Yes, scale is really important. I think a lot of the opportunities for resource distribution and coordination of public goods/services are at the local level.  At the scale of the municipality, or even the neighborhood. I think the question to ask is: what are the requirements for a decent standard of living and how can a society be structured so that everyone has at least a minimum level from which to thrive. I would say some key elements for wellbeing include access to housing (shelter, water, sanitation, electricity etc), safety, education and healthcare.