The official website of the Communauté Urbaine de Nantes

It is now more than ten years since 24 communes decided to work together to build an urban community – Nantes Métropole – to foster a joint project: to prepare for the area of tomorrow.

Today, Nantes is one of most highly rated French cities for its attractiveness and quality of life, for more jobs have been created here than elsewhere, it has a wealth of tourist and cultural amenities, one of the best public transport networks in France, accommodation to suit all needs, and a protected environment. All these factors emphasize, if need be, that we have been right to pursue ever more ambitious public policies.

In 2011, we saw the successful conclusion of the climate workshop, which has led to a firmly established participatory democracy and discussion with ordinary citizens. Concrete actions, affecting every resident of the urban area, have been developed. Our task now is to anticipate the changes of tomorrow. One step in this direction is the measure “My city tomorrow, forging the Nantes urban community of 2030”, part of its deliberation phase in 2011, which proposes, jointly with residents, to define the broad lines of the urban area’s future and look beyond the short term.

The 2011 financial report also shows our determination to put the area on the international stage, to make it more attractive. Nantes Métropole’s support for research and innovation is part of this ambition. The Jules Verne Institute for Technological Research (IRT), by emerging as a winner of the “Institutes for Technological Research future investments” call for projects, has positioned itself as a major asset for the urban community, and will help develop its European and international exposure. Similarly, the award of the title “European Green Capital 2013” to Nantes, will enable us to promote the city and prove that it fully justifies its place as one of the European cities that makes sustainable development a cornerstone of their development.

Everyone involved in the intercommunal venture, elected representatives, local government officers, technicians and partners, contributes to the integrated nature of this work. They are to be thanked for their efforts in the interests of the whole community.