Time Schedule:
Melissa A Knox
PB AF 561
Seattle Campus
Examines the rationale for and consequences of public intervention in urban land, housing, and transportation markets through land use regulations such as zoning and urban growth boundaries, infrastructure investments, and fiscal policies to manage urban development and traffic. Prerequisite: PB AF 516 or equivalent. Offered: jointly with URBDP 561.
Class description
This course will provide an introduction to the economics of urban and regional development with a focus on public policy applications. Students will learn how to apply economic theory to contemporary urban issues. Topics to be covered include real estate markets, transportation systems, labor markets, firm location decisions, and government policies, such as taxes and zoning laws. The problems of urban areas, such as urban sprawl, poverty, crime, housing affordability, and traffic congestion will also be addressed.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
This course will mainly follow a lecture format with time for discussion of the material. Students are expected to be familiar with the course readings at every meeting and to provide comments and questions relevant to the topic.
Recommended preparation
PBAF 516 or its equivalent is required for this course. An understanding of the principles of data analysis is also useful. You will be required to read papers at the level of survey articles in economic journals. Please discuss your background with me if you are not sure about your preparation.
Class assignments and grading
