Lectures on Urban Economics

Abstract

Given the nature of the book, I cannot help but write this review from the perspective of someone who teaches urban economics and might use this book in their class. The book begins with two relatively standard chapters in any urban economics text: a chapter on why cities exist discussing economies of scale, agglomeration and transportation costs, and a second chapter on analyzing urban spatial structure that presents the basic logic of bid-rent curves and the urban model of location choice and land use. A third chapter considers extensions of the basic urban model including two income groups, high-speed arterial commuting, suburban employment and durable housing. The book then launches into a series of topical chapters covering in turn sprawl and land-use controls, traffic congestion, housing demand including issues relating to home ownership, housing policy including rent control and housing subsidies, local government including both Tiebout sorting and capitalization, environmental issues, crime and the measurement of urban quality of life.