ELSEVIER Regional Science and Urban Economics 27 (I 997) 343

Introduction

On May 29-30, 1994, a conference with the theme “Recent Advances in Urban Economic Theory: A Tribute to David Pines” was held at Tel-Aviv University. This special issue includes papers presented at that conference ’

The most obvious reason to pay tribute to David Pines is for his research in urban economic theory. There is no subject area in urban economic theory that has not been strongly influenced by his contributions. The volume of his publications testifies to his dynamism and creativity, and his consistent success in placing his papers to the high standards of his scholarship.

A less obvious but equally important reason to honor David is for the role he has played in nurturing the (now not so) ‘new urban economics”. David is the senior member of the (again, now not so) new guard of urban economic theorists who completed their Ph.D.s in the seventies. The leadership he has given has been unassuming but very positive. His excitement for new ideas has been infectious; his praise for good work has been generous; and his criticism of carelessness has been a spur to strive for quality. He has done as much as anyone to set the standard for what constitutes good work in urban economic theory - an original, interesting, and practical economic insight, developed rigorously and thoroughly but simply’.

At an age when most dream of peace in the sun, David’s enthusiasm for wrestling with proofs and searching out new theorems remains undiminished. We wish him many years of continued success in his quest.

Richard Arnott Boston College

‘The papers went through the normal refereeing process. I would like to thank the referees and Marcus Berliant who acted as sub-editor on the Anas-Amott and Arnott-Braid papers.

‘Another reason to honor David is for his tireless work - as teacher, colleague and administrator - in building up the Department of Economics at Tel-Aviv University. From humble beginnings, it has risen to a position of eminence, all the while maintaining an exceptional sense of scholarly community.

0166~0462/97/$17.00 0 1997 Elsevier Science BV. All rights reserved PII SO166-0462(96)02 153-9