This webinar was presented by the Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN) on March 6, 2025.
Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) is gaining momentum across the United States and Canada as communities seek sustainable, resilient solutions for managing stormwater. However, despite growing demand, implementation challenges persist, particularly in the public sector.
Barbara Hopkins, Esq., ASLA, Executive Director of the Green Infrastructure Leadership Exchange, presented insights into the current public sector GSI landscape, key drivers and barriers, and recommendations for moving the industry forward. Here are the key takeaways from the webinar:
A Growing Demand for Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Communities are increasingly looking for solutions to address climate risks such as flooding, extreme heat and drought. Green stormwater infrastructure, which uses natural processes to capture and treat stormwater, is seen as a crucial tool in mitigating these challenges. However, while demand is rising, a comprehensive understanding of implementation remains limited.
“The survey data shows that communities are greatly concerned about a range of climate risks and impacts. They are looking to … solutions that both store carbon and increase resilience to extreme heat, flooding, drought, sea level rise, and other climate impacts.”
– American Society of Landscape Architects, First National Survey on Client Demand for Landscape Architecture Solutions to Climate Change
Survey Findings
A survey of 52 public sector entities (representing 13% of the US population) found:
- Water regulation is the primary driver of GSI adoption, with flood resilience and aging infrastructure also playing a role.
- Funding remains a challenge, with GSI accounting for just 10% of stormwater-related costs in some areas.
- Most investment is in public land, with 58% of managed acres being publicly owned.
- Equity considerations are often unclear, as nearly half of respondents did not know whether their funding targeted vulnerable communities.
Moving Toward a National Standard
While many factors influencing GSI implementation are recognized, there is no widely accepted standard that incorporates equity, long-term maintenance and co-benefits. Developing a shared framework is essential to scaling adoption effectively.
Recommendations for Advancing GSI
The webinar outlined a phased approach for governments and practitioners:
Early stage: Build buy-in
- Engage elected officials and senior champions.
- Invest in public education and outreach.
- Develop demonstration projects to showcase benefits.
- Reduce silos and increase coordination between departments.
Mid-stage: Align policies and funding
- Classify GSI as a capital investment.
- Implement regulations requiring GSI in new developments.
- Establish funding for both short- and long-term maintenance.
- Invest in training for staff.
Advanced stage: Adopt best practices
- Diversify funding streams.
- Implement local GSI design standards.
- Adopt an asset management system.
- Implement workforce development strategies.
“Addressing climate change equitably requires the integration of strategy and action across academia, industry, and government … Each sector has something to give and something to receive. We can fill in each other’s gaps. No one entity can do it all.”
–Jalonne White-Newsome, White House Council on Environmental Quality
A Critical Moment for GSI
A convergence of factors — increasing climate risks, lack of standardized practices and inadequate information — creates both a challenge and an opportunity for scaling GSI. Experts emphasize the need for cross-sector collaboration, with local governments, nonprofits, private firms and academic institutions working together to fill knowledge gaps and drive progress.
How to Take Action
To accelerate adoption, practitioners should:
- Expand collaboration across sectors.
- Develop an organizing framework to guide best practices.
- Leverage educational programs such as peer learning experiences and impact assessment tools.
As communities face mounting climate challenges, investing in GSI is more critical than ever. By addressing barriers and building strategic partnerships, communities can ensure that green stormwater infrastructure becomes a standard, equitable solution for sustainable water management.
Practitioners may also consider joining the Green Infrastructure Leadership Exchange to gain access to best practices, resources and tools, and a network of practitioners for shared learning opportunities.
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