Local Autonomy and Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

We examine local government response to the COVID-19 pandemic in United States utilizing a unique dataset created by National League of Cities. The most common action governments was changing administrative procedures and implementing policies aimed at prevention or “flattening curve”. general public population target. In addition detailing types, policy areas, targets, we analyze based on autonomy granted states. expected with greater levels would have level response; however, some did not ‘behave’ as their degree policymaking state governments. Some states higher enacted relatively few actions pandemic, whereas little engaged considerable activity address COVID-19.