Abstract
This paper examines the role of selected institutional forms and formal initiatives (councils of governments and joint power authorities) as integrative functions among local governments of the metropolitan region. These sub-regional networks provide integrative functions and enjoy greater success in implementing regional projects than their regional counterparts. This paper draws lessons from different examples of initiatives in the Greater Los Angeles area. These associations may signal a shift to a governance paradigm where policy creation and implementation is less a product of top-down intentional design, as it is individual vision, initiative, and leadership at the local levels.