W. Bowman Cutter

W. Bowman Cutter is an Associate Professor of Economics at Pomona College, where he has been a faculty member since 2008. His research focuses on environmental and urban economics, with particular expertise in water policy, urban land use regulation, and climate change adaptation in metropolitan areas.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Economics, University of California, Los Angeles
• Master of Arts in Economics, University of California, Los Angeles
• Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Macalester College

Dr. Cutter specializes in Environmental Economics, with core research areas including the Political Economy of Environmental Regulation, Water Supply and Quality, Urban Land Use Policy, and Incentive-based Environmental Regulation. His work critically examines how urban regulations—particularly parking requirements—affect environmental and financial outcomes. He actively collaborates with local governments and non-profits to develop practical policy solutions, and is currently authoring a book on climate change adaptation in urban contexts. His methodological approach combines rigorous economic analysis with real-world policy applications.

Analysis of his recent publications (2012-2025) reveals a consistent focus on California's urban environmental challenges, particularly housing affordability, parking policy economics, stormwater management, and climate adaptation. His research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between economics, urban planning, and environmental science, with heavy emphasis on empirical analysis of regulatory impacts using hedonic pricing models, cost-benefit frameworks, and spatial analysis techniques.

Scientific awards and professional recognition:

• University of California Toxic Substances Research and Teaching Fellowship (2000-2002)
• Technical Consultant, Alluvial Fan Flooding Task Force
• Member, Southern California Watershed Assessment Framework technical advisory committee
• Board Member, Los Angeles and San Gabriel’s Rivers Watershed Council

Dr. Cutter teaches advanced courses including Applied Regression Analysis and Environmental and Natural Resource Policy. His professional engagements extend beyond academia through substantial policy advisory work with regional environmental agencies. Current research includes climate adaptation strategies for Mediterranean climate regions and economic analyses of urban redevelopment barriers. He maintains active collaborations with watershed management organizations and urban planning initiatives throughout Southern California.