ABSTRACT
Fragmentation within the metropolitan area creates great difficulty for communities. The last chapter focused on horizontal fragmentation, that is, the multiplicity of relatively coequal governments within the metropolitan area. This chapter will look at vertical fragmentation. As a result of our federal system of government, various levels—national, state, and local—have overlapping roles in the metropolitan area. Since local government is closest to the people, many believe it bears the greatest responsibility for meeting our most basic needs. Former President Reagan observed that "Americans live at the local level" and "it is at the local level that problems occur." 1
