Growth and Convergence in Metropolitan America (Brookings Metro Series) [Paperback]

Janet Rothenberg Pack (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2002 | Series: Brookings Metro Series

While the suburbs of most metropolitan areas are wealthier than their urban counterparts, rapid regional growth can improve the welfare of both city and suburb, according to a new book from Janet Rothenberg Pack. In Growth and Convergence in Metropolitan America, Pack identifies growth trends that have contributed to the convergence of welfare among regions. Pack analyzes demographic, social, and economic data from 277 metropolitan areas in the northeastern, midwestern, southern, and western United States between 1960 and 1990. Her analysis reveals a strong connection between regional growth and improved socioeconomic vitality. She finds little connection between population growththe focus of many previous studiesand well-being, but a strong connection between per capita income growth and well-being. Moreover, there has been a major change in the factors associated with economic growth between the 1970s and 1980s. In the latter decade, the importance of an educated labor force and major universities have assumed major importance. This appears likely to have continued to be true in the 1990s. While current urban policy has focused on intra-metropolitan cooperation as the key to improving conditions in declining or slow-growing urban areas, Packs analysis emphasizes the major differences among the larger regions of the countryboth their cities and suburbs. From this perspective, national policies, both macro-economic policy and the progressive income tax, appear to be the most effective influences promoting regional convergence and improving the socio-economic well-being of both city and suburban residents.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Brookings Inst Pr (March 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0815702477
• ISBN-13: 978-0815702474
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,382,723 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read! Groundbreaking Study of Urban/Suburban America, November 15, 2002

By 

David Lubin (San Diego, California United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Growth and Convergence in Metropolitan America (Brookings Metro Series) (Paperback)

Anybody interested in public policy, urban/suburban settings, politics, sociology, urban studies, business, political science, and/or regional socioeconomic betterment must read this book. Growth and Convergence analyzes demographic, social, and economic data from across the country. Her research is strong and conclusions tangible, logical and helpful. Pack offers real, concrete solutions to urban problems such as improved, more effective regional planning and macro-level public policy geared towards bettering the socioeconomic condition of both city dwellers and suburbanites.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chickenhead, O Chickenhead, how lovely are thy giblets!, September 17, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Growth and Convergence in Metropolitan America (Brookings Metro Series) (Paperback)

J Pack looks like a chicken. Hence her lovely nickname "chickenhead." Oh, by the way, loved the book.

Truly Yours,
Baby Huey

0 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chickenhead, O Chickenhead, how lovely are thy giblets!, September 12, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Growth and Convergence in Metropolitan America (Brookings Metro Series) (Paperback)

J. Pack looks like a chicken! Hence, her lovely nickname "Chickenhead." Oh, by the way, loved the book.

Truly yours,
Baby Huey