Exploring Migrant Integration Through Local Governance: A Mixed-Method Study With Local Administrators in Italy

Given the high concentration of ethnic and cultural diversity in Italy, various national policies have been implemented to foster migrant integration. However, local authorities play a crucial role, as they are directly responsible for translating policy frameworks into concrete practices and mediating between institutions, families and communities. This study employed a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, to examine how 86 local administrators (80.23% female; Mage = 48.27 years, SDage = 11.48, range: 25–71) from different municipalities in the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy perceived and managed issues related to migrant integration within their local contexts. Findings revealed that administrators generally perceived diversity as a resource and actively promoted integration through education and community engagement initiatives. Persistent challenges included limited political participation and structural constraints in youth-focused policies, highlighting the need for more sustainable, coordinated and inclusive approaches. These insights emphasize that systematically monitoring and comparing local practices is essential for designing responsive, evidence-based integration policies that produce meaningful outcomes for diverse communities.