ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the role of emerging quasi-government networks operating as intermediaries within and between not-for-profit, government and business organizations and across spatial and jurisdictional boundaries. It proposes that the ways in which the types of organizations create spaces for experimentation across local government boundaries – through projects and that this is particularly important work in weak institutional settings, where climate change policy is contested and interests are distributed. The chapter examines inter-local-government networks and their role in reconfiguring climate change responses from local to regional scale through mobilizing formal and informal institutional practices and relations. It takes 'legitimacy' to mean the process of becoming accepted as a bona fide actor, exercising power and influence, contributing to capacity-building, and acting as an acknowledged and appropriate vehicle for innovation and relationship-building. The production of the Low Carbon West strategy illustrates the integrative, mediating role that Climate Change Alliances can play across local government and organizational boundaries, sectors and agencies.
