Prioritization pathways of renewal for old residential communities in small and medium-sized cities based on multi-model fusion: a case study of Jiefang District, Jiaozuo

Determining renewal priorities for old residential communities is a key challenge for advancing people-centered urban renewal in resource-constrained small and medium-sized cities (SMCs). Using Jiefang District in Jiaozuo City as a case study and drawing on 192 valid questionnaires, this study developed a dynamic assessment framework that integrates spatial heterogeneity analysis, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)-Entropy Weight Method (EWM) combined weighting, and AHP-Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) path modeling to quantify key influencing factors. The Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) method was subsequently applied to establish priority orders. The results reveal a significant spatial misalignment between the allocation of public space resources and population carrying pressure. Property services, community belonging, parking, and community management were identified as prominent influencing factors. Community infrastructure perception emerged as the core driver of overall satisfaction, exhibiting positive synergistic effects with perceptions of community governance and culture. Accordingly, differentiated renewal strategies are proposed: to prioritize enhancements in accessibility, lighting, management, and belonging in key improvement areas; to consolidate strengths in advantage-maintenance areas through smart technologies; and to strategically enhance cultural services in slow-improvement areas. This study offers a scientific decision-making framework and a practical guideline for old residential community renewal in SMCs.