ABSTRACT
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; M
age = 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.