Informal Mechanisms of Metropolitan Governance: An Application of the Institutional Collective Action Model

The application of the ICA framework to the study of governance in metropolitan areas advances our understanding of the various ad hoc decision-making structures that promote collaboration among local governments. ICA focuses on horizontal relationships between different levels of government and emphasizes decentralization of authority. Mexico, much like other Latin American countries, is challenged by the lack of formal and informal institutions that facilitate coordination and cooperation among government agencies involved the delivery of public services. This study identifies and analyzes the current state of coordination and cooperation between municipalities in the metropolitan area of Aguascalientes. It concentrates on the delivery of services such as urban planning, infrastructure, regulation of land use, and solid waste collection. The paper concludes by offering suggestions for the development of specific decision-making structures that would improve metropolitan governance among the subnational governments in Mexico.