Essential Microeconomics for Public Policy Analysis

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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.

Author Bio

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).