J. Edwin Benton

J. Edwin Benton is a Professor of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of South Florida (USF), affiliated with the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies within the College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a B.A. and M.A. from the University of South Carolina (1971, 1974) and a Ph.D. in Government from Florida State University (1978). Before joining USF in 1979, he was a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Northern Iowa.

His research focuses on state-local relations, county government, urban politics, intergovernmental fiscal behavior, and policy analysis. Notable works include award-winning books like *Intergovernmental Relations and Public Policy* (with David R. Morgan) and *Revenues Sources for Local Governments* (2024). He has authored over 50 technical reports for governments and non-profits, and contributed to high-impact journals such as *Public Administration Review* and *Urban Affairs Review*.

Benton has received prestigious awards for scholarship and service, including the Manning J. Dauer Award (2009, 2013) and Outstanding Service Awards from the Florida Political Science Association and ASPA’s SIAM section. He has held editorial roles for journals like *State and Local Government Review* and served on advisory boards for institutions such as the National Center for the Study of Counties.

He teaches courses on Florida government, public administration theory, and policy analysis, and has advised civic boards in Hillsborough County, Tampa, and Georgetown, South Carolina. His public engagements include media commentary for *USA Today*, *The New York Times*, and international outlets like *Le Monde*.