The Spatial Evolution of Employment Subcenters in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua (1994-2004): An Analysis Using Global and Local Spatial Autocorrelation Indicators

Abstract

The objective of this article is to identify total employment subcenters through the use of global and local spatial autocorrelation indicators in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, during the period from 1994-2004. This methodology uses spatial weights matrices, includes the notion of neighboring units and is not restricted to the contiguity criterion of the double threshold method. The variable used was the gross density of total employment (manufacturing, trade and service) in 1994 and 2004 at the ageb level, obtained from the Economic Census (INEGI, 1994 and 2004). Two spatial autocorrelation indicators, specifically Moran’s I and local indicators of spatial association (LISA) were used to identify several centers and sub-centers of total employment. The results show the presence of dependence and spatial heterogeneity expressed in the form of groups of high density employment (high-high) in both the central business district (CBD) and the mixed employment subcenter located in the industrial corridor of Avenida Rafael Pérez Serna. Likewise, there are several isolated high density manufacturing employment subcenters (high-high) located on the main roads leading to international ports. In this context, one can conclude that employment distribution outside the CBD, resulting from agglomeration economies, implies the presence of a polycentric urban structure.