We are restarting the argument here in the UK for greater powers outside of London for the local population to govern more for itself.
It sounds lovely and important but for political connivance and human criminality. Down here in Cornwall the local government has been among the most criminal in the country with self-service and family ties making decisions over-and-above commonality and fairness for generations. The two main issues being planning permissions and project grants. But it has even gone down to the level of who gets better road surfaces.
If a system does not deal with the tendency to wield power badly, no series of good intentions and devolved powers will work for the people.