This means the partnerships have some semblance of recognition, such that they have been entmsted with the responsibility to act. This provides clues to the level or recognition (by other levels of government), its ability to realise objectives (implementation tools) and financial acumen. On the topic of spatial planning, the case of Rennes, France offers a unique approach—it is an inter-municipal structure called the Rennes Metropole with a dedicated revenue source that elaborates a common spatial plan for the territoiy that’s is then binding for local land use plans.