This is an advanced class considering the economic forces governing cities, how the geographic distribution of economic activity matters of economic outcomes, as well as attendant public policy issues. The course starts by developing a simple theory of cities and its implications for city size, firm productivity, and housing prices. It then studies evidence on the impact of cities on productivity, urban amenities, and congestion. We will discuss the problems in measuring these forces, the methodologies to do so, as well as the implications of this measurement for policy. We will also study the internal structure of cities, and how to evaluate the effect of new infrastructure or policy on land and housing values and overall welfare. Finally, the course will analyze the role cities and regions play in aggregate economic development.
Clara SANTAMARIA
Séminaire
English
Spring 2022-2023
There will be no final exam. Your grade will be based on 2-3 assessements along the semester that will take the form of online quizzes and/or written assignement. Class participation will also be taken into account. Class participation consists of reading the articles assigned for the class and being ready to discuss them, as well as generally contributing to the class discussion.
The following books provide a great general introduction to the topic : Glaeser, Triumph of the City, 2011.