Inter-City Council
The Inter-City Council serves as the primary governing body for matters affecting multiple floating cities. Established in 2115, the Council ensures cooperation, resolves disputes, and coordinates network-wide initiatives like transportation infrastructure, energy distribution, and emergency response.
Equal Representation
Each city, regardless of population size, sends three elected representatives to the Council. This ensures smaller cities like Celestum (750K) have equal voice alongside larger metropolises like Neon Haven (3.2M).
Consensus Decision-Making
Major decisions require 80% approval from Council members. This supermajority requirement prevents any single city or coalition from dominating policy, encouraging genuine cooperation and compromise.
City Autonomy
The Council only governs matters affecting multiple cities. Each individual city maintains complete autonomy over internal affairs, allowing diverse governance models and cultural practices to flourish.
Local Governance
Each floating city develops its own governance structure suited to its population and values:
Aetheria: Technocratic council of senior scientists elected by research institutions. Emphasis on evidence-based policy and peer review.
Neon Haven: Direct digital democracy where all citizens vote on policies via secure blockchain systems. AI systems provide impact analysis for proposed legislation.
Chromapolis: Rotating cultural councils representing different artistic disciplines. Leadership changes quarterly to encourage fresh perspectives.
Ocean Drift: Maritime assembly with representation from various maritime professions. Special focus on environmental sustainability.
Verdant Sky: Ecological council balancing agricultural production with environmental preservation. Decisions evaluated for sustainability impact.
Core Principles
Transparency
All Council proceedings are publicly broadcast across the floating cities network. Citizens can access complete records of debates, votes, and policy rationales.
Peaceful Resolution
The founding charter prohibits military forces. Disputes are resolved through mediation, arbitration, and the Council's conflict resolution protocols.
Resource Sharing
Cities with surplus resources (energy, food, water) distribute to those experiencing shortages. This mutual aid system ensures all cities maintain high living standards.
Knowledge Commons
Scientific discoveries, technological innovations, and cultural creations are shared freely across all cities. No patents or restrictive intellectual property laws exist.
Citizen Rights
The Universal Charter of Floating Cities guarantees all inhabitants:
- Freedom of movement between cities
- Access to healthcare, education, and basic resources
- Right to participate in governance through voting and civic engagement
- Freedom of expression, inquiry, and peaceful assembly
- Protection from discrimination based on origin city or background
- Privacy and data protection rights
This governance model has maintained peace and prosperity across the floating cities for over a century, demonstrating that diverse communities can thrive through cooperation, mutual respect, and shared commitment to collective wellbeing.