Exploring Roles for Communities in Green Infrastructure Projects

摘要

Why do green infrastructure projects fail? A lack of public engagement in green infrastructure development, installation, and maintenance can limit the project's success. Meanwhile, increasing public participation has been shown to have a positive effect on green infrastructure programs. Through a series of interviews with green infrastructure experts in eleven different programs across the United States, this thesis explores stakeholder roles in a variety of green infrastructure programs, and considers strategies for improving outreach and overcoming community engagement barriers. Governments can take responsibility for increasing community access to programs, being flexible to a community's needs, and ensuring the project is maintained and promoted. Non-profits can raise awareness and bridge communication gaps between government agencies and communities. Finally, community groups and individuals can start their own programs, volunteer, educate others, and work with governments and non-profits to develop successful, sustainable green infrastructure programs.