New Books in American Studies Mirya Holman, "The Hidden Face of Local Power: Appointed Boards and the Limits of Democracy" (Temple UP, 2025)
Dec 14, 2025
Mirya Holman, a Professor of Public Policy at the University of Houston and author of The Hidden Face of Local Power, discusses the intriguing dynamics of appointed boards in U.S. cities. She reveals how strong boards tend to concentrate power while serving elite interests, whereas weak boards merely create an illusion of inclusivity. Holman explores the stark realities of representation, highlighting how marginalized groups are often sidelined. Her research uncovers the complexities of local democracy and offers insights for potential reforms to empower these boards.
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How The Project Started In New Orleans
- Mirya Holman began the project after a New Orleans council staffer asked her to tally women on city boards and she found no comprehensive list was available.
- She discovered obstacles like outdated application formats, which signaled boards were often low-priority and hidden from elected leaders.
The Strong/Weak Board Dichotomy
- Cities create two types of appointed boards: strong boards with policymaking capacity and weak boards that are advisory or easily overridden.
- Strong boards handle development, planning, and employee management while weak boards handle redistribution, welfare, and identity issues.
Why Strong Boards Get Created
- Elected officials create strong boards to hide controversial decisions and to reward political supporters via patronage.
- Economic development boards grew in the late 1960s–1980s as cities sought private resources amid federal funding rollbacks.
