Spatial spillover effects of urban decline in Southeast Michigan

This paper uses an effective means to explore spatial processes and extents of urban decline using Detroit as a case study. We examined spatial lag of X (SLX) model and its variations, using vacant urban land as a proxy for urban decline. Fourth-order of queen contiguity provided an optimal spatial extent of spillover effects, and SLX was the better-fit model. Multi-unit housing structures, female-headed households, recently moved-in household heads, water surface area, and urban land use area showed negative spillover effects whereas manufacturing employee population, old building structures, low-income population, and agricultural land area exhibited positive spillover effects. Additionally, agricultural, urban, and water surface area, property value, and education level showed significant direct effects. The maximum spatial extent clustered 131 census tracts, suggesting a collaboration of all cities/townships, communities, and private sectors to avert urban decline's spillover effects.

Automated summary

This paper uses an effective means to explore the spatial processes and extents of urban decline in Detroit. They found that the spatial lag of X (SLX) model and its variations, using vacant urban land as a proxy for urban decline, provided the best fit model. They discovered both negative and positive spillover effects, with certain variables showing significant direct effects. The study highlights the need for collaboration between cities, townships, communities, and private sectors to mitigate the spillover effects of urban decline.