This book explores how policy ideas are spread—or diffused—in an age in which policymaking has become increasingly complex and specialized. Using the concept of enterprise zones as a case study in policy diffusion, Karen Mossberger compares the process of their adoption in Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Massachusetts over a twelve-year period.

Enterprise zones were first proposed by the Reagan administration as a supply-side effort to reenergize inner cities, and they were eventually embraced by liberals and conservatives alike. They are a compelling example of a policy idea that spread and evolved rapidly. Mossberger describes the information networks and decisionmaking processes in the five states, assessing whether enterprise zones spread opportunistically, as a mere fad, or whether well-informed deliberation preceded their adoption.

Karen Mossberger is associate professor of public administration, University of Illinois at Chicago.

Preface

Introduction: Diffusion and Decision Making in Five States

Decision Making Models

Washington's Most Successful Nonprogram

Diffusion in the States: Old Wine in New Bottles?

Polydiffusion in an Intergovernmental Network

The Diffusion of a Policy Label

Informed Decision Making

A Decision-Making Continuum

Conclusion: Diffusion, Decision Making, and the Politics of Ideas

Postscript

Appendix 1. Methodology

Appendix 2. Legislative Questions

Appendix 3. Administrative Questions

Appendix 4. Washington Interviews

Appendix 5. Respondents

Chapter Notes

References

Index