Explaining the Connections between Physical Mobility and Economic Mobility

Writing for the explainer site Vox, Danielle Kurtzleben sets the context for a discussion of some of the expanding body of research into the connections between physical mobility and economic mobility:

"There's an array of economic literature out there connecting the two, showing that places with plenty of opportunities for geographic mobility have more economic mobility as well. But for a city to boost opportunity by boosting transit, the answer is a complicated mix that also includes zoning and picking the right type of transit — perhaps at the risk of displeasing its wealthier residents."

To provide readers with insight into the complicated, and controversial, mix of land use and transit mode choices that can impact economic mobility, Kurtzleben explores findings under the following subheadings:

• It's often easier to move people to jobs than vice versa
• Mode of transportation matters
• Breaking down the walls between rich and poor
• The link to zoning