How It Works: Creating an Inter-municipal Community

The process illustrates French territorial governance complexity:

Step 1: Initiative - Prefect proposes perimeter after consultation - OR municipalities initiate voluntarily - Studies assess feasibility - Public consultation conducted

Step 2: Municipal Decisions - Each council must vote - Qualified majority required: - 2/3 of municipalities - Representing 50% of population - OR 50% of municipalities - Representing 2/3 of population - Including largest municipality if >25% of population

Step 3: Prefectoral Order - Creates legal entity - Defines initial competencies - Sets representation rules - Transfers begin

Step 4: Organization - Community council elected by municipalities - President and vice-presidents chosen - Competency transfer calendar - Tax decisions made

Step 5: Evolution - Additional competencies possible - Perimeter modifications - Merger opportunities - Democratic enhancement debates