Revitalising metropolitan governance in the Valle de México

This chapter looks at the major features of metropolitan governance in the Valle de México. It begins with an exploration of the institutional framework and co-ordination mechanisms, looking at the politico-administrative system as it affects the metropolitan governance dynamics. It then looks at the fiscal system operating in the metropolitan zone, proposing some changes to the Metropolitan Fund as an instrument for metropolitan co-operation. A major section focuses on options to bridge co-ordination gaps for urban development where the political reform of the Federal District, inter-municipal arrangements and the construction of the New Mexico City International Airport could help improve governance. It ends with some recommendations to encourage institutional capacity at the sub-national level of government. Overall, the chapter emphasises that the governance problem is not the lack of institutions, but how they work. A shift to metropolitan governance is a precondition for comprehensive policy responses.