Introduction. This article examines the transformation of the concept of support settlements in the context of a paradigm shift associated with the scaling of the support settlement system from a point-based instrument for supporting depressed territories to a system-forming element of the spatial organization of the entire country. The research objective is to identify contradictions in strategic planning within support settlements and to develop recommendations for adapting strategic planning methodology to the conditions of the new paradigm.
Materials and methods. The study employs comparative analysis and strategic assessment methods. The research objects are the master plan projects for the support cities of Kansk and Lesosibirsk in Krasnoyarsk Krai, developed in 2024. A selective focus method has been applied, concentrating on the key sections of the master plans related to the support settlement concept.
Results and conclusions. The study revealed critical contradictions between the design solutions developed under the selective model of support settlements (SS) and the requirements of the new spatial development framework. The analysis demonstrated that implementing the master plans in their current form may not only fail to achieve the stated objectives but could also aggravate existing spatial development challenges. The scientific novelty of the research lies in proposing a conceptual revision of the three core components of master plans: the demographic development forecast (shifting focus from interregional migration to the adjacent catchment area), economic prioritization (establishing a sustainable economic basis as a system-defining factor), and financial justification (ensuring comparability with historical budget flows).
Discussion. The research findings question the applicability of the existing methodological approaches to strategic planning in the context of scaling up the support settlement system. The identified contradictions necessitate a reconceptualization of fundamental principles of demographic forecasting, economic justification, and incorporation of budgetary constraints in establishing a nationwide network of support centers. The findings provide a scientific foundation for critical rethinking of spatial development practices in distressed territories.