StormStore™ Community Engagement Strategy
Community Engagement + Urban Planning
As stormwater credit trading is still a nascent concept, there is significant need for learning. This is particularly true for engagement work planned in Chicago where policy changes are still required in order to allow for stormwater credit trading and StormStore™ participation. The primary objective for our community engagement activities was to help communities, residents, and stakeholders understand the economic and environmental benefits of a market like StormStore™.
In 2021, The Nature Conservancy, Metropolitan Planning Council, Daylight, and Borderless Studio partnered with community leaders to develop and pilot a community engagement strategy for StormStore™, a stormwater credit trading market being tested in Cook County. The strategy focused on McKinley Park and South Branch communities and aimed to: (1) develop accessible communication materials, (2) raise awareness and understanding of stormwater credit trading, and (3) gather resident perspectives to inform equitable policy recommendations for the City of Chicago. Engagement activities were designed to identify early project opportunities and ensure that those most affected by flooding had a voice in shaping solutions. The process surfaced local concerns, values, and priorities while highlighting challenges and opportunities for scaling the pilot citywide. |
Process
Engaging Communities in Natural Infrastructure Decision-Making
We co-developed the engagement strategy with a community advisory group of local organizations and residents, using working sessions to shape concepts, activities, and materials that foster meaningful dialogue around natural infrastructure and priority investments.
Design
Visualizing Natural Infrastructure for All
Engagement materials were designed using accessible visuals and bilingual text to explain natural infrastructure and its community benefits. Illustrations highlight functions, opportunities, and locations for implementation, prompting residents to reflect on their priorities. The design encourages inclusive, place-based conversations around green solutions through clear language, relatable imagery, and consistent branding.
