Underappreciated mid-sized cities: Policy opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Can mid-sized cities play a greater role in accommodating population growth and if so, under which conditions and what policy settings? Drawing on debates about economic growth and optimal city size as they frame policy preferences, we use census data, policy reports and media, and interviews with policymakers in Australia to examine the opportunities offered by mid-sized metropolitan areas. Such locations have enough services and facilities to be attractive as urban places along with benefits in terms of affordability and an alternative quality of life. Yet they vary in character, from regional centres and small capitals to lifestyle centres and satellite cities. Key areas for policy attention include addressing trade-offs in the transportation/housing connection, lifestyle, employment, and governance. Policies developed for larger urban areas and a narrow range of industrial sectors will need modification to respond to the distinct opportunities and constraints characterizing mid-sized cities. While drawing on the specific Australian case, the paper has wider relevance to locations where residents need to choose between large and expensive cities with economic opportunity and smaller, more affordable locales. There are both equity and efficiency arguments for providing people with greater choices between different-sized urban centres so people can trade-off different economic benefits and lifestyle opportunities. Coordinated ongoing policies that draw on local understanding of opportunities for medium-sized urban centres to grow can assist in expanding these choices.