Albany helps finance local schools, and it shares with localities the cost of Medicaid, the costly health care program for the poor.

The city, in combination with localities forming the wider metropolitan area, is home to an estimated 1.44 million as of 2007.

Not all states are willing to share funds with localities.

Under the rule, securities firms cannot do business for two years with states or localities after a donation.

With other localities howling for Medicaid help, the mayor must fight hard for a better deal.

It is considered rare, with few known localities, but its range has not yet been systematically studied.

The usage often changes with different localities and at different times.

Most localities also maintain a tax administration or share one with neighboring localities.

The state is working with localities to improve identification, referral and drug testing for probationers.

Presumably, with more states and localities implementing such standards, the opportunity for further study will increase.