The objective of this course is to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills to understand and apply the urban development economic principles and methods to real-world situations. By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the role and functions of urban development economics in a modern economy
• Apply the main models and frameworks of urban development economic analysis
• Assess the determinants and implications of different urban outcomes (e.g., productivity, inequality, livability)
• Evaluate the effects of various urban policies (e.g., land use regulation, infrastructure investment, social protection) on efficiency and equity
• Discuss the current trends and challenges facing urban development economics in the context of globalization, digitalization, and innovation

By taking this course, participants will benefit from:

• Gaining a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of urban development economics
• Developing analytical and critical thinking skills to deal with urban issues
• Enhancing their professional competence and confidence in the urban sector
• Expanding their network and learning from peers and experts in the field

Day One:

Introduction to Urban Development Economics

• What is urban development economics and why does it matter?
• What are the main goals and challenges of urban development economics?
• What are the key concepts and principles of urban development economics?
• What are the main sources of data and information on urban development economics?

Day Two:

Urbanization and Urban Growth

• What are the main drivers and patterns of urbanization across countries and regions?
• How do cities grow in terms of population, area, density, and diversity?
• How do cities contribute to economic growth and development?
• How do cities face congestion costs and agglomeration benefits?

Day Three:

Urban Structure and Urban Land Use

• What are the main theories of urban structure (e.g., monocentric vs. polycentric models)?
• How do land use patterns vary across cities (e.g., central business district, residential zones)?
• How do land markets determine land prices and rents?
• How do land use regulations affect land allocation and welfare?

Day Four:

Urban Poverty and Urban Inequality

• What are the main dimensions and determinants of urban poverty (e.g., income, consumption, multidimensional)?
• How do urban inequality measures differ from rural or national ones (e.g., spatial inequality)?
• How do urban poverty and inequality affect social mobility and social cohesion?
• How do social protection policies address urban poverty and inequality (e.g., cash transfers, housing subsidies)?

Day Five:

Urban Transportation and Urban Environment

• What are the main modes and characteristics of urban transportation (e.g., public vs. private transport)?
• How do transportation systems affect accessibility, mobility, and travel behavior?
• How do transportation policies affect congestion, pollution, and accidents (e.g., road pricing, fuel taxes)?
• How do environmental issues affect urban quality of life (e.g., air quality, climate change)?

To enhance learning and practical application of concepts, the training course will use a combination of interactive lectures, case studies, group discussions, practical exercises, and real-world examples. Participants will also get the chance to collaborate on group projects and create action plans adapted to the needs of their respective organizations.