Overview
The Green Infrastructure Toolkit for Wisconsin Municipalities serves as both a strategic guide and policy framework to help local governments replace or complement outdated “gray” infrastructure (pipes, drains, basins) with “green” systems that use nature to manage stormwater, improve resilience, and enhance communities.
Key Points
- Climate Change Demands Greener Infrastructure: Increased rainfall and flooding have made conventional stormwater systems inadequate. Green infrastructure mimics natural water cycles, managing rain where it falls and improving community resilience.
- Municipalities Hold the Power To Lead: Local governments are uniquely positioned to update zoning codes, integrate green infrastructure into planning processes, leverage new funding, and engage communities to transform how stormwater is managed.
- Economic, Health, And Social Co-Benefits Are Significant: Beyond stormwater control, green infrastructure reduces energy and water treatment costs, improves air and water quality, supports biodiversity, creates jobs, raises property values, and enhances community well-being and equity.
Summary
As Wisconsin becomes warmer and wetter and faces more frequent record-breaking floods, communities need to take action to become more climate-resilient. Green infrastructure offers a path forward through the challenges brought by climate change.
Local governments are on the front lines of developing infrastructure, regulations, and emergency responses, which makes them uniquely positioned to implement green infrastructure. Developed through case studies, focus groups, and municipal feedback, this toolkit provides policy examples, financing mechanisms, technical guidance, and quantifiable benefits for adopting green infrastructure across Wisconsin’s cities, suburbs, and rural towns.
Important Takeaways
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Green Infrastructure Is Cost-Effective: It avoids billions in future expenses while lowering energy and treatment costs today.
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Benefits Extend Beyond Stormwater Management: Green infrastructure improves air, water, health, safety, and quality of life at the local level.
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Equity And Inclusion Are Essential: Green infrastructure can address urban heat islands and lack of green space in underserved communities.
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Municipal Leadership Drives Success: Local governments can act swiftly to reform ordinances, integrate green infrastructure into planning, and secure funding.
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Economic Benefits Are Overwhelming: From job creation and tax revenue to avoided flood costs, green infrastructure is a long-term investment in community resilience and prosperity.
