Metropolitan councils are permanent associations of local governments that meet on a regular basis to discuss and seek agreement on various issues.  While metropolitan councils can be classified as variations of the cooperative approach, there are some key differences.  A metropolitan council can be defined as a voluntary association of governments designed to be an area-wide forum for key officials to research and discuss issues and eventually determine how best to address common problems.  However, because of its lack of authority, the council mechanism cannot be classified as a true metropolitan government.  Examples of metropolitan councils are Minneapolis-St. Paul in Minnesota and the Tri-County/Portland area in Oregon.

Source: 
Kemp, Roger L. Regional Government Innovations: A Handbook for Citizens and Public Officials. Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Company, 2003, p. 41.