Prof. Christopher Berry cited in 'The Economist' April 24, 2024 A piece in The Economist, entitled "America is uniquely ill-suited to handle a falling population" cites research by Prof. Christopher Berry on the impacts of population loss on public services: Research by Christopher Berry of the University of Chicago finds that, as cities lose population, the cost of providing public services tends to stay about the same. “Virtually nowhere reduces the public sector in line with the population,” he says. Exactly why that happens is unclear: it could be that servicing a given geographical area entails fixed costs, regardless of population; it could be that laying off municipal workers is politically tricky. Whatever the reason, the result is that the remaining taxpayers must pay more simply to support the same services. Faculty Spotlight Christopher Berry William J. and Alicia Townsend Friedman Professor; Director, Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation Christopher R. Berry is the William J. and Alicia Townsend Friedman Professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and the College. He is the academic director of the Center for Municipal Finance. He studies metropolitan governance and the politics of public finance. Upcoming Events More events Data and Policy Summer Scholars Program (DPSS): Deep-Dive Conversation with Jose Macias and Alexandra Sobczynski Mon., May 06, 2024 | 7:30 PM International Policy Action Lab Mini Class with Austin Wright Tue., May 07, 2024 | 6:00 AM Driving Policy Innovation in the Social Sector in India: Lunch Conversation with Luis Miranda Tue., May 07, 2024 | 12:30 PM Harris School of Public Policy (The Keller Center), Room 2112 1307 E 60th St Chicago, IL 60637 United States