Her main research interests are decentralization, public policy, innovation, governance, and public management, with a regional focus on Latin America. Specifically, Professor Avellaneda investigates determinants of government performance in Latin American municipalities by focusing on the role of the local chief executive — the mayor.
In her field research, Professor Avellaneda conducts personal interviews and experimental analyses with Latin American mayors. She explores the impact of mayors' education, experience, networking, and political support on social service delivery, public finances, tax collection, and decision-making. She has extended this line of research to Brazilian, Honduran, Colombian, and Salvadorian municipalities. Currently, her research focuses on the Chilean, Mexican, Peruvian, Guatemalan, and Ecuadorian municipalities.
Expert
Local governance, sub-national governments, subnational leadership, Latin American politics. public management, comparative public policy