The Metropolitan Revolution

Recent reforms created 13 metropolitan areas with enhanced powers:

Devolution in Practice

Metropolises gain competencies in: - Economic development strategy - Transport planning and operation - Housing and urban planning - Higher education support - Innovation ecosystem development

Success Variations

Dynamic Metros: - Lyon using powers effectively - Bordeaux attracting tech companies - Nantes developing creative economy - Montpellier building on universities

Struggling Metros: - Saint-Étienne fighting decline - Le Havre seeking post-industrial identity - Toulon balancing military and civilian economy - Nancy competing with larger neighbors

Metropolitan status alone doesn't guarantee success—leadership, strategy, and existing assets matter more.