THE REGIONALIZATION PROCESS IN MINAS GERAIS: A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF BELO HORIZONTE AND VALE DO AÇO’S METROPOLITAN AREAS AND THE BILL Nº11/15 FOR THE CREATION OF MONTES CLAROS’ METROPOLITAN AREA

Abstract

Introduction: Minas Gerais is a state that has a high national polarization. However, despite its territorial extension, it has only two metropolitan areas: Metropolitan Area of Belo Horizonte (RMBH), established by Federal Law No. 14, 1973, and the Metropolitan Area of Vale do Aço (RMVA), instituted by the Minas Gerais Law No 51/98 (amended by the laws No 90/2006 and No 122/2012). These metropolitan areas have different characteristics concerning the territorial scale and specificities of use and occupation. Besides, the city of Montes Claros also stands out in the urban network of Minas Gerais, which has strong regional influence in the North of Minas Gerais, and interest from politicians to establish a metropolitan area there, based on Bill No 11/15. Objective: It is defined as the general objective of this article to briefly discuss the Metropolitan Areas of Belo Horizonte and Vale do Aço and Bill No 11/15 for the institution of the Metropolitan Area of Montes Claros. Methods: The qualitative research uses documentary analysis from IBGE statistical data, and legal documents, alongside bibliographic research, which examines the regions under study in academic articles and publications. Results: The article lists the legal criteria for the institution of metropolitan areas, a brief history of the institution of these in Minas Gerais and an investigation of the specificities of the metropolitan areas of Belo Horizonte, Vale do Aço and the Bill for the establishment of the Metropolitan Area of Montes Claros. Conclusion: In final considerations, it is highlighted that, although the metropolitan areas analyzed show distinctions in terms of population size and territorial scale, they share problems of socioeconomic management and demand the adoption of integrated public policies for equal development.