Urban Economics (Fifth edition) Arthur O'Sullivan

This book uses economic analysis to explain why cities exist, where they develop, how they grow, and how different activities are arranged within cities. It also explores the economics of urban problems such as poverty, inadequate housing, segregation, congestion, pollution, and crime. The text is designed for use in undergraduate courses in urban economics and urban affairs. It could also be used for graduate courses in urban planning, public policy, and public administration. All of the economic concepts used in the book are covered in the typical intermediate microeconomics courses, so students who have completed such a course will be able to move through the book at a rapid pace. For students whose exposure to microeconomics is limited to an introductory course - or who could benefit from a review of the concepts covered in an intermediate microeconomics course - I have provided an appendix (Tools of Microeconomics) that covers the essential concepts. What's New in the 5^th Edition? There are many changes in the book for the fifth edition. The tables and charts have been thoroughly updated with the most recent data. Throughout the book, I've incorporating the insights and facts from recent theoretical and empirical research. The policy analysis has been updated to reflect recent changes in public policy and refinements in the economic analysis of policy alternatives. From the Preface by the author Arthur O'Sullivan is a professor of economics at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. After receiving his B.S. degree in economics at the University of Oregon, he spent two years in the Peace Corps, working with city planners in the Philippines. He received his Ph.D. degree in economics from Princeton University in 1981 and taught at the University of California, Davis and Oregon State University, winning teaching awards at both schools. He recently accepted an endowed professorship at Lewis and Clark College, where he teaches microeconomics and urban economics. He is the coauthor of the introductory textbook, Economics: Principles and Tools, currently in its third edition. Professor O'Sullivan's research explores economic issues concerning urban land use, environmental protection, and public policy. His articles appear in many economics journals, including Journal of Urban Economics, Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, National Tax Journal, Journal of Public Economics, and Journal of Law and Economics.