Métropoles (Oct 2007)
Globalisation et changement d’échelle dans le gouvernement urbain
Abstract
This article explores the relationship between globalization and urban rescaling. It suggests that forces emanating from globalization (neo liberal politics, increased competition, economic restructuring and suburbanization) have created new pressures on cities. One of the more effective responses cities can take is to re-scale their territories. Territorial re-scaling is defined as the remaking or the reconfiguration of land in order to exercise decisional and policy control. Re-scaling serves to restructure governance and ultimately power along particular geographical lines. This kind of territorial manipulation is a tool which can allocate power, include or exclude different actors, shape priorities and shrink or expand policy nets. Five types of re-scaling are specified as 1) consolidated jurisdictions 2) multi-tiered jurisdictions 3) linked jurisdictions 4) urban communities and 5) jumped scales. Each of these types is reviewed, explained and examples furnished. Also furnished is empirical evidence on the effects of different types of re-scaling with respect to their efficiency, democratic accountability and economic development. Each re-scaling has its advantages and disadvantages and no type is seen as necessarily “better” or “worse” than another. Much depends on the values being sought and the circumstances facing a city. Finally, there are no guarantees that a particular outcome will be attained, though skillful use of re-scaling can bolster a city’s position as it faces the challenges of globalization.
