Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

Inclusive cities, cities which promote the welfare of its residents regardless of sexual orientation, migrant status, religion, race, or other vulnerable conditions have become a hot topic. Promoters of inclusive cities argue for them not only from a normative basis, but also point out their material benefits. Urban theorists, such as Richard Florida, argue that inclusive cities attract a creative class that promotes innovation and regional economic growth.

This project aims to extend the existing literature by estimating how much inclusive cities are valued by its vulnerable residents using a combination of novel survey, IRS, and census data from the City-County of San Francisco (2005-2015). By quantifying the value of being an inclusive city, policymakers can better decide which inclusive city policies pass a cost/benefit analysis.