New Books in Public Policy Mirya Holman, "The Hidden Face of Local Power: Appointed Boards and the Limits of Democracy" (Temple UP, 2025)
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Dec 14, 2025 Mirya Holman, a public policy professor at the University of Houston, explores the dynamics between appointed boards and local democracy. She reveals how cities create strong boards to consolidate power and benefit elite interests while maintaining weak boards that superficially address representation. Holman highlights the inequalities perpetuated by this dual system, illustrating how marginalized groups are often excluded from real power. The conversation dives into the need for reform to ensure meaningful representation and her ongoing research into local conflicts in school boards.
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Discovery In New Orleans
- Mirya Holman was asked by a New Orleans council staffer to identify who sat on city appointed boards.
- She found the city lacked a comprehensive list and even an up-to-date application form, revealing boards' invisibility.
Two Classes Of Appointed Boards
- Cities create two types of appointed boards: strong boards with policymaking capacity and weak boards that are largely advisory.
- Strong boards handle development, planning, and personnel; weak boards handle redistributional and identity issues.
Why Strong Boards Exist
- Strong boards let elected officials off the hook by providing cover for controversial decisions and serve as patronage outlets.
- Historical growth of powerful boards often tied to urban infrastructure needs and later to economic development in the late 20th century.
