Rethinking Detroit
研究底特律商业区被大量空置社区包围的非最优城市结构，通过模型分析住宅外部性导致的邻里均衡问题，并评估不同振兴策略的效果。
This paper studies the urban structure of Detroit—one that is clearly not optimal for its size—which features a business district immediately surrounded by largely vacant neighborhoods. A model is presented where residential externalities lead to multiple equilibria at the neighborhood level. Specifically, neighborhood development requires the coordination of developers and residents, without which it may remain vacant even with sound fundamentals. Given this mechanism, existing strategic visions to revitalize Detroit are evaluated within a quantitative spatial model that can rationalize Detroit’s current allocations. Alternative plans that rely on “development guarantees” are also considered and shown to yield better outcomes.