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Subsidiarity is the principle that government works best…

“Subsidiarity is the principle that government works best most responsibly and responsively when it is closest to the people it serves and the needs it addresses. Fiscal accountability is the principle that institutions collecting and disbursing taxes work most responsibly when they are transparent…” quote by Jane Jacobs
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“Subsidiarity is the principle that government works best most responsibly and responsively when it is closest to the people it serves and the needs it addresses. Fiscal accountability is the principle that institutions collecting and disbursing taxes work most responsibly when they are transparent to those providing the money.”

Jane Jacobs

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Local governance works best when it is close to the people it serves, and fiscal transparency ensures responsible tax use.

In simple terms: Local control and transparency lead to responsible government.

Key Takeaway

Promote local decision‑making and open budgets.

Themes

governance transparency accountability

Mood

analytical constructive

Type

policy educational

When to use this quote

  • municipal budgeting
  • community planning
  • public service delivery
  • tax policy reform

Key Concepts

decentralization public finance citizen engagement

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can communities build capacity for self‑governance?
  • What mechanisms ensure fiscal transparency?
A Different Perspective

Local capacity may be insufficient without adequate resources.

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