The Local Politics and Governance specialist group fosters interdisciplinary and critical research into the conduct of local government, governance, politics and participation.

The objectives of our group are:

1. To promote and disseminate research, teaching and knowledge about local politics and participation.
2. Facilitate exchanges between researchers interested in different conceptions of ‘locality.’
3. Build international research networks with colleagues in North America, Europe and elsewhere.
4. Hold events such as bi-annual conferences and themed workshops (held in alternating years) while also facilitating panels at PSA and other specialist group and international conferences.
5. Explore and explain factors that are specific to the conduct of local politics.
6. Provide a setting in which the linkages between local and national politics can be explored.

We warmly welcome new members.  If you have any query about membership or the activities of the group, please contact the group convenors Dr Peter Eckersley, Dr Joanie Willett or Dr Tom Arnold.

Follow us on Bluesky! @psalocalpol.bsky.social