This book investigates the economic forces driving metropolitan growth and the challenges associated with it. Portney, a distinguished fellow at the Urban Institute, draws on his extensive research in public finance and urban economics to analyze the complex interplay of factors that shape urban expansion. The work examines the economic rationale behind city growth, the distribution of economic activity within metropolitan areas, and the fiscal implications for local governments.

This book is recognized as a foundational text in urban economics, offering a rigorous analysis of the economic principles underlying metropolitan growth. Scholars and policymakers have cited its detailed examination of fiscal issues and spatial economics. The work is considered a valuable resource for understanding the economic dynamics that shape cities and the challenges of managing their development.