Navigating rising tides: Governance for housing development in flood-prone areas in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is grappling with a dual crisis of housing shortages and rising water levels, necessitating innovative governance strategies for sustainable urban development. This research investigates how public and private actors navigate these intertwined challenges, with particular attention to the motivations driving residential development in water-sensitive areas. It examines the extent to which robust governance strategies are embedded in current policies and practices to enhance urban resilience. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including policymakers, urban planners, and developers, and a comprehensive policy analysis, the study reveals that while economic incentives and spatial planning policies strongly influence housing development, the integration of water management into urban planning remains inconsistent and fragmented. The case study of Geertruidenberg illustrates the complexities and trade-offs between housing provision and flood-risk management, highlighting the need for a more cohesive governance framework that aligns local development initiatives with national water-safety objectives. By linking the concepts of dual crisis, robust governance, and urban resilience, this research provides nuanced insights into governance dynamics at the intersection of housing development and water management and offers practical recommendations to support more resilient and sustainable urban development in the context of climate change.