This is an introductory course designed to provide floodplain managers, stormwater professionals, local leaders and their staff with an overview of Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development (LID). From defining basic concepts to describing specific applications and practical strategies for implementation, this course will help interested professionals understand how Green Infrastructure and LID can benefit their communities by contributing to flood management strategies and natural resilience, promoting clean water and environmental quality, and enhancing livability.

This course is designed to provide local leaders and their staff with an overview of mechanisms used to sustainably finance a stormwater management program. This introductory level course begins with a five-step process to help you analyze your revenue needs. Cost-saving mechanisms such as asset management, green infrastructure, and regional approaches are introduced as valuable components of a long-term financing strategy. The course walks you through how general funds, bonds and loans, grants, and dedicated revenue streams such as stormwater utility fees can be used to fill funding gaps.

This introductory course discusses how to build an effective stormwater management program in your community along with innovative ideas to identify untapped opportunities. The framework presented can be readily shaped to fit local conditions. Use it to develop cost effective programs that are supportive of, and adaptive to, evolving community resources and needs.

Though effectively managing urban stormwater runoff requires leadership and bold decision-making at all levels of government, it is at the local level where the most significant and substantive stormwater investments are made.  It is also at the local level where the most innovative, effective, and transformative financing programs are developed and implemented.