Edward Glaeser

In his 2011 book "Triumph of the City," Edward Glaeser argues that cities are humanity's greatest invention because they foster innovation, increase productivity, and reduce our carbon footprint through dense living. He emphasizes that bringing people face-to-face is crucial for the exchange of knowledge. The book advocates for removing restrictive zoning laws to allow more urban development.

As a professor of economics at Harvard University, Edward Glaeser focuses his research on urban economics, housing markets, and the role of public policy in shaping cities. His work frequently analyzes how population density impacts the exchange of knowledge, overall economic growth, and urban poverty. He serves as the director of the Taubman Center for State and Local Government.

Glaeser's empirical research shows that strict zoning laws and heavy housing regulations in cities like New York and San Francisco artificially inflate housing prices and restrict economic growth. He advocates for relaxing these building restrictions to allow for denser, more affordable urban development. He views local zoning restrictions as a major drag on the US economy.

Yes, Edward Glaeser has been heavily involved with the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), where he serves as a research associate and the director of the Urban Economics program. He has also served as an editor for the prestigious Quarterly Journal of Economics. His academic research is widely cited in municipal policy-making.