Next, field researchers (about 80 members) visited each of the 730 local government sites to conduct in-depth interviews with local politicians, administrators, civic leaders, heads of other organizations in local networks, and city residents. Here, detailed information was obtained on what programs were initiated and implemented, why and how they were implemented, who was involved in the policy formation and implementation processes, what kind of resources were utilized, and what were the program results. Researchers also examined relevant documents such as official budgets, memoranda of management and community meetings, case evaluations, annual reports, newsletters, or photographs.
The following three criteria for case selection were also applied: local programs should
(1) be directly related to the major responsibilities of the respective local government; (2) intend to provide better service quality or improved productivity, program effectiveness, or citizens’ satisfaction; and (3) have potential for replication in other local jurisdictions.