Distributional Effects of Local Minimum Wages: A Spatial Job Search Approach
构建空间一般均衡工作搜寻模型，研究地方和全国最低工资政策对就业、工资、通勤和福利的影响，发现低技能工人从地方最低工资上涨至12.50美元中受益，而全国最低工资15.25美元带来最大人均福利提升。
This paper develops a spatial general equilibrium job search model to study the effects of local and universal minimum wage policies on employment, wages, job postings, vacancies, migration, and welfare. Workers search for jobs locally and in neighboring areas, deciding whether to migrate or commute after receiving remote offers. The model, estimated using ACS and QWI data, reliably forecasts commuting responses to city minimum wage hikes. Simulations show that low-skill (noncollege) workers benefit from local wage increases up to $12.50. The greatest per capita welfare gain for all workers is achieved by a $15.25 universal minimum wage.