Unique Inter-Organizational Interactions and Management Mechanisms of the Novel Community-Based P3 Model for Green Stormwater Infrastructure Delivery

Managing stormwater runoff and reducing pollutant discharge into waterways remains a costly and continuous endeavour. As such, the need to adopt novel strategies to meet stringent stormwater management objectives prompts a collective effort from all stakeholders in the public and private sectors, alongside community members. This study provides an in-depth examination of a novel community-based public private partnership (CBP3) model for green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) delivery pioneered in Prince George’s County, Maryland, under the Clean Water Partnership (CWP). Given its novelty, understanding the structure and management mechanisms of the CBP3 model is essential towards its sustainable adoption and implementation in other municipalities. Adopting a qualitative research approach, the study objective was achieved through interviews with key stakeholders involved in forming the CBP3 model of the CWP. In addition, a comprehensive review of the CWP contract documents and related publications was done. This study highlights the specific contract provisions of the CBP3 model targeted at fostering long-term trust and confidence between partners, as well as meeting socio-economic and environmental objectives. Compared to the traditional model for delivering stormwater infrastructure, the CBP3 model was found to offer a unique and flexible approach that expedites the delivery of GSI projects.