In the context of Brazil's federal system, it is pertinent to deepen the competences of metropolitan municipal public administrations and federal states with regard to the management of public functions of common interest. The regulatory framework for these public functions is analysed, as well as the need for healthy changes for municipal public administrations and federal states. Healthy changes are suggested for municipal and state public administrations, not only in terms of thematic and structuring legislation, but above all in terms of changing attitudes when tackling the metropolitan issue.

The author is a PhD candidate in Political Science at UFMG, a Master in Public Administration from the João Pinheiro Foundation (FJP), a postgraduate in Public Law and has degrees in Law from UFMG and Public Administration from FJP. He is a university lecturer, lawyer and state civil servant, working in the field of public policy.