Localizing public service provision in megacities: Vertical and horizontal empowerment

This paper explores the provision of public services in megacities, focusing on the complexities of implementing standardized policies amidst varying local needs and expectations, using Shanghai's new infrastructure projects as a case study. It scrutinizes the strategies and interplays of vertical and horizontal empowerment to address tensions between city-wide policies and localized demands. Vertical empowerment enables local governments to tailor services through discretion and decentralization, considering service peculiarities and governmental capabilities. Conversely, horizontal empowerment facilitates coproduction of services between governments and citizens, aligning service supply with local needs. The study informs on managing service effectiveness in megacities by balancing intergovernmental control and regional discretion and provides insights into coproducing services to harmonize service provision with localized demands, thereby offering a nuanced understanding of optimizing public service provision in the unique ecosystems of megacities.