The New Federalism and Substate Regionalism: Changing Perceptions of Rural Officials

Abstract

This study examines the attitudes of officials in rural governments about regional commissions. Survey data from a sample of Georgia and Michigan respondents were collected in the 1970s and again in 1985. The purpose initially was to measure attitudinal support for the then precariously placed and often criticized commissions. The follow-up survey was intended to measure whether attitudinal support had become greater or weaker after well-publicized Reagan administration initiatives had led to reduced federal funding. The data show mixed findings in the two states but indicate that, at least in some rural areas, greater acceptance of regionalism was achieved in the face of decreased activities by regional commissions.