Which Local Jurisdictions Are Environmental Policy Entrepreneurs? Insights from Israel

Abstract

Environmental challenges demand local-level engagement. This study delves into the often overlooked entrepreneurial role played by “off-the-map” local authorities in environmental policy. By examining factors influencing Local Environmental Policy Initiatives (LEPIs), including demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, environmental impact, and promotion strategies, we offer a comprehensive analysis. In contrast to studies that spotlight prominent cities, we prioritize the majority—ordinary local governments. Leveraging Israel as a case study, we employ a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, to validate prior hypotheses suggesting that economically stable and larger authorities tend to initiate more LEPIs. Nevertheless, our research reveals a pro-environmental inclination, even among authorities traditionally not categorized as entrepreneurial. Consequently, smaller and less influential authorities adopt tailored approaches such as problem-framing and terminology strategies to drive environmental initiatives forward. These findings underscore the critical role of local authorities in advancing environmentally sustainable practices, emphasizing their significance in the broader landscape of environmental policy. Notably, they highlight the imperative nature of targeting strategies toward untypical entrepreneurial authorities, to maximize the potential impact of widespread environmental change from the bottom up.