Evaluating perceptions of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) through a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach

Abstract Nature-based solutions, such as green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) have numerous co-benefits alongside stormwater management, including reduced environmental contamination, improved urban aesthetics, and enhanced community health. However, the implementation of GSI often does not benefit marginalized communities and can exacerbate existing inequities through green gentrification. Here, we propose the utilization of a community-based participatory research approach, which highlights procedural equity issues in communities that have historically been excluded from environmental decision-making and benefits through current stormwater management practices. The study outlines the methodological procedure for building strong relationships with communities through partnerships with well-established local non-profit organizations, working to improve the accessibility of research efforts for participants. Through increased accessibility, we gather detailed accounts of community perceptions of GSI among underserved populations in Northeast Houston and Baytown, Texas. Our results show that community members are broadly in favor of implementing GSI and see it as a means to alleviating the effects of environmental degradation. However, there remains distrust of governmental, developmental, and industrial organizations from past experiences during major flooding events. These insights support the need to actively incorporate place-based expertise and insights throughout the process of stormwater management.