The article theoretically and empirically studies the distinctive features of social movements in an urban agglomeration. The analysis revealed the structural, organizational and structural-content features of social movements in the social conditions of the urban agglomeration. A survey of participants in social movements of the urban agglomeration was conducted to identify value-motivational guidelines as one of the key distinguishing features. The results of the study can be used in the formation of a policy of interaction with social movements in solving socially significant problems.