Episode
429R_Cities as labor markets – The efficiency of large labor markets is the main cause of ever-growing cities (book chapter summary)
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- May 18, 2026
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- 854
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Summary
Are you interested in the dynamics of urban productivity? Our debate today works with the book chapter titled Cities as labor markets – The efficiency of large labor markets is the main cause of ever-growing cities from 2018, by Alain Bertaud, part of the book titled Order Without Design: How Markets Shape Cities. This is a great preparation to our next interview with Alain Bertaud in episode 430 talking about the need to allow markets to drive urban development. Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see why cities function primarily as integrated labour markets. This chapter suggests that the while urban areas offer cultural and social amenities, these features are only made possible by a well-functioning workforce with diverse job opportunities. Find the book through this link . Connected episodes you might be interested in: No.409R - The case for economic growth as the path to better human wellbeing No.410 - Interview with Casey Handmer about the need for urban economic growth No.420 - Interview with Josh Dorfman about urban economics You can find the transcript through this link What was the most interesting part for you? What questions did arise for you? Let me know on Twitter @WTF4Cities or on the wtf4cities.com website where the shownotes are also available I…