The Contemporary City-Region and its Controversies
Within the contemporary context, city-regions that are characterized, among other things, by an increased mobility of their residents, urban sprawl and the definition of new hierarchies between the main components of their territory must face a series of social and political controversies regarding their future. This paper should be considered an exploratory reflection concerning the effect of individual and collective choices upon the viability of forms taken by these urban environments. The article is subdivided into three parts. Firstly, I consider the evolution of city-regions and try to isolate some explanatory factors. Secondly, I look at two major controversies concerning the evolution of city-regions within the North American context. Finally, I deal with the political consequences of these controversies as regards local democracy.