Abstrakt: | The global Post-Fordist economy based on permanent flows changes the way we use
space. It modifies the processes of functioning of cities, some of which take the role of global hubs
or regional networks. It is an open question whether and how the changes concerning territorial
and competence range of cities influence institutions and institutionalizations of contemporary city
authorities. Although it is difficult to establish a general answer to this question, the author bases
his reflection on the case of the evolution, unprecedented in the French conditions, of the local
government system of Grand Lyon Urban Community. On 1st January 2015, after 45 years of its
existence, Grand Lyon became a Metropolis of Lyon, establishing a new unit of local government
with extended range and new competences, combining the prerogative powers of municipalities, an
urban community, and a department. |