Why study approaches to local governance? -- Components of local government quality -- How and what public services are provided? -- How are taxes revenues collected? -- How does local government affect investment and location decisions? -- Models of county and regional governance -- One-tier consolidation -- Two-tier restructuring -- Three-tier reform -- In conclusion -- Toward a model of governance for Allegheny County -- Services, taxes, and decisionmaking -- Implications for governance in Allegheny County -- Analysis of government expenditures on public services in Allegheny County.