Joint use between communities and schools: unpacking dimensions of power

What explains the level of joint use service delivery between communities and schools? Using a 2019 nation wide survey of 996 US local governments, we assess the community level factors that lead to more joint use services with schools. These include services for children (child care, child nutrition for evenings, weekends, summer), adults (adult education, nutrition programs, school buses to transport seniors), and the entire community (recreation and health care services for all ages). We identify key factors that differentiate more joint use services. We measure two types of power–hierarchical power over, and horizontal power with. We find power with (partnership and formal joint use agreements) is more important than power over (local government siting and budget control over schools). We also find engagement of families and seniors in the planning process can lead to a common vision, and this also leads to more joint use services with schools.