Lipowicz, Irena2013-03-052013-03-052009Ruch Prawniczy, Ekonomiczny i Socjologiczny 71, 2009, z. 2, s. 143-1600035-9629http://hdl.handle.net/10593/4883The political reform o f local government structures was a complex process that involved political, legal and organisational aspects. Despite some obvious successes, there were also defeats, such as e.g. failure to maintain consistence and clarity in the implementation o f reforms, in consequence of which some have been simply abandoned for many years. It is time now to return to them, re-interpret and take up again. The paper identifies reasons for making certain political decisions, the deciding factors, or surroundings, and, in particular, the reasons why local government reforms had to be conducted in two phases rather than one, leading to the establishment o f self-governing voivodeships. An overall assessment o f the local government reform 1990-1998 is being made from today’s perspective and the challenges o f today’s administration. Finally, current challenges (including those caused by the recent economic crisis) faced by the organs of public administration and self-governing local authorities are analysed.plArtykuł