Market Urbanism

Liberalizing cities | From the bottom up

“Market Urbanism” refers to the synthesis of classical liberal economics and ethics (market), with an appreciation of the urban way of life and its benefits to society (urbanism). We advocate for the emergence of bottom up solutions to urban issues, as opposed to ones imposed from the top down.

Emily Hamilton

I was first introduced to Jane Jacobs while working as an intern in the Planning Department of my hometown in Colorado. Her work enlightened me to the power of market forces to benefit all city dwellers without government intervention. Since then, I have become fascinated by the urban emergent order that creates our cities.

I graduated with a Masters in economics from George Mason University in 2010 after finishing my undergraduate degree at Goucher College in 2008. While at GMU, I worked as a Research Associate at the university’s Mercatus Center. After a brief time working elsewhere, I returned to the Mercatus Center to write for Neighborhood Effects about state and local policy issues.

Contact me at emilybwashington@gmail.com

Market Urbanism Flickr Group

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Small streets are all over urban planning blogs right now. Nathan Lewis at New World Economics is leading the way with beautiful images of really narrow streets along with Charlie Gardner at Old Urbanist, Small Streets, and Cap'n Transit. They have all compiled photographs of pedestrian-centric … [Read more...]

Tea Partying at Planning Meetings

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At the Atlantic Cities, Anthony Flint writes on recent Tea Party activism in urban development arena. Tea Party groups across the country have spoken out against all manner of urbanist plans, from CAHSR to Smart Growth in Florida. Flint opines: What’s driving the rebellion is a view that government … [Read more...]

Two Notes

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1) Commenter Mike Chlanda: I've randomly picked you to receive my copy of The Heights. Please email me at emilybwashington@gmail.com with your shipping information so that I can send it to you. Thanks all for your interest in the book.2) Russ Roberts gave a fantastic and humbling talk at the … [Read more...]

Urbanization and GDP

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I am no macroeconomist; however, I think there are some important dots to connect between cities and economic growth. The Gated City by Ryan Avent, (discussed more in depth here), explores this thesis and offers a nice overview of the research that links population density and productivity. He cites … [Read more...]

e. e. cummings the urbanist

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A post of Stephen’s from a year ago got a few hits today. I reread it and recalled a poem I studied in high school by e. e. cummings:plato toldhim: he couldn't believe it(jesustold him;he wouldn't believe it)laotszecertainly told him,and general (yesmam) sherman … [Read more...]

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