Regional Economics Commons^™

Three Essays On Local Public Finance, Thomas Daniel Woodbury

Theses and Dissertations--Public Policy and Administration

This dissertation seeks to develop the subject of local public finance in a manner consistent with the political economy of local governments. For ease of description, each essay will be discussed briefly.

The first essay is titled "The Provision of Generalized Local Public Goods Financed by Distortionary Taxation." This essay models the provision of a local public good that is simultaneously utilized as a public consumption good and a public intermediate good. Since the public good can simultaneously enter both utility and production functions, it is considered a "generalized public good." This is done to model the provision of infrastructure …

Crisis And Reorganization In Urban Dynamics: The Barcelona, Spain, Case Study, Rafael De Balanzó Joue, Nuria Rodriguez-Planas

Publications and Research

We use adaptive cycle theory to improve the understanding of cycles of urban change in the city of Barcelona, Spain, from 1953 to 2016. More specifically, we explore the vulnerabilities and windows of opportunity these cycles of change introduced in the release (Ω) and reorganization (α) phases. In the two recurring cycles of urban change analyzed (before and after 1979), we observe two complementary loops. During the front loop, financial and natural resources are efficiently exploited by homogenous dominant groups (private developers, the bourgeoisie, politicians, technocrats) with the objective of promoting capital accumulation based on private (or private-public partnership) investments. …

Part 3: Craft Brewing In Hampton Roads, Dragas Center For Economic Analysis And Policy

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

The number of craft breweries in Hampton Roads has increased dramatically in recent years. We trace the development of this trend and explore the impact of craft brewing on our regional economy.

The State Of The Region: Hampton Roads 2018, Dragas Center For Economic Analysis And Policy, Old Dominion University, Vinod Agarwal, Barbara Blake, Chris Colburn, Steve Daniel, Ericha Forest, Ross J. Gore, J. Andrew Hansz, Saloni Jain, Elizabeth Janik, Nikki Johnson, James V. Koch, Tim Komarek, Feng Lian, Sharon Lomax, Janet Molinaro, Brendan O'Hallarn, Maximilien Peker, Michael Phelps, Aiden Thompson, Jay Walker, Hannah White, Ziniya Zahedi

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

[From the introductory material]

This is Old Dominion University’s 19th annual State of the Region report. While it represents the work of many people connected in various ways to the university, the report does not constitute an official viewpoint of Old Dominion, its president, John R. Broderick, the Board of Visitors, the Strome College of Business or the generous donors who support the activities of the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy.

The report maintains the goal of stimulating thought and discussion that will ultimately make Hampton Roads an even better place to live. We are proud of our …

Part 5: Welcome To Your New Home: International Migration And Hampton Roads, Dragas Center For Economic Analysis And Policy, Old Dominion Universtiy

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

Most new international migrants to Hampton Roads are educated, married and gainfully employed. We examine the impact of international migration and look at how immigrants are contributing to economic growth in our region.

Part 7: Hampton Roads: In Search Of A Social Media Identity, Dragas Center For Economic Analysis And Policy, Old Dominion University

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat. These platforms define the lives of many Americans. We inquire to what degree Hampton Roads has an identity on social media and discuss the potential benefits of a social media brand.

Front Matter: The State Of The Region: Hampton Roads 2018, Dragas Center For Economic Analysis And Policy, Old Dominion University

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

Cover, front matter, table of contents, sponsors, and other materials for the 2018 The State of the Region report authored by the Center for Economic Analysis and Policy at Old Dominion University

Part 6: Hampton City School: The Next Generation Of Learning In Hampton Roads, Dragas Center For Economic Analysis And Policy

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

Hampton Roads needs skilled workers. With unemployment approaching historical lows and the demand for a skilled workforce increasing, Hampton City Schools is engaging in an experiment to transform high school education. We delve into this effort and its potential benefit for our region.

Part 3: The Promise And Peril Of Medicaid Expansion For The Commonwealth Of Virginia, Center For Economic Analysis And Policy, Old Dominion University

State of the Commonwealth Reports

Virginia will expand Medicaid, a health insurance program for low-income adults and children, on Jan. 1, 2019. Medicaid expansion will reduce the number of uninsured, allow Medicaid recipients to work more and offer health care providers a measure of relief with regard to uncompensated care costs. The future costs of expansion, however, remain uncertain.

Part 2: Moving Forward: Growth Improves For Virginia's Metropolitan Areas, Center For Economic Analysis And Policy, Old Dominion University

State of the Commonwealth Reports

2017 was the first year since 2006 that each of Virginia’s metropolitan areas exhibited positive economic growth from the preceding year. The uneven economic performance of Virginia’s metros cannot easily be attributed to one specific factor. The challenge is how to stimulate development in all areas of the Commonwealth.

Part 1: Virginia Breezes Along, But Are There Storm Clouds On The Horizon?, Center For Economic Analysis And Policy, Old Dominion University

State of the Commonwealth Reports

After an anemic recovery from the Great Recession and sequestration, Virginia’s economy picked up the pace in 2018 and is likely to improve in 2019. We should not, however, grow complacent. There are storm clouds on the horizon. The challenge now is to enact wise policies to foster and sustain economic growth while preparing for the next eventual downturn.

Part 4: A Commonwealth Coming Together Or Growing Apart?, Center For Economic Analysis And Policy, Old Dominion University

State of the Commonwealth Reports

We shed light on the diversities of circumstances and outcomes that exist in today’s Virginia. The distributions of income and wealth in the Commonwealth provide important information about the extent to which Virginians share an economic destiny.

Part 5: Much Ado About Nothing? Virginia's "Kings Dominion Law", Center For Economic Analysis And Policy, Old Dominion University

State of the Commonwealth Reports

In 1986, Virginia passed into law a requirement that public schools cannot open until after Labor Day unless they met specific conditions for a waiver. In 2017, over 50 percent of Virginia elementary, middle and high school students attended schools that opened prior to Labor Day. We ask whether there is evidence to support the commonly offered arguments for and against the Virginia “Kings Dominion law.”

Part 6: Sin Taxes And Alcohol Consumption In Virginia, Center For Economic Analysis And Policy, Old Dominion University

State of the Commonwealth Reports

How does the Commonwealth tax alcohol? We look at the taxation of beer, wine and distilled spirits and the role of Virginia’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. We investigate whether levying taxes on alcohol is an appropriate method of raising revenue.

Front Matter- 2018 State Of The Commonwealth Report, Center For Economic Analysis And Policy, Old Dominion University

State of the Commonwealth Reports

Cover, front matter, table of contents, sponsors, and other materials for the 2018 State of the Commonwealth Report authored by the Center for Economic Analysis and Policy at Old Dominion University.

2018 State Of The Commonwealth Report, Vinod Agarwal, Barbara Blake, Ethan Crouson, Steve Daniel, Nikki Johnson, James V. Koch, Tim Komarek, Feng Lian, Sharon Lomax, Janet Molinaro, Isaiah Smith, Jay Walker, Hannah White, Ziniya Zahedi, Robert Mcnab

State of the Commonwealth Reports

This is Old Dominion University's fourth State of the Commonwealth Report. While it represents the work of many people connected in various ways to the university, the report does not constitute an official viewpoint of Old Dominion, its president, John R. Broderick, the Board of Visitors, the Strome College of Business or the generous donors who support the activities of the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy.

The report maintains the goal of stimulating thought and discussion that ultimately will make Virginia an even better place to live. The recent improvements in the Commonwealth's economic performance present an opportunity …

Part 1: Is It Morning Again In Hampton Roads?, Dragas Center For Economic Analysis And Policy

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

The three pillars of our regional economy (defense, the port and tourism) have improved and prospects for growth are looking up. We ask whether Hampton Roads has finally emerged from a “lost decade” and if the future is bright.

Part 4: Too Much Of A Good Thing? Multifamily Housing In Hampton Roads, Dragas Center For Economic Analysis And Policy, Old Dominion University

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

Over the past decade, Hampton Roads has seen an increase in the construction of multifamily units, leading some to question whether there are too many apartments. Vacancy rates have started to decline and rent increases remain moderate, especially compared to many other cities in the United States.

Part 2: A Complicated Subject: The Impact Of Medicaid Expansion On Hampton Roads, Dragas Center For Economic Analysis And Policy, Old Dominion University

State of the Region Reports: Hampton Roads

Virginia will expand Medicaid, a health insurance program for low-income adults and children, on Jan. 1, 2019. Medicaid expansion will reduce the number of uninsured in Hampton Roads, but future costs remain uncertain.

The Economic Impacts And Risks Associated With Electric Power Generation In Appalachia, Eric Bowen, Christiadi, Rebecca J. Davis, John Deskins, Charles Sims

Appalachian Coal Industry Ecosystem

This report provides a detailed examination of the economic impacts of changes in electric power generation in Appalachia between 2005 and 2015. It finds that while coal represented around 74 percent of total electric generation in Appalachia in 2005, that percentage dropped to 53 percent in 2015. However, despite this decline, Appalachia remains more dependent on coal for electricity generation when compared with the rest of the country. This report also offers a risk factor analysis for coal-fired generation retirements and repowerings, and notes that coal prices have little influence on coal-fired power plant retirement decisions.

Transportation Implications Of Coal, Mark L. Burton, David B. Clarke

Appalachian Coal Industry Ecosystem

This report describes the direct economic relationship between the coal and railroad industries in Appalachia. It finds that between 2015 and 2016, changing electric generation strategies—including accelerated coal-powered plant retirements—combined with a downturn in coal demand contributed to losses of nearly 2,000 full-time jobs and $150 million in income across Appalachia’s railroad sector.

County-Level Cie Supply Chain Analysis, Randall Jackson, Peter Jarosi

Appalachian Coal Industry Ecosystem

This report examines the impact of the decline in coal production on supply chain industries at the county level across Appalachia. It offers, and uses, a typology to classify counties based on their dependence on the CIE, recent employment changes due to reduced coal production, and their risk for further impacts due to any future declines in the coal industry.

The Spatial Distribution Of Urban Consumer Service Firms: Evidence From Yelp Reviews, Brad Humphreys, Josh Matti

Economics Faculty Working Papers Series

A growing literature employs distance-based measures of localization to assess the spatial distribution of firms with a focus on manufacturing across a country. We analyze the spatial concentration of a variety of consumer services firms in the Phoenix, AZ area using geo-referenced Yelp data from over 29,000 establishments. Results from a K-density approach indicate substantial localization and service differentiation among localized firms. Firm concentration varies across service cost and quality; higher quality/cost establishments tend to cluster. Our results further understanding of the modern urban landscape as cities are increasingly centers of consumption.

Borderplex Business Barometer, Volume 2, Number 1, Thomas M. Fullerton Jr., Adam G. Walke, Omar Solís, Esmeralda Muñiz

Border Region Modeling Project

No abstract provided.

Infrastructure Impacts On Commercial Property Values Across El Paso In 2013, Arturo Bujanda, Thomas M. Fullerton Jr.

Border Region Modeling Project

Real estate property value analysis is used for municipal taxation and budgeting. Commercial properties make up a large percentage of the property tax base in many, if not most, taxing jurisdictions. Data constraints limit the number of analyses conducted on commercial property value patterns. This study employs a fairly extensive data set to address that problem in the context of El Paso in 2013. The sample contains data for 105,611 commercial real estate parcels. Empirical analysis is conducted using geographically weighted regression analysis. Results confirm that parameter estimation for the commercial property data in this sample should be conducted using …

Human Capital And The Cie, Matthew Murray, Péter Schaeffer

Appalachian Coal Industry Ecosystem

This report explores two economic issues in Appalachia: future employment prospects for coal workers and changes in funding for K–12 education. The first part of the report identifies occupations that may be affected by losses in the coal industry ecosystem and offers state-by-state analyses comparing these impacted occupations to similar occupations in other industries. These analyses suggest other industries where former coal industry workers might find alternative employment opportunities. The second part of the report discusses how the changing coal economy may be impacting public funding for K–12 education at the state and local levels. It finds declines in both …

Data File 1, West Virginia University, University Of Tennessee, Knoxville

Appalachian Coal Industry Ecosystem

This file provides information on the counties identified as Vulnerable, Hardship, or Depressed in the report County-level CIE Supply Chain Analysis, and the locations of power plant closures in the Appalachian Region between 2011 and 2015, as discussed in the report The Economic Impacts and Risks Associated with Electric Power Generation in Appalachia.

An Economic Analysis Of The Appalachian Coal Industry Ecosystem: Summary Report, Randall W. Jackson, Eric Bowen, Christiadi, John Deskins, Brian Lego, Péter Járosi, Mark L. Burton, Rebecca J. Davis, Charles Simms, Matthew Murray, Péter Schaeffer

Appalachian Coal Industry Ecosystem

The decline in the demand for coal has led to significant negative impacts in areas throughout Appalachia. Consider the integrated effects across components of the coal industry ecosystem (CIE). As extraction activity is diminished, there are ripples through the industry supply chain that extends to a wide number of sectors, occupations, and county and multi-county regions of the Appalachian economy. As these suppliers are impacted, jobs are imperiled, and the fiscal health of communities i s weakened. Displaced workers will need to seek alternative employment opportunities that may entail investments in formal education and training, and this takes both time …

Evaluating Crime As A Negative Externality Of Hosting Mega-Events: Econometric Analysis Of The 2012 London Summer Olympics, Nicholas Le

Economics Faculty Working Papers Series

Analysis of the benefits and the drawbacks of hosting large-scale sporting events like the Olympics or World Cup frequently ignore the effects of crime due to its relatively small economic impact in comparison to employment and consumption effects. Literature has frequently tied sporting events and tourism to crime, in addition to observing proximity effects on crime during sporting events. This research seeks to confirm both by implementing a difference-in-difference regression that can show whether crime increased during the Olympics, in particular in London boroughs which hosted venues for the Games. Ultimately, the research concludes that crime in London as a …

Drivers Of Agricultural Productivity In Agriculture-Based Economy, Olatokunbo H. Osinowo, Rahman A. Sanusi

Journal for the Advancement of Developing Economies

Stagnation in agricultural productivity, especially in an economy with fast and persistently growing population, would compromise food security. This study examined the factors influencing agricultural productivity in an agriculture-based economy. The study used a 35-year period (1980 – 2014) panel data focusing on Agricultural Productivity (AP), Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Government Agricultural Expenditure (EXP), Agricultural Trade Barrier (ATB), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Farm Machinery (MACH), Fertilizer Consumption (FERT), Human Capital (HCAP) and Irrigation (IRRG). Data were analyzed using Impulse Response Function (IRF) and Panel Least Squares (PLS) regression technique. The IRF revealed that there was a positive and stable …