How Green Space Quality Influences Fiscal Stress: A Multidimensional Perspective

The economic value of green spaces is critical for achieving sustainable urban development. This study investigates the impact of green space quality on fiscal sustainability using data from 145 counties in China’s Yangtze River Delta (2015–2022). A double fixed-effects model reveals that higher green space quality significantly alleviates fiscal stress, particularly in regions with advanced socioeconomic conditions, well-developed labor structures, and lower environmental regulation intensity. Additionally, green space quality reduces fiscal stress by promoting knowledge-intensive industries, enhancing commercial vitality, and stimulating leisure consumption. These findings provide new insights into the link between ecological development and fiscal sustainability, offering actionable recommendations for promoting sustainable urban growth.