I agree, local government is at best only marginally better than federal government, and in many cases they are far worse. For every Texas or Wyoming with a fairly well run government (though all are still at best only fair imho) that are many Flint Michigans that charge exorbitant taxes and fees while literally poisoning their citizens. I agree voting with your feet to support well run local and state governments is the best choice, though it is much easier said than done unless you're self employed or independently wealthy. However, even moving 1 suburb or county further out can be a big factor if enough people do it, and this is happening in SF and forcing SF to at least kinda try to be less crazy. More people are leaving SF for the suburbs than moving to Texas. Staying and protesting or complaining about your local government usually does little to nothing. Actions speak louder than words. The only reason SF or NY are even kinda sorta somewhat coming back from the edge is the fear of even more people leaving. It emboldened moderates to speak out and demand change, and the government ultimately does at least somewhat respond to financial incentives.