A Strategic Planning Approach: A New Framework for Metropolitan Governance

Metropolitan processes worldwide have experienced rapid acceleration due to the complex dynamics of urban change. Consequently, the governance of metropolitan areas and the need for effective public policy tools to address these challenges have become subjects of intense debate. Strategic plans have emerged as a promising instrument capable of responding to the unique challenges faced by these territories, facilitating comprehensive local development and transformation. This chapter explores the extent to which strategic plans recognize metropolitan areas as crucial territories for implementing collaborative and coordinated public actions among municipalities. It examines two key dimensions: territorial and thematic, to assess the content and comprehensiveness of strategic plans in achieving their objectives. The analysis focuses on a selection of strategic plans from municipalities in various Metropolitan Areas of Andalusia, Spain, to assess the role and effectiveness of this strategic planning tool.