Regional and Local Officials

Though the form and structure of state and federal government are not likely to change, the form of your local and county government can be altered by popular vote. Every election, voters somewhere in the country are deciding whether to keep their current forms of government or to introduce new forms. But these changes don't greatly affect the number of officials needed to run your local government. Employment for local and regional officials is unlikely to change much in the near future.

The chances of holding office will be greater in a smaller community, where fewer people may seek a position. Cities and other high-population areas may present more opportunities for appointed and elected posts, but with stiffer competition for them. The races for part-time and nonpaying offices will also be less competitive and can be a good way to get a foot in the door.

The issues facing a community will have the most effect on the jobs of local officials. In a city with older neighborhoods, officials deal with historic preservation, improvements in utilities, and water quality. In a growing city with many suburbs, officials have to make decisions regarding development, roads, and expanded routes for public transportation.

The federal government has made efforts to shift costs to the states. If this continues, states may offer less aid to counties. A county government's funds are also affected by changes in property taxes.