ScholarWorks@중앙대학교

초록

In response to the need for balanced regional development, mega-city regions have gained increasing attention as a key strategy to enhance regional competitiveness. In South Korea, institutional frameworks have been introduced to support inter-municipal cooperation, including the launch of Special Local Governments. However, challenges remain regarding their substantive roles and sustainability. This study examines similar arrangements in England’s Combined Authorities(CAs), France’s Métropoles, and Japan’s Union of Kansai Governments to identify decentralization strategies for strengthening Special Local Governments. The main findings of this study are as follows. First, successful governance models operate based on functional economic areas, and their roles expand incrementally as institutional stability improves. Second, transferred authority encompasses not only operational duties but also strategic planning and decision-making powers, often guaranteed by legal or contractual frameworks. Third, fiscal autonomy is secured through independent taxation or block grants, rather than relying solely on member contributions.

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