This book examines the role of residential community associations in the American intergovernmental system of governance. Residential community associations (RCAs) have experienced phenomenal growth in recent years, yet their significance and impact remains largely unexamined Robert Jay Dilger here identifies the extent and nature of the services and operations provided by RCAs, documents their development as a housing and land use planning innovation, and analyzes their role in acting, in many ways, as a substitute for local governments. Dilger illustrates the many ways in which RCAs are influential actors in the American political and intergovernmental process. Examining this impact of RCAs on local politics, he also extrapolates to determine the implications of their proliferation for American governance and democratic values. Economic conditions and consumer preferences suggest, he argues, that RCAs will continue to play an vital role in American governance well into the 21st century. Essential reading for anyone interested in public policy, local politics and government, this book is the definitive account of these increasingly powerful organizations.