Municipal Planning in Large Urban Centers with Multiple Jurisdictions

Abstract

This article illustrates how a loss of municipal-levelplanning capability has occurred in metropolitan Miami, a large urban area with numerous independent municipalities. First, the loss of information bases crucial to decision making either because of exclusion or overload is described. Second, the impact of the loss or underuse of professional expertise in routine decision making is addressed. Third, solutions to the problem of inadequate municipal-level planning are discussed. In the course of proposing these solutions, strengths and weaknesses of organizational types are identified that must be considered before selecting a particular agentfor municipal planning services in large urban areas with numerous independent municipalities. The potential solutions that appear to make the most sense for the metropolitan Miami area may be appropriate for other urban areas with multiple municipalities. Finally, the issue of municipal planning as a public good for the entire urban community is raised in recognition of the political and financial disincentives associated with providing adequate municipal planning capability in the future.

INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WHO SHOULD LEAD, WHO SHOULD PAY?1

“…This is, of course, a strong theme in the closely-related field of regional planning. For example, Becker and Dluhy (1997) showed how loss of a regional planning capability in the Miami area, a large urban center with numerous independent municipalities, suffered with loss of planning data, loss of expertise and institutional memory, and in formulating solutions to shared problems. They suggested that since taxing authority will probably not be given to a regional planning authority, financing by contract will probably be required.…”