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John Levy's text presents microeconomic theory for use in analyzing and formulating public policy. It couples a direct and non-intimidating approach to essential theory with a presentation that is sophisticated at the policy level. It does not attempt to cover the entire body of economic theory, but rather presents those elements of theory most relevant to courses in public economics and public policy in such programs as public administration, policy analysis, health planning, environmental management, urban affairs, and urban planning. The text is divided into two parts. The first introduces basic concepts with an emphasis on their philosophical underpinnings and policy uses; the second consists of six essays on policy-related subjects, selected to make use of concepts presented in the first part. Among the unusual features of the book are the discussion of the tax expenditure concept, benefit cost analysis with numerical example, substantial discussions of the origins and philosophical implications of economic man as a behavioral model, and an entire chapter devoted to public choice.
List of contents
Figures and Tables
Introduction
Who Is Economic Man and Where Does He Come From?
Definitions and Assumptions
Supply and Demand
Firms and Markets
Welfare Economics
The Role of Government, Part 1
The Role of Government, Part 2
Taxes, Grants, and Tax Expenditures
Benefit-Cost Analysis
Rent Controls
Zoning: The Economics of Land Use Regulation
Selling the Right to Pollute
The Minimum Wage Controversy
The Economics of Interplace Competition
The Economics of Health Risk Analysis
Bibliography
Index
About the author
JOHN M. LEVY is a Professor in the Urban Affairs and Planning Program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). Prior to becoming an academician, he worked for a decade in urban planning and local economic development. He is the author of Economic Development Programs for Cities, Counties, and Towns (Praeger, 1990) and Contemporary Urban Planning (1988).
