The metropolitan phenomenon in Mexico

Abstract

More than half of urban population in México lives in metropolitan areas where two or more municipalities or federal states are primarily responsible for their government and administration. That's why they should reach common planning agreements in order to offer public services, develop public works and projects and coordínate themselves and with Federal Government. What is speciflcally metropolitan?
How can be defined and distinguished from state and municipal responsibilities and services?
This issue is central because it is at the core of the possibilities governments have to carry on coordinated actions. Issues, phenomena and sectors to be considered of metropolitan interest above municipal or state levels are at first glance the following: a) Territorial Planning of the Economy; b) Urban-Metropolitan Development; c) Roads and Public Transport; d) Ecology and the Environment; e) Water Supply and Sewage; f) Waste; g) Security; h) Risks and Civil Protection.
Financing and fiscal policy are also relevant complex and slightly studied issues in Mexican metrópolis even though they are strategic to reach an integrated development. Such issues have been analyzed from a critical and constructive perspective.