New Directions in Interstate Relations

Abstract

Despite their too often irrelevant boundaries and a long history of competitiveness, recent activities among the states suggest that they may be beginning to seek new ways of joint problem solving. There are several models of interstate cooperation available, and one, the interstate compact or agreement, is now very much in the forefront as a state-based vehicle to help states work with mutual problems. In the growth and development policy area, beginning with the stimulus of the federal-multistate efforts of the 1960s, new regional interstate organizations have been created to aid states and localities cope with unplanned growth and development. These new agencies do have problems of their own: a new manner of defining regions, a much greater expansion of roles than previous interstate agencies, and, importantly, an uncertain constituency base.