What role can land use policies play in addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and demographic shifts?
Jaebeum Cho
Dr Jaebeum Cho is a Junior Economist in the Economic Analysis, Data and Statistics Division in the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities. In this capacity, he works on a wide variety of urban and regional issues including land-use and spatial planning, housing, depopulation and ageing, sustainability, and land value capture. In addition, he is also part of the OECD team that manages the activities of the OECD Laboratory for Geospatial Analysis. Prior to joining the OECD, Dr Cho has worked as a consultant for the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for the Asia-Pacific, as a post-doctoral associate at Indiana University Bloomington, and as a professional urban planner in Korea, among other roles. He has published a number of academic articles, working papers, and reports on topics ranging across agglomeration economies, entrepreneurship, complexity economics, and sustainable development. Dr Cho holds a PhD in regional science and urban planning from Cornell University.
Where SimCity Gets Zoning Right, and Where Not
Many readers will be familiar with the game SimCity. You play an omnipotent mayor, laying roads, planning infrastructure, and zoning land to grow your city and attract “Sims”, the inhabitants of your marvel creation. With good planning, your city prospers, Sims are happy, and you earn “Simoleons” (SimCity’s currency) to develop your city further. That is, of course, barring the occasional zombie apocalypse.