On behalf of a medium-sized Dutch municipality, we conducted research on how to combine sustainable population growth with the creation of a future-proof and livable city for everyone.
Green in the city
Like many other municipalities across the country, this particular municipality is facing challenges related to housing, climate, and biodiversity. Infill development of urban centers is, in this case, inevitable. However, despite the constraints on space, it remains crucial to provide room for high-quality green spaces within the built environment. Preserving and enhancing existing natural areas is important, as well as creating new green spaces at development sites.
Integrating multiple challenges with varying effects, as seen in the above situation, is not straightforward. We assisted the municipality in identifying a challenging example task: the development and funding of a sustainable green space. To achieve this, we developed an example case: a park to be created. To better understand the benefits of a park in an urban setting, we conducted a limited social cost-benefit analysis (SCBA).
For instance, we examined how the quality of life improves for residents living around the planned park, quantifying this increased enjoyment by expressing it monetarily through the anticipated increase in property values resulting from the park. We also explored how healthcare costs could be reduced, as the park offers various health benefits, such as capturing fine particulate matter.
Financing a park
Various stakeholders can be involved in the financing task. These stakeholders operate at different levels and have access to various financial instruments and strategies. For example, the park could be financed through contributions from an existing or newly established Green Fund, which is filled by contributions from developers. Costs can be covered through higher property tax revenues, program funds, and subsidies for nature and biodiversity (from the province, the national government, or the European Union), outcome payments, and crowdfunding.