Planning Economics Fundamentals

Urban development, zoning laws, and public infrastructure projects do not happen in a vacuum—they are driven by fundamental economic forces. Understanding how market dynamics shape our cities is essential for making informed planning decisions. This course provides a clear, structured introduction to planning economics, helping you grasp how land markets, public finance, and policy interventions interact. You will start by learning key economic terminology, foundational theories of urban land use, and how supply and demand dictate development patterns. Through written explanations and practical scenarios, you will build the analytical skills needed to evaluate real-world planning challenges. What you'll learn: - Understand the economic principles governing land markets and property valuation - Analyze how zoning regulations, building codes, and growth boundaries impact housing affordability - Evaluate public finance mechanisms, including property taxes, developer impact fees, and infrastructure funding - Apply cost-benefit analysis frameworks to public transit and community development projects - Explore modern urban challenges, such as the economic drivers of sustainable development and gentrification This course begins with foundational economic concepts before guiding you through practical policy applications and financial evaluation methods. It is designed specifically for beginners, aspiring urban planners, and policy enthusiasts, requiring no prior background in economics. Begin your journey toward understanding the economic forces that shape our built environment today.