Governing the London Region

Governing the London Region: Reorganization and Planning in the 1960s explores the significant transformation of London’s metropolitan governance as part of a broader examination of urban government adaptation worldwide. Faced with the complexities of burgeoning metropolitan populations and their interdependencies, London undertook a substantial reorganization to address the demands of its growing urban expanse. This reorganization, rooted in extensive studies of urban governance across Britain, underscores a shift away from simplistic consolidations toward a nuanced understanding of metropolitan government as an integral part of a national system. Donald L. Foley’s analysis situates London’s reforms within a global context, drawing connections between the challenges and solutions experienced in Britain and other major metropolitan regions like Toronto, Stockholm, and Paris.

Foley argues that London's efforts highlight a key principle: metropolitan governance must balance local autonomy with coordinated regional and national involvement. The book emphasizes that effective urban governance requires tailored approaches that consider historical, institutional, and cultural contexts. By examining London's changes alongside broader urban governance initiatives, Foley's work contributes valuable insights to the field of metropolitan studies, offering lessons that resonate across varied urban landscapes. As part of an ongoing series of studies on metropolitan regions, this volume sets the stage for comparative analyses of global efforts to navigate the intricate demands of urban growth and governance in the 20th century.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1972. See more