Local governments are essential to the democratic processes of the nation. Particularly in rural and other small communities, they are familiar institutions with much visibility and accessibility, promoting citizen participation and control. This guide presents an overview of the characteristics of American's small local governments. America's…

This book aims to acquaint researchers, primarily in local organizations, with data they can use to describe and better understand rural communities. Chapter 1 describes a few basic data concepts for readers who are not experienced data users. Chapter 2 provides an overview of major data sources that can be used to describe rural communities,…