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  3. American Economic Review
  4. August 2020
  5. Cities in Bad Shape: Urban Geometry in India

American Economic Review

ISSN 0002-8282 (Print) | ISSN 1944-7981 (Online)

Cities in Bad Shape: Urban Geometry in India

  • Mariaflavia Harari
American Economic Review
vol. 110, no. 8, August 2020
(pp. 2377–2421)
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Abstract

The spatial layout of cities is an important feature of urban form, highlighted by urban planners but overlooked by economists. This paper investigates the causal economic implications of city shape in India. I measure cities' geometric properties over time using satellite imagery and historical maps. I develop an instrument for urban shape based on geographic obstacles encountered by expanding cities. Compact city shape is associated with faster population growth and households display positive willingness to pay for more compact layouts. Transit accessibility is an important channel. Land use regulations can contribute to deteriorating city shape.

Citation

Harari, Mariaflavia. 2020. "Cities in Bad Shape: Urban Geometry in India." American Economic Review, 110 (8): 2377–2421. DOI: 10.1257/aer.20171673

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • O18 Economic Development: Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
  • R14 Land Use Patterns
  • R23 Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics: Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population; Neighborhood Characteristics
  • R52 Regional Government Analysis: Land Use and Other Regulations
  • R58 Regional Development Planning and Policy