Minority Representation in Local Government / Brian Beach, Daniel B. Jones, Tate Twinam, Randall Walsh.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Beach, Brian.

Contributor:

National Bureau of Economic Research.

Jones, Daniel B.

Twinam, Tate.

Walsh, Randall.

Series:

Working Paper Series (National Bureau of Economic Research) no. w25192.

NBER working paper series no. w25192

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource: illustrations (black and white);

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, Mass. National Bureau of Economic Research 2018.

Summary:

Does minority representation in a legislative body differentially impact outcomes for minorities? To examine this question, we study close elections for California city council seats between white and nonwhite candidates. We find that nonwhite candidates generate differential gains in housing prices in majority nonwhite neighborhoods. This result, which is not explained by correlations between candidate race and political affiliation or neighborhood racial composition and income, suggests that increased representation can reduce racial disparities. Our results strengthen with increased city-level segregation and councilmember pivotality. Regarding mechanisms, we observe changes in business patterns and policing behavior, which may help explain our results.

Notes:

Print version record

October 2018.