Planning Economics and Urban Development

Why do cities grow, how do we value public spaces, and how can policy address environmental challenges that markets fail to solve? This course introduces the essential economic principles that shape urban environments and public policy. You will learn to analyze real-world planning challenges using microeconomic frameworks. You will understand how land use, environmental externalities, and public goods interact, enabling you to make informed decisions about infrastructure development, zoning, and sustainable resource management. What you'll learn: • Understand foundational microeconomic concepts and how they apply to urban and regional planning. • Analyze market failures, externalities, and the economic challenges of global environmental issues. • Evaluate the economic value of non-market assets, such as parks, open spaces, and public infrastructure. • Examine the forces of urbanization, agglomeration, and why people and businesses cluster in cities. • Apply cost-benefit analysis to assess projects and policies with impacts spanning different time horizons. • Explore modern sustainable development frameworks and data-driven policy tools used in contemporary urban planning. The course begins with core terminology and foundational economic theories before moving into practical planning scenarios, environmental valuation techniques, and urban growth dynamics. You will progress through structured readings and written analytical exercises designed to build your policy-evaluation skills. This beginner-friendly course is designed for aspiring urban planners, policy analysts, and civic leaders, requiring no prior background in economics. Start reading today to build a solid foundation in the economics of urban planning and sustainable development.