Kuijper, David (2023) Navigating Shifting Policies: The Impact of National Government Actions on the Role of Local Planners in Middle-Income Housing Production in Amsterdam. Master thesis.
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Master Thesis D N Kuijper S2725053.pdf Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
This research study examines the impact of shifts in Dutch national government policies on the daily work of local planners in addressing the housing crisis and increasing the availability of middle-income housing in Amsterdam. The study employs qualitative research methods, including expert interviews and policy document analysis, to explore the roles of spatial planners and critically analyze the government's policy shift in response to the 2021 coalition agreement. Existing research has focused predominantly on the role of municipalities and housing associations, leaving a knowledge gap regarding the national government's influence on the future of housing in the Netherlands. This thesis incorporates key concepts of neo-liberalization, multi-level governance, government policy shifts, and the roles of spatial planners. The central research question investigates how changes in national government policies between 2018 and 2023 have influenced the roles of spatial planners in middle-income housing production in Amsterdam. The study also explores secondary research questions related to the evolution of neo-liberalization discourses, shifts in decision-making powers among government levels, and the transformations in the roles and functions of spatial planners over time. The findings reveal a notable shift in government policy towards housing, highlighting the limitations of market mechanisms in providing adequate, affordable, and equitable housing. There has been a change in expectations placed on the market, with a recognition that the market alone cannot resolve the housing shortage. Expert interviews shed light on nuanced perspectives and external factors that significantly influence the centralization narrative. The study also examines multi-level governance, highlighting the complex interactions between central, regional, and local levels of government. The policies from 2018 to 2021 emphasized coordination and cooperation among different government actors, while recent policies show a shift towards a more centralized approach with increased involvement of the central government in decision-making and implementation processes. Furthermore, the analysis of the roles and functions of spatial planners reveals their multifaceted role as shaping instruments, intermediaries, and monitors. Planners balance various factors and collaborate with stakeholders to find sustainable solutions. However, they face challenges in managing their workload and time constraints, particularly within the context of a housing crisis. This research contributes to the understanding of the challenges faced by local planners in addressing the housing crisis and provides insights into the implications of government policy shifts. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration, effective time management, and the need for planners to have a seat at the table to find sustainable solutions for housing issues.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Society, Sustainability and Planning (MSc Socio-spatial Planning) |
| Supervisor: | Ozogul, S. |
| Date Deposited: | 11 Jul 2023 09:47 |
| Last Modified: | 11 Jul 2023 09:47 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4231 |
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