Metropolitan Economic Development: The Political Economy of Urbanisation in Mexico

This book explores current trends and policy issues around urbanization, metropolization, economic development, and city-region governance in Mexico and other countries in the Global South, with a comparative perspective. It will be of interest to advanced students, researchers, and policymakers in urban policy, urban economics, regional studies, economic geography, and Latin American studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Metropolitan areas are bustling hubs that house a substantial portion of the global population and contribute significantly to the world's economic prosperity. In the context of Mexico, this book delves into the current trends and policy challenges surrounding urbanization, metropolization, economic development, and city-region governance. While metropolitan economies hold immense economic significance, a comparative analysis and monitoring of these economies in Mexico and other countries in the Global South remain relatively limited. This volume offers valuable insights through a comparative lens, drawing upon international experiences. It is a valuable resource for advanced students, researchers, and policymakers engaged in urban policy, urban economics, regional studies, economic geography, and Latin American studies.

Urbanization has been a significant driver of economic growth and development in recent years. As cities continue to grow and attract people from rural areas, they create new opportunities for businesses, employment, and innovation. However, urbanization also brings challenges, such as overcrowding, pollution, and social inequality.

Metropolization is a process in which cities become larger and more interconnected, forming mega-regions or metropolitan areas. This can lead to increased economic productivity, improved transportation infrastructure, and better access to resources. However, it can also create social and environmental challenges, such as urban sprawl, environmental degradation, and social isolation.

Economic development in metropolitan areas is driven by a variety of factors, including investment in infrastructure, technology, and education. Cities that invest in these areas can attract businesses and create jobs, leading to increased economic growth and prosperity. However, economic development can also have negative impacts, such as gentrification, displacement of low-income residents, and environmental degradation.

City-region governance is a complex issue that involves the coordination of different government agencies, private sector organizations, and community groups. Effective city-region governance can lead to better economic outcomes, improved quality of life, and more sustainable development. However, it can also be challenging to achieve, particularly in countries with decentralized government structures.

In Mexico, metropolitan areas are home to a significant portion of the country's population and economic output. Mexico City, the country's capital, is one of the largest and most dynamic cities in the world, with a population of over 20 million people. Other major metropolitan areas include Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Puebla.

Mexico's urbanization has been rapid in recent years, driven by factors such as migration from rural areas, economic growth, and government policies. However, urbanization has also brought challenges, such as overcrowding, pollution, and social inequality.

Metropolization in Mexico has been driven by factors such as the growth of the industrial sector, the expansion of transportation infrastructure, and the development of new technology parks. This has led to the formation of mega-regions, such as the Golden Triangle, which includes Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

Economic development in Mexico's metropolitan areas has been driven by a variety of factors, including investment in infrastructure, technology, and education. The country has implemented policies to promote investment in these areas, such as the Mexican Stock Exchange and the National Bank for Foreign Investment. However, economic development has also been associated with negative impacts, such as gentrification, displacement of low-income residents, and environmental degradation.

City-region governance in Mexico is complex, with different levels of government and private sector involvement. The federal government has played a significant role in promoting urban development and coordinating government agencies, while local governments have been responsible for implementing policies and services. Private sector organizations have also played a significant role in promoting economic development and improving quality of life in metropolitan areas.

Despite the challenges and complexities associated with urbanization, metropolization, economic development, and city-region governance, there are also opportunities for positive change. By investing in infrastructure, technology, and education, cities can create more sustainable and inclusive economies. Effective city-region governance can lead to better coordination and collaboration between different stakeholders, leading to more effective policies and services.

In conclusion, metropolitan areas are critical to the world's economic and social development. Mexico's urbanization, metropolization, economic development, and city-region governance are complex issues that require a comprehensive and comparative perspective. This book offers valuable insights into these issues, drawing upon international experiences and providing a valuable resource for advanced students, researchers, and policymakers. By understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with these issues, we can work towards creating more sustainable and inclusive cities and regions.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367777562