3S RECIPE – Smart Shrinkage Solutions: Maastricht (NL) Policy Brief #2. Compact Connected City

This policy brief discusses a new form of urban-regional policy developed in the Dutch South Limburg region to deal with the consequences of population decline. This policy can be summarized as “more city, more rural”, which means regional municipalities aim to strengthen highly urban and rural living environments while selectively diluting in-between neighbourhoods, typically post-war suburban developments. The brief draws on stakeholder interviews and policy analyses to understand the intended benefits, necessary conditions and future performance of this policy. Stakeholders suggest a range of benefits associated with the policy, whilst also acknowledging potential drawbacks. The brief ends with a discussion of the broader applicability of such an urban-regional policy strategy.