Communities are complex, economically, socially, and environmentally and require strong connections. This report maintains that a key cornerstone to a strong municipality is the boundaries are defined within an economically functional area (where at all possible). Commuting patterns have evolved since Manitoba’s municipal boundaries were first defined and most people lived and worked in the same municipality. Today, many residents in any given municipality are driving to many different municipalities to work. Municipalities within a functional economic area have a common interest (i.e. all share the benefits of any economic development initiative). This report argues that any new municipal boundary should be delimited (wherever possible) within the boundary of a functional economic area. The SLA is one way to define a functional economic area. It is hoped that this report will help inform the discussions of rural municipal amalgamation in Manitoba.