Group Influence versus Decision-Making Rules

Abstract

Using data from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this analysis compares the impact of decision-making rules (embodying citywide funding priorities) on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocational decisions with the impact of support exerted on behalf of neighborhood-specific priorities. It is found that in addition to the amount of funding requested and the constraints imposed by ongoing projects, both the city's funding guidelines (a decision-making rule) and influence on behalf of neighborhood concerns that is channeled through neighborhood advisory councils have an impact on allocational decisions. Rules constrain the decision-making process: if political pressure on behalf of neighborhood concerns exists, it must be built into the process and procedures must be created that allow group input.