Beyond the City–County Divide: Examining Consolidation Referenda Since 2000

Abstract

Despite the relative infrequency of successful city-county consolidation campaigns, local government officials and reformers continue revisiting the possibilities and perceived benefits associated with consolidation. While studies analyzing campaigns for and against consolidation efforts exist, little is known beyond factors at the city and/or county level. For this reason, it is important to dig deeper and explore the differences at smaller geographic levels. Utilizing demographic, geographic, and electoral data, this study examines the factors which contribute to support (or opposition) to consolidation at the voting precinct-level in reform efforts over the last two decades. Results indicate that factors related to higher levels of education, home values, and larger Hispanic populations tend to increase the vote share in favor of consolidation, while areas with larger median household incomes demonstrate lower levels of support. These findings help extend our understanding of boundary change and voting in local referenda in the United States.