Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure is an all-inclusive name for how natural environmental elements can be incorporated into the built environment. 

Green Infrastructure elements include trees, rain gardens, native landscaping, green roofs, and stormwater management practices like bioswales or bioretention cells. These elements can be deployed in various combinations in commercial, residential and natural settings to help manage stormwater runoff, counteract urban heat islands, provide alternative food sources, and mitigate natural resource and habitat encroachment from transportation systems. 

MARC’s focus for green infrastructure planning is on places where ecological needs intersect with social needs. A well-informed relationship between people and nature is necessary to grow thriving communities in our region. 

This report discusses the community benefits of green stormwater infrastructure, the strengths and limitations of ordinances focusing on public versus private land, and various ordinance types. These model ordinances promote native vegetation and trees to benefit community beautification and stormwater management as well as improve climate resistance and overall local ecosystem health.

The maps and metrics in this report highlight factors that contribute to the vulnerability of the region as well as opportunities to implement green infrastructure solutions. These metrics guide our region to increased resilience in the categories of Flood Risk, Water Quality, Habitat & Climate, and Public Health.

Each category is evaluated through the lens of social vulnerability. The purpose of this study is to provide data to decision-makers that can inform equitable regional investment based on an understanding of the greatest needs and opportunities to benefit people and nature while becoming a more resilient region.