ABSTRACT
Over the last two decades there has been discussion and speculation as to whether Deil Wright’s seventh phase of intergovernmental relations (IGR)—Contractive Phase—is still an accurate description of IGR. While some elements of the Contractive Phase persist, there is evidence that a new eighth phase has emerged characterized by three evolving patterns. First, increased fragmentation in federal-state, federal-local, and federal-state-local relations, producing a patchwork of polices across the country. Second, in the federal-state and state-local arenas, state—but especially local—governments must “go it alone” in efforts to finance their operations and continue to provide services for their citizens. Third, in the inter-local arena local governments are engaging in greater collaboration and cooperation. The significance of these developing patterns are captured by six federalism metaphorical descriptors (“fragmented” federalism, “nuanced” federalism, “push-back” federalism, “variable speed” federalism, “fend-for-yourself” federalism, and “collaborative” federalism) and herald the emergence of a new eighth phase of IGR, the “Kaleidoscopic” Phase.
