conditions under which they are to be effected. The basic problem addressed in this thesis is the determination of the feasibility of decentralization in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Two basic methodological approaches were used in this study to determine the overall feasibility of decentralization, and further, to determine the social, political and adminstrative conditions that would most likely assure success. A review of existing decentralization efforts was made. This review provided the theoretical basis for the development of an analytical framework by which the feasibility of decentralization in Albuquerque could be assessed. Several different models were reviewed and existing programs were evaluated on the basis of their outcomes. Survey research was ultimately employed to determine feasibility and conditional factors. Two extensive surveys were conducted, one of citizen users of city hall and one of city administrators. Data from these surveys were analyzed according to the feasibility criterion. Conditionally, decentralization was considered to be feasible in Albuquerque. The conditions were delineated and a model and implementation strategy were determined which, it is felt, would assure a successful decentralization attempt.

Degree Name

Public Administration

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

School of Public Administration

First Committee Member (Chair)

Leonard Arnold Stitelman

Second Committee Member

Donald Winston Smithburg

Third Committee Member

Peter Anthony Lupsha

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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