Microeconomics for Public Decisions

Microeconomics for Public Decisions is a core textbook that covers essential microeconomic principles and applies them to public decisions. It can and has been used without additional materials. The text provides a systematic treatment of fundamentals such as supply, demand, market processes, utility, and costs. It also provides extensive coverage of topics that concern the public sector, such efficiency and equity, welfare economics, monopolies, externalities, public goods, risk and uncertainty, and cost-benefit analysis. While the text is targeted for master's level graduate students and upper-division undergraduate students, it is suitable for other levels, and does not require prior coursework in economics or calculus. Even students with a background in economics will find much of the material novel. The text blends theory with applications, so students will develop a solid understanding of both microeconomics and its appropriate use. Students will also learn to evaluate the economic arguments of different choices, and the broader impacts of decisions on society.