This book is an attempt to bridge the academic discipline of economic geography with the professional field of economic development.  Through case studies of economic development, it illustrates two fundamental concepts of the sub-discipline of economic geography: scale and spatial connections.  It demonstrates some of the ways that economic development policies and plans are linked globally, nationally, regionally, and locally. It ties together several studies of communities and transportation systems in Texas and Mexico carried out from the late 2010’s through 2021. The studies shed light on the need to study economic development at multiple scales and to do so through blended qualitative research methods that include conversations with economic development stakeholders, published data, news content from the business and trade media, and direct observation of the built environment. The book is a set of narratives that combine descriptions of the evolution of commercial transportation systems, economic promotion in selected communities, and corresponding changes in the built environment.  It is organized into three sections, each of which corresponds to a different scale at which economic development functions: macro, regional, and local.

Beyond the Metropolis is an attempt to mend the lacuna that exists between large and small city studies in urban geography, especially in North America. It covers a wide range of topics organized around some of the most common themes that urban geographers have addressed in their study of large cities. In addition to a general introduction and conclusion, the book is divided into three parts. Part I focuses on the evolution and growth of small cities. It outlines in very broad terms the status of small city studies within urban studies, in general, and urban geography, in particular, to underscore the relatively little attention that has been given to small cities. Part II deals with the internal structure of small cities. Part III examines issues related to planning and managing change in small cities. The chapters examine established conventions in urban geography and related disciplines from the perspectives of small cities for the purpose of understanding small cities. Students and researchers as well as city administrators will find the book useful.