This title was first published in 2001. The hierarchical approach of regional planning institutions is facing crisis. In an era of globalization, the conditions of urban growth dynamics is dependent on innovation, entrepreneurial and economic structures and socio-political and institutional forces. As a result, the notion of 'region' has become more about social interaction than geographical location. This volume examines how institutions must adapt and modify their roles to suit this changing pattern of development, by implementing more consensus-based approaches. Using in-depth analysis of an innovative state-sponsored approach to growth management planning in the USA, it assesses the effectiveness and success of putting into place more flexible, concerted and negotiated approaches to issues such as inter-institutional relations and inter-governmental co-ordination. In what will be an essential contribution to the debate surrounding the future of regional planning and the role of institutions, the volume highlights the limits and opportunities of these new policy approaches and will be a key resource for planners, policy makers and researchers alike.