Framework of Practice:
Building Buy-in
This chapter from the Framework of Practice helps to establish a shared vision for GSI.
Building Buy-in explores:
- Positioning green and gray solutions
- Securing leadership buy-in
- Fostering partnerships and intergovernmental coordination
- Employing effective narrative strategies
- Conducting cost-benefit analyses
- Engaging elected officials and senior champions
- Implementing public outreach
- Utilizing demonstration projects
- Sharing case-making research
- Fostering cross-pollination
- Providing education and training
The potential inherent in green infrastructure can only be achieved with buy-in from key decision-makers and impacted communities. Building buy-in is a central tenet to moving green infrastructure policies, programs and projects forward. We have learned a lot in the last two decades about how to effectively build buy-in at every level and with every audience. In fact, the 2022 State of Public Sector Green Stormwater Infrastructure report identifies key barriers that make building buy-in a challenge, including lack of leadership support, lack of public support, and siloes and limited collaboration. At the same time, it illuminates actionable steps, such as identifying supportive elected officials and strong senior champions, encouraging cross-pollination among teams, investing in demonstration projects, engaging with the public and sharing compelling research. This chapter distills those lessons and will help us apply those learnings to our work.
Exploring this chapter will answer the following questions:
- How can we gain buy-in across all levels of leadership for our green infrastructure strategy?
2. How can we build public support for our green infrastructure strategy?
3. How can we build public support for a stormwater fee to fund green infrastructure?
4. How can we educate and train our team to successfully deliver green infrastructure?
5. How can we influence regulation to encourage green infrastructure?
Start where you are
The green infrastructure field comprises individuals at various experience levels, so we encourage you to start wherever you are. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a newcomer and whether your organization has a mature or nascent green infrastructure program, you will find useful tools here. The strength of the Exchange lies in the diversity of our experiences and the knowledge we share with one another.
Access the most relevant tool(s) for your personal learning journey: