By Long Haibo, Research Team on “A Comparative Study on the Development and Governance of Typical Capital Cities”, DRC

Research Report, Special Issue, No 27, 2016 (Total NO 1502) 2016-06-27

Abstract: Washington D.C. is the capital city of the United States mainly for giving play to its political functions. Its location in the early period was primarily for balancing gains and losses between different regions, without much consideration about factors relating to national defense and security, economic conditions, cultural traditions and other issues. The small scale and relevant historical reasons have made it less possible for Washington D.C. to undertake too many economical functions, and relevant issues are required to be resolved by strengthening coordination with the surrounding areas. In recent decades, the cooperation and interactions between Washington D.C. and peripheral areas have become increasingly close. And a coordination model featured by authorization of powers has taken shape, bearing the governance concept of equal consultation and interactive participation by various entities. Generally speaking, the regional management and coordination functions are more effective than governmental administration. The main implications China could draw are as follows: First, we should make pilot practice and construct a governance framework for regional cooperation suitable for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region; Second, we should enhance the legalization level and binding force of the capital’s urban planning; Third, we should explore ways for formulating the new-type fiscal and taxation systems adaptable to the needs of capital governance.

Key words: the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG), authorized powers, coordinated governance, Washington D.C.