As cities continue to rapidly expand, one can’t help but observe the tangible impacts on our environment, particularly in the form of stormwater runoff and its detrimental effects on water quality. The City of Durham, NC Government, has stepped up its game to address these issues with an initiative that both beautifies and bolsters the sustainability of its urban landscapes. Through the implementation of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI), neighborhoods are seeing the introduction of rain gardens, constructed wetlands, and permeable driveways that play a vital role in managing runoff and improving water quality.
Part of the city’s approach to openly engage the community in this environmental endeavor, the City of Durham – Stormwater Services public open house events have successfully brought residents to directly participate in shaping the future of their city. According to a social media post made by the City of Durham, NC Government, these public engagements are not only meant to inform but to actively involve citizens in the decision-making process. “Thanks to participants at our City of Durham, NC Government – Stormwater Services public open house events,” the city acknowledged, signalling that the residents’ feedback is a valued component in the development of proposed GSI designs for selected sites across the study area…