tertiary uses; promotes affordable housing, and is responsible for the construction of public equipments commissioned by metropolitan municipalities. Similarly, the metropolitan administration exercises its powers in housing as recognised by law and those delegated by agreement or via consortium. Economic development The AMB aims to promote economic activity, employment and entrepreneurship in the areas of industry, trade, services and tourism resources. Promotion of economic activity, employment and entrepreneurship in the areas of industry, trade, services and tourism resources. Promotion of a Strategic Metropolitan Plan for modernisation, research and innovation. Social cohesion Social cohesion is one of the objectives of the creation of the AMB and is the principle by which all policies concerning urban planning, transport, environment, infrastructures and assistance to metropolitan municipalities are defined. The aim is to achieve a cohesive and united metropolitan development, in which the benefits and costs of living in the metropolitan area are equally distributed among its inhabitants, regardless of the municipality in which they live. To fulfil this aim, the powers of the AMB also include the following: Promotion of pluri-municipal policies enhancing social cohesion and territorial balance. Participation in the Safety Commission of the metropolitan territorial area in order to promote civic coexistence policies. Geography The Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona is set on the central Catalan Coast and around the capital. The metropolitan area can be divided into two zones: The boundary zone forming the conurbation with the city of Barcelona itself. Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Serra de Collserola, the towns in this zone are Badalona, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Santa Coloma de Gramenet and Cornellà de Llobregat. Here the boundaries between municipalities are set by streets, avenues or the Llobregat and Besòs rivers. The adjacent metropolitan zone, made up of several towns surrounded by predominantly residential suburban areas with detached, semi-detached and terraced housing, industrial estates, parkland and woods, such as Sant Vicenç dels Horts, Sant Cugat del Vallès and Cerdanyola del Vallès. AMB Municipalities Municipal elections 2015 * ICV-E included in the 2015 coalitions in Comú Badia - Entesa i Barcelona Comú - Entesa. ** Guanyem not included in the 2015 coalitions in Comú Badia - Entesa and Barcelona Comú - Entesa. Metropolitan government Metropolitan Council The Metropolitan Council is the highest governing body of the AMB. Its responsibilities include the appointment and dismissal of the AMB presidency; the approval of the Metropolitan Action Plan, which includes projects