As the largest natural areas in urban spaces, park systems can offer ideal potential sites for implementing green stormwater infrastructure. Despite alignment on a number of policy goals between parks and water agencies, such as creating more resilient and sustainable green spaces, parks are presently underutilized for this purpose due to structural challenges between these sectors, including siloed policies and planning, funding sources, and their distinct agency cultures.
In this Innovation Round, participants will hear from parks and water agencies in cities that are breaking the logjam to collaboration and providing benefits ranging from creating new green spaces, to improving climate resilience, enhancing public health, and building more equitable communities. Participants will have the opportunity for direct discussion with presenters in the second half of the session.
Support provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.
Speakers
Shanti Colwell
Green Stormwater Infrastructure Manager, Seattle Public Utilities
Amanda Hallauer
Watershed Manager, City of Atlanta
Kyla Prendergast
Senior Environmental Planner, City of Pittsburgh
Kate England
Director, Office of Green Infrastructure, City of Boston
Mami Hara
Chief Executive Officer, US Water Alliance
Amanda Barnett
Senior Planning and Development Specialist, Liaison, City of Seattle