A method includes delegating, by a managing unit of a dispersed storage network (DSN), authority to configure a sub-portion of at least a portion of the DSN managed by the managing unit to a designated entity according to one or more configuration constraints. The managing unit manages parent configuration data that contains a compilation of configuration changes made to the at least a portion of the DSN. The method further includes managing, by the designated entity, child configuration data that includes a compilation of configuration changes made to the sub-portion of the at least a portion of the DSN. The method further includes, when resolution of the child configuration data and the parent configuration data is triggered, determining whether the child configuration data is formatted in a manner consistent with formatting of the parent configuration data and, if so, incorporating the child configuration data into the parent configuration data.