Washington State's local governance system evolved out of a unique set of geographic and political circumstances leading to the creation of a web of over 50 different types of local governing bodies.  This course explores how the state's system of local governance influences the delivery of public services and helps to determine the investment of public and private capital.  We will examine how the existing governance system serves to drive public policy and consider how economic and environmental issues and interests are testing the viability of our current system.  We will use case studies and systems thinking exercises to probe the dynamic relationships between cities, counties and special purpose districts as they struggle to deliver critical programs and services.