In Chapter 6
of Moretti’s book ‘Geography of Jobs’, he argues that geographic mobility is a key to economic prosperity. The ability and willingness to move from an economically depressed area to a more robust one benefits not only the individual who moves but also the individuals and businesses in both areass.
Prof. Moretti points out that a number of countries that have low geographic mobility rates also have low economic activity measures. He uses his home country Italy as an example of a country where people do not move. Most interesting he makes the case for national mobility voucher program in the U.S.. The idea is that subsidizing a person’s move will help equalize economic opportunities across the nation. He closes the chapter discussing gentrification which he views as a good thing given all the pluses that arise from it.
