As the world economy becomes increasingly globalized, with information, capital, and people flowing seamlessly across international borders, a new phenomenon has arisen that is the embodiment of this new economic reality at the local level: the global city region. As national borders become less distinct, city borders have followed suit. In order to compete in the global economy, cities are increasingly eschewing their borders and realizing that by leveraging their entire region they can provide a more attractive product to ever more discerning international business interests. Global city regions are characterized by a polynucleated structure, with several different centers that offer distinct services. They are increasingly multicultural, as waves of immigrants from neighboring districts and/or countries fall sway to the employment magnet. The instantaneity of communications today ensures, however, that no city is isolated from international cultural and economic forces. In this emerging reality, global city regions must leverage the fundamental changes in the world economy while simultaneously fomenting regional development that is sustainable. They must judiciously utilize all of the structural development tools at their disposal, formulate coherent plans, and involve local communities as much as possible in the decision making process. Above all, they must ensure that they present a high quality, streamlined business environment for international capital and corporations.
This paper will examine the history, growth, and promise of the global city regions. It will be organized into five sections. First, we will conceptualize the global city region and sketch the history of their development. Second, we will examine the structural and socio-economic realities that are the tangible effects of globalization on city regions. Third, we will explore the governance of global city regions, paying particular attention to ...