Some functions of government are better delivered at the local level, some at a regional level, and some at a state level. Our challenge is determining how best to solve problems that cross-jurisdictional and functional boundaries. Wisconsin ranks 13 th in number of local units with Illinois 1 st , Minnesota 6 th , and Michigan 14 th . However, on a per capita basis Wisconsin is in the top three or four.
Most local governments tend to be small in size, when compared to other states.
However, policy problems often don t fit political boundaries and as the state grows, the problems increasingly spill over existing boundaries. As our communities grow in population and service requirements, there is a need for broader service delivery and inter-governmental cooperation that goes beyond current political boundaries. Population numbers, density, and property valuation are general measures of a service delivery area. New technology makes it possible to think more easily past existing boundaries. Data is available today that wasn t several years ago.