A flooded street is not a complete street, and federal USEPA mandates require pollutant reductions from the rights-of-way. Stormwater management, often overlooked in urban street design is leading city transportation departments to partner with water purveying and stormwater permitting agencies to fully leverage the opportunities for sustainable stormwater management in the rights-of-way. Though constrained by competing demands, green stormwater infrastructure on urban streets is becoming the evolving work of inclusive and partnering agencies that seek higher public service and benefits through integrated street designs. These designs can achieve other city goals such as equity and livability, traffic calming, increasing public open and infiltrative space, improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and enhancing transit. Through inter-departmental collaboration, cities are unlocking opportunities for new funding and achieving shared goals of more sustainable streetscapes.
In this session, learn more about the newest NACTO design guide, which will detail strategies to incorporate green stormwater infrastructure into urban street designs. Hear from three cities that have built strong partnerships between their DOTs and water departments, and discuss strategies to scale up green infrastructure for more livable, beautiful streets.