New Books in Political Science Mirya Holman, "The Hidden Face of Local Power: Appointed Boards and the Limits of Democracy" (Temple UP, 2025)
Dec 14, 2025
Dr. Mirya Holman, a professor of public policy and author, dives into the intricate dynamics of appointed boards in local governance. She reveals how cities strategically create strong boards to consolidate power, while weak boards offer a false illusion of inclusivity. Notably, she discusses the disproportionate representation of marginalized groups on weak boards compared to the influence of wealthy donors on strong ones. Holman also proposes reforms to empower weak boards, aiming to reshape local democracy and address systemic inequalities.
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Missing Board Records Sparked The Project
- Mirya Holman was asked by a New Orleans city council office to list board members because no one had a full accounting.
- She found broken processes like an outdated WordPerfect application form, revealing boards' low visibility in city operations.
Participant Observation On Boards
- Mirya Holman served on an appointed board and did participant observation of many meetings.
- She found routine, mundane deliberations that revealed how members view their roles and make decisions.
Two Distinct Types Of Appointed Boards
- Cities create two kinds of appointed boards: strong policymaking boards and weak advisory boards.
- Strong boards handle planning, zoning, economic development; weak boards handle redistribution and identity-related issues.
