Jadrian Wooten
Economics Educator
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Urban Economics
Virginia Tech
What is the Urban Economics?
This course introduces the economic forces that shape cities, influence urban life, and guide public policy. Urban areas are examined as hubs of economic activity where individuals and businesses make rational decisions to maximize well-being within spatial and societal constraints. Our course focuses on the incentives driving urban growth, development, and organization, as well as how these incentives can be shaped by policies. Topics include the economics of housing, transportation, urban sprawl, gentrification, poverty, local government finance, and environmental challenges in urban settings.
My Favorite Quotes
ED GLAESER
Triumph of the City
Cities are resilient. They have a way of rebuilding and reinventing themselves after crisis and adversity.
RICHARD FLORIDA
The Great Reset
Economic systems do not exist in the abstract; they are embedded within the geographic fabric of the society—the way land is used, the locations of homes and business, the infrastructure that ties people, places, and commerce together.
JANE JACOBS
The Economy of Cities
Cities are not ordained; they are wholly existential. To say that a city grew “because” it was located at a good site for trading is, in view of what we can see in the real world, absurd.
Meet Your Instructor
My name is Jadrian Wooten, and I'll be your instructor this semester for Urban Economics (ECON 4984). This is a brand-new elective course, and I’m excited to explore with you the fascinating ways economics can help us understand and address the challenges and opportunities in urban areas. Together, we’ll dive into “big picture” urban issues, but we’ll also focus on building practical, real-world skills that will be valuable in your future career.
This course will be project-based and includes (hopefully) a trip to Roanoke later in the semester to see urban economics in action. I think you’ll find it both challenging and rewarding.
Feel free to stop by during office hours if you have questions about the course, economics in general, or even your career goals. You’re welcome to connect with me on any social media platform you’re comfortable with, but there’s no obligation to do so.
Course Material
This course is designed to provide a high-quality learning experience while keeping costs low. To achieve this, we use educational licenses and focus on popular press books rather than traditional textbooks. Below, you’ll find an overview of the materials for this course.
The first row contains the required materials for the course. The first two books can be purchased at the campus bookstore or on Amazon for under $15 each (used). Additionally, we will use online platforms such as Packback, iClicker, and Tableau for assignments and participation throughout the semester. Access to these platforms can be purchased (when needed) online.
The second row includes optional but highly recommended materials that can enhance your learning experience. These items are listed in order of priority based on their value to your learning experience.
