CASQA 2024 Recap: Centering Community and Collaboration in Stormwater Program Design
At the recent 2024 California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) Conference, a vibrant discussion unfolded around the power of community engagement in developing resilient, equitable stormwater management solutions. The Centering Community and Collaboration in Stormwater Program Design panel session, Moderated by April Mendez of Greenprint Partners, featured three experts: Vicki Estrada from Groundwork San Diego, Lisa Sasso from Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), and Brad Wardynski from Craftwater.
Stormwater Management and Community Engagement
One of the session’s core takeaways was that meaningful community engagement is crucial for the success of stormwater programs, particularly in historically underserved areas. Each panelist shared valuable insights from their respective projects, showcasing how community-based planning transforms technical solutions into inclusive, equitable practices that serve residents’ real needs.
Chollas Blue Green Vision Collaborative – Vicki Estrada
Vicki Estrada highlighted the Chollas Blue Green Vision Collaborative in San Diego. This project engages over 5,000 watershed residents to advocate for stormwater and blue-green infrastructure investments. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders — from residents to regulatory bodies — the collaborative has developed a comprehensive plan that prioritizes the community's vision. Addressing decades of underinvestment, this initiative integrates natural water management systems with parks, trails and green spaces, responding directly to the community's demand for environmental improvements that enhance both flood protection and quality of life.
Fresh Coast Green Communities – Lisa Sasso
Lisa Sasso discussed MMSD's Fresh Coast Green Communities program, which emphasizes collaborative planning in Milwaukee. MMSD has successfully integrated community engagement into stormwater management by targeting areas of high social vulnerability and working with local stakeholders. Sasso emphasized that partnerships with local organizations and the intentional inclusion of community voices have been key to the program’s success. Through these efforts, Milwaukee has been able to meet significant stormwater goals while also addressing social and economic disparities.
Data-Driven Decisions – Brad Wardynski
Brad Wardynski of Craftwater focused on the role of science and data in informing stormwater solutions. While technical accuracy is essential, Wardynski stressed the importance of making data understandable and actionable for community members. This approach helps foster trust and collaboration, allowing for more transparent and inclusive decision-making processes. He also spoke about the value of creating solutions that not only address environmental needs but also resonate with the priorities and values of the community.
The Power of Small Partnerships
A key theme emerging from the session was the value of building deep, meaningful relationships with a few trusted community partners rather than overwhelming efforts to engage all potential stakeholders. These smaller partnerships, often with community-based organizations (CBOs), act as bridges between public agencies and residents. By involving CBOs early in the project lifecycle, municipalities can ensure that projects are rooted in community needs and foster long-term collaboration.
Lessons Learned: Building Trust and Fostering Collaboration
Throughout the discussion, panelists shared practical advice for municipalities and advocates looking to adopt community-driven approaches to stormwater management:
- Start with listening: Authentic engagement begins by showing up in communities, listening to residents’ concerns and building trust over time.
- Invest in long-term relationships: Establish partnerships with local organizations that can act as trusted voices and advocates within the community.
- Leverage multiple benefits: Stormwater projects that incorporate green spaces, flood protection and community beautification have the greatest potential to secure buy-in from all stakeholders.
- Use data thoughtfully: While data is critical, it must be communicated in a way that aligns with the community’s priorities and is easily understood by non-experts.
Conclusion
The panelists illustrated how centering community and collaboration in stormwater program design leads to more resilient, equitable and impactful solutions. Whether it's transforming a neglected creek in San Diego or reimagining stormwater infrastructure in Milwaukee, these projects underscore that success comes from listening to the community and making them integral partners in the process.
This session reaffirmed that stormwater management is not just about moving water — it's about empowering communities and designing solutions that reflect their unique needs and aspirations.
