Unequal Representation: How Municipal Mergers Reshape Local Services

### Geocoded Data & Methods

Using novel geocoded data on local public sector jobs and politicians' residences, this study analyzes the effects of municipal mergers in Germany's LÄnder from 1994 to 2013.

### Key Findings

Mergers had no impact on overall municipal expenditures after eight years. However, they created stark geographic political representation disparities among merged municipalities.

Small and politically marginalized towns saw significant job reductions in administration and health services compared to their better-represented counterparts.

Market prices for housing suggest a decline in service quality specifically targeting residents of these less influential areas.

### Why Representation Matters

The findings highlight how administrative consolidation can exacerbate inequalities, raising questions about the democratic accountability inherent in such political reforms.