Just Growth: Inclusion and Prosperity in America's Metropolitan Regions (Regions and Cities) - Urban Development & Economic Equality Guide for Policy Makers & Researchers

Individualism posits that the interests of the individual take precedence over the interests of a group. Conversely, collectivism emphasizes the interdependence of people. Leaving aside the negative connotations ‘collectivism’ has gathered in recent decades, the reader of this book should at least be open to the idea that there might be some truth to the idea that groups of people can improve their circumstances by working together toward a common goal.As good researchers, Benner and Pastor are clear about the limits of their research—and also about surprising findings. Ideologues will only find traction by ignoring the authors’ frankness.This book considers what constitutes economic development and some of the factors that can hinder or help. The authors argue that if income inequality played a role in the “Great Recession” (significant wealth accumulation by the wealthy led to highly speculative investments) and that addressing income inequality will help economic recovery. While this might be achieved through regulations, the authors suggest that growth that targets inclusion and equity at the regional level can play a role—and they provide statistical evidence that racial inclusion and efforts to reduce the gap between rich and poor has a strong correlation with economic growth.To this end, they evaluate almost 200 metropolitan areas to develop a final list of seven areas that are analyzed in depth, both statistically and qualitatively. These areas are generally characterized as growth with equity (consistently above median performance in both metrics); slip-back (a period of growth with equity, followed by a period of below-median performance); bounce-back (below-median performance followed by a period of above-median performance); and stuck-back (consistently below-median performance).Many of the lessons drawn from the seven case studies can be applied in various ways in regions seeking to improve their economies, but there is no single “fix” that can be applied. As always, reality is complex. Regional collaboration and cooperation and civic engagement across varied constituencies provide means to identify both problems and solutions. A diversified economy builds resiliency against economic shocks. Build or expand a middle class, especially in minority communities and promote education, especially higher education. My own northern San Joaquin Valley area would do well to take these lessons to heart.