Place-Based Redistribution

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2025
Volume: 115
Issue: 10
Pages: 3415-50

Authors (4)

Cecile Gaubert (not in RePEc) Patrick Kline (University of California-Berke...) Damian Vergara (not in RePEc) Danny Yagan (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 4 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We study optimal income taxation in a spatial equilibrium model with heterogeneous locational preferences, labor supply decisions, and competitive housing and labor markets. Expressions characterizing the optimal tax schedule in each community are provided that capture the fiscal externalities associated with migration and the effects of redistribution between households and landlords. Correlation between skill and locational preferences yields optimal transfers to poor areas, while sorting based on comparative advantage can motivate transfers in either direction. A calibration to areas targeted by the US Empowerment Zone program yields sizable optimal spatial transfers that are sensitive to assumed levels of migration responsiveness.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:115:y:2025:i:10:p:3415-50
Journal Field
General
Author Count
4
Added to Database
2026-01-25