URBAN SPRAWL IN THE MEDITERRANEAN: EVIDENCE FROM COASTAL MEDIUM-SIZED CITIES

Apostolos LAGARIAS

Postdoc Researcher, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)

lagarias@iacm.forth.gr

John SAYAS

Associate Professor, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)

isayas@central.ntua.gr

Abstract

Urban sprawl processes taking place in European cities constitute an important problem opposing sustainable growth and environmental protection. This is particularly evident in the Mediterranean, where intense tourism development and coastalization continuously impose urban land pressures on agricultural areas and natural land. In the present study a set of 14 coastal medium-sized cities of Spain, Italy, Greece, Mediterranean France and Malta is used to explore recent urban sprawl trends and to analyze different typologies of urban form and structure. Based on recent data from European databases (Urban Atlas, Corine Land Cover and the Imperviousness-Soil Sealing Degree dataset), soil sealing degree profiles are estimated and the distribution of different urban land uses is analyzed for year 2006 using a set of spatial metrics. Urban growth between 1990 and 2014 is estimated based on data from the Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL). Results reveal important differences between the cities in terms of urban form and structure. Geomorphology, different levels of population growth and tourism development, differences in the historical and socioeconomic context constitute among others, the reasons for this differentiation.

Keywords: Urban sprawl, Urban form, Coastalization, Medium-sized cities, Soil sealing, Land use

JEL classification: R110, R140

read more

DETERMINANTS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING ALLOCATION: COMMON PERSPECTIVES FROM LOCAL OFFICIALS

Xiang CAI

Lecturer, The University of Texas at Dallas,

xiang.cai@utdallas.edu

Abstract

In response to the wide social concerns of exponential price inflation and the severe demand for affordable housing over the last decade, the Chinese government has enforced a national plan to enhance the large-scale construction and provision of affordable housing, while municipal governments are responsible at the local level for implementation and allocation via various housing provision programs. In this paper we collected first-hand data from a series of personal interviews with government officials to conduct a systematic analysis of the challenges of housing allocation from the perspectives of administrators at the city level. In light of the responses from practitioners, the four main concerns giving rise to low efficiency and unfairness in housing allocation are: the faction of agencies, ineffective monitoring systems, the lack of transparency of information, and the absence of legal enforcement. Legal enforcement is the most important institutional establishment as it stipulates agency collaboration and monitoring. Transparency, which is affected by legal enforcement, also enhances cooperation among departments.

Keywords: Affordable Housing, Determinants, Allocation and Distribution, Local Officials

JEL classification: R5, R580
read more

DOES TRADE OPENNESS AND FISCAL POLICY AFFECT INEQUALITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH? A STUDY IN INDONESIA

Mohammad KHUSAINI

Dr. in Economics, Faculty of Economic and Business, Brawijaya University-INDONESIA

mohkhusaini@yahoo.com

Setyo TRI WAHYUDI

Ph.D in Economics, Faculty of Economic and Business, Brawijaya University-INDONESIA

Setyo81@gmail.com

Zamrud SISWA UTAMA

Master of Economics Student at Faculty of Economic and Business, Brawijaya University-INDONESIA

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of trade openness and Indonesia’s fiscal policy on income inequality and economic growth. The error correction model approach was used to analyze the effect during the period 1980 to 2015. The results show that trade openness can improve inequality but at the same time impede growth. The effect of fiscal policy on reducing inequality is only generated by tax collection but is temporary. Meanwhile, government spending on infrastructure and health proved to encourage growth. On the other hand, education sector spending and tax collection can actually hamper growth.

Keywords: Trade Openness, Inequality, Growth, Fiscal Policy

JEL classification: E62, F63, H50, O40
read more