This book offers an overview of the legal, political, and broad intergovernmental environment in which relations between local and state units of government take place. It examines the historical roots of the conflict between local and state governments and an analysis of contemporary problems of local authority, local revenues, state interventions and takeovers, and the restructuring of local governments. Author David Berman pays special attention to local governmental autonomy and the goals and activities of local officials as they seek to secure resources, fend off regulations and interventions, and fight for survival as independent units. Now in a thoroughly revised second edition, this book examines marijuana use, minimum wages, the establishment of sanctuary cities, and the regulation of ride-sharing companies. Looking at the intergovernmental struggle from the bottom up, and in the process examining a variety of political activities and policies at the state level, this book improves our understanding of the relationship between state and local governments. It provides a thoughtful look at the past, present, and possibly the future of local home rule and will be of interest to students of state and local government, US politics, and intergovernmental relations. evel, this book improves our understanding of the relationship between state and local governments. It provides a thoughtful look at the past, present, and possibly the future of local home rule and will be of interest to students of state and local government, US politics, and intergovernmental relations.