Urban Expansion and Bimunicipality in Alto Paranaíba (Minas Gerais, Brazil):

challenges of Territorial Management in Three Cross-Border Localities

Abstract

Urban sprawl in border areas has created administrative challenges for Brazilian municipalities. This paper examines the cases of Brejo Bonito, Varjão de Minas, and Guarda dos Ferreiros, in the Alto Paranaíba region (Minas Gerais, Brazil), whose urbanized areas have expanded beyond municipal boundaries, resulting in bimunicipality. The analysis, based on cartographic data, satellite imagery, and census information, reveals that urban expansion in these locations occurred without integrated planning, leading to governance issues and unequal access to public services. Furthermore, the absence of federal legislation regulating the revision of territorial boundaries prevents formal adjustments, making intermunicipal cooperation the only viable alternative to mitigate the impacts of administrative fragmentation. This study contributes to the debate on territorial management in small urban localities and reinforces the need for public policies that address the realities of transboundary urbanized areas.