The Multiple Agencies of Metropolitan Institutions: Is There Convergence?

Abstract

This chapter examines the multiple agencies of institutions that drive processes of metropolitan change. The institutional context of metropolitan planning and development largely determines the opportunities and constraints that condition and sets the rules for metropolitan actors to partake in such processes. While intrinsically linked to the genius loci, national and/or regional governments continue to play key roles in setting agendas and shaping debates about the future of metropolitan regions, e.g. through enabling or blocking institutional, legal or fiscal tools. At the same time, there is an increasing influence of private and non-governmental actors attempting to influence metropolitan development agenda and processes. This chapter focuses on the rationales behind the motivations and strategies of different actors with a stake in metropolitan policymaking. To shed light on the policy contexts where collaboration and competition take place, the chapter delves into the interplay between local governments and an array of public, private and non-governmental stakeholders holding capacity to cater to metropolitan growth and development.