Capturing millions of gallons of stormwater to help protect Lake Michigan

Milwaukee’s Fresh Coast Green Communities

Greenprint is partnering with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) to plan, build and maintain green infrastructure on public and private properties through the Fresh Coast Green Communities (FCGC) program. The program aims to reduce combined sewer overflows and limit polluted runoff entering local waterways by managing 9–12 million gallons of water during storms through green infrastructure.

Greenprint leads a team of engineers and landscape architects through design and permitting. To date, 89% of professional services have been provided by Small, Women- and Minority-Owned Business Enterprises. A key strength of the program is that Greenprint directly manages bidding, contracting and construction, reducing risk and burden for MMSD. The program has proven cost effective, on track to manage stormwater for an average of $2.54 per gallon — less than MMSD’s $3 per gallon goal.

Greenprint works with multiple community-based organizations and nonprofits to ensure projects align with community priorities and deliver meaningful, resident-defined benefits. To support engagement, Greenprint helps participating sites communicate with neighbors through print materials, design workshops and interactive activities. A $600,000 grant from the Builders Initiative expanded this work, supporting a program-wide equity strategy and deeper collaboration with community-based organizations, including compensation for their contributions.

Photo: City of Wauwatosa