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Racial and Ethnic Representation in Local Government

Author

Listed:
  • Brian Beach
  • Daniel B. Jones
  • Tate Twinam
  • Randall Walsh

Abstract

Does the presence of underrepresented racial/ethnic groups in a legislative body differentially impact outcomes for members of those groups? We study close elections between White and non-White candidates for California city council and the corresponding impact on housing values, a summary statistic for neighborhood investment. We find electing non-White rather than White candidates generates differential home value gains in majority non-White 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 council member pivotality.

Suggested Citation

  • Brian Beach & Daniel B. Jones & Tate Twinam & Randall Walsh, 2024. "Racial and Ethnic Representation in Local Government," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 16(2), pages 1-36, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:16:y:2024:i:2:p:1-36
    DOI: 10.1257/pol.20200430
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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