Intergovernmental Relations Flashcards

Which federal legislation established the framework for intergovernmental grant management and financial oversight now codified as 2 CFR Part 200?

Answer: The Uniform Guidance (OMB Circular A-133 successor)

The Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) consolidated and replaced multiple OMB circulars to standardize federal grant management requirements for state and local governments.

A city manager wants to formally coordinate policy with neighboring municipalities on regional stormwater management. Which mechanism is MOST appropriate?

Answer: An interlocal agreement under state enabling law

Interlocal agreements authorized by state enabling legislation create legally binding frameworks for joint service delivery and policy coordination between municipalities.

The Dillon's Rule doctrine primarily affects municipal governments by:

Answer: Limiting cities to only those powers expressly granted by the state legislature

Under Dillon's Rule, municipalities possess only the powers explicitly granted by state law, fairly implied from granted powers, or essential to the declared objectives of the corporation.

Which federal agency serves as the primary point of coordination for state and local governments on homeland security grants and emergency preparedness?

Answer: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA administers major homeland security and emergency preparedness grant programs and serves as the primary federal liaison for state and local emergency management.

Preemption occurs in intergovernmental relations when:

Answer: A higher level of government occupies a field of regulation, displacing local authority

Preemption — federal or state — occurs when a higher governmental authority occupies a regulatory field, preventing or superseding local regulation on the same subject.

A city receives a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Which federal agency administers this program?

Answer: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD administers CDBG, which provides annual grants to entitled communities to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and economic opportunity.

In the context of fiscal federalism, which type of federal grant gives the recipient government the MOST discretion in how funds are spent?

Answer: Block grant

Block grants provide funding for broad functional areas with minimal restrictions, giving recipient governments maximum discretion compared to categorical or project grants.