Policy making in Jerusalem: Local discretion in a context that favours central control

Abstract

Israel's formal structure provides a large role for national ministries in local policy making and administration. The sensitivity of Jerusalem, and its problematic status in international politics also attracts the involvement of national politicians. Yet an entrepreneurial mayor has found opportunities among the city's problems. He has attracted donors and investors to quasigovernmental organizations that exert considerable influence on the city's economic development, cultural and social programming.