This Fall 2024 there are multiple ways for Members and Associate Members to participate in the Exchange’s professional learning and development programs. Read below and complete participation interest forms for programs of interest. Non members can submit an interest form for courses; however, priority is given to Members and Associate Members for courses. Learning Circles are for members only. Contact the Exchange’s Education Manager with any questions (veronica@giexchange.org).

Learning Circles:

• Funding, Planning & Resilience Learning Circle on 1st Tuesdays (expect Sep) at 1pm PT / 4pm ET: Sep 10, Oct 1, Nov 5, Dec 3. Open to Members and Associate Members. Topics this fall will include federal funding in September and future months will include life-cycle cost and maintenance or addressing false narratives.
• Design, Maintenance, & Performance Learning Circle on 3rd Tuesdays at 1pm PT/ 4pm ET: Sep 17, Oct 15, Nov 19, Dec 17. Open to Members and Associate Members. Topics in September and October will be about pervious pavement with other topics to be determined. Depending on scheduling, life-cycle cost and maintenance or the false narratives will be scheduled during this circle.
• Local Governments and Nonprofit Water Agencies Learning Circle on 3rd Mondays at 10am PT/ 1pm ET: Sep 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16. Open to Members only. Topics will include (1) addressing false narratives, (2) experiences working in multi-partner/stakeholder GSI, and (3) GSI representation in senior leadership and strategy. The sequence of topics is still being scheduled.
• Interest form for circles. The circles will also be accessible via the Community platform that will launch in Fall. Learn more about the Community platform here. The interest form is not required to fill out, but a completed form helps the Exchange gauge interests/needs.

GSI Introduction Course (Pilot 1; 12-16 participants): This introductory course will survey several key areas in the interdisciplinary and cross-sector work of GSI: equity, climate resilience, planning, funding, regulations, design, maintenance, monitoring and performance.  Throughout the course, participants will also be able to consider when and where blue, gray and/or green stormwater infrastructure is appropriate based on local contexts. Life cycles and case studies will be provided at the GSI program, project, and/or demonstration project levels throughout the course. Members of the Exchange will be guest facilitators and speakers so that participants can connect with experienced GSI practitioners. As a final course assignment, participants will design a GSI program, project or demonstration project that they could advocate for within their local contexts. Virtual meetings are 90 minutes on Wednesdays starting at 10am pacific / 1pm eastern: 9/18, 10/2, 10/16, 10/30, 11/13, 11/27, and 12/11. Interest form for Introduction to GSI Course.

GSI & Equity Course (Pilot 2; 16-20 participants): This course is organized around the Exchange’s seven Equity Goals and four identified types of equity (i.e., identity, power, process, spatial). The course pays particular attention to three of the Equity Goals: Internal Readiness (1), Centering Community (2), and Benefits-Driven Project Development (3) while providing opportunities to engage with the other four goals. The course design includes two major components. The first half of the course will focus on building culture and skills, with particular attention to knowledge of the three prioritized Equity Goals. The second half of the course will broaden the scope to all seven Equity Goals. The second half will also support contextual individual and/or group work for practical applications and collaboration for enhanced equitable outcomes within local GSI contexts. As a final course assignment, participants will have a variety of ways to show their learning (e.g, write an article/blog, design an equity-focused GSI program, or develop an equity-centered activity to facilitate with peers or within the community). Meetings are 120 minutes on Wednesdays starting at 10am pacific / 1pm eastern: 9/11, 9/25, 10/9, 10/23, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4. Interest form for Introduction to GSI & Equity Course.

Pilot course requirements: Attendance in the pilot courses is free of charge. Each course meets every other week for 7 sessions. Sessions are live and are not recorded. Attendance is required for 6 of the 7 sessions including the first and last sessions. Before completing an interest form, check that you can attend fully. Each course has about 60-90 minutes of study/work each week. Pilot courses do not yet provide official continuing education units (CEUs) for professional licenses (e.g., engineer, landscape architects, or planners); however a letter/certificate of completion can be provided for participants. The Exchange is pursuing CEU credits for professional licenses.

Learning & Networking Week: The Learning & Networking is a series of live virtual programming with presentations, workshops and networking sessions for Members and Associate Members from October 28 to October 31, 2024. The program will be shared in a future communications. If you would like to present on something, facilitate a workshop, and/or run a networking session, email Veronica with your idea.

Veronica Hotton
Exchange Education Manager
veronica@giexchange.org

Below is a summary of monthly Learning Circles throughout summer 2023 to spring 2024. The last circles of the season were held in April 2024 while there is a break during summer.

GSI Framework (aka Playbook): In February 2024 there were four interactive sessions with Greenprint Partners for ongoing work on the GSI Framework (aka Playbook). We also held a limited-series GSI Framework Learning Circle in March, April and May to continue to work with Greenprint Partners on the topics to be developed for the overall Framework.

Asset Management Learning Circle: In August 2023, each member presented 1-2 images of an asset in their portfolio (e.g., best, worst, before, after, most interesting). The group then discussed the various asset examples. In September, we held a group discussion using these discussion prompts (1) what mechanisms hold contractors liable (e.g., security/hold backs) and how effective are they, (2) what mechanisms ensure plants reach maturity (e.g., warranty period, capitalized establishment cost for operations and maintenance, etc.), and (3) how does your agency verify that the asset was constructed per design/as-builts (e.g.. inspection protocol, performance verification)? In October, Tucson shared their new Asset Management Platform that recently went online. In November, Toronto presented an update on their Greenforce TO equity-based workforce development crew. The presentation included the evolution of the program since it’s 2021 pilot year, achievements and challenges. In January 2024, Raleigh provided an update on how they continues to advance GSI. In March, Portland shared an update on their history and perspectives of workforce models. In April, we looked back at the year and gathered ideas for next year.

Book Group Learning Circle: In the summer from June to August 2023, we read Connect > Innovate > Scale Up: How Networks Create Systems Change by Plastrik, Taylor, and Cleveland (2022). From September to November, we read Charleston: Race, Water, and the Coming Storm by Susan Crawford (2023). In January 2024, we read a portion of Nature-Based Solutions for Cities (2023), which is an open access edited collection. We discussed Chapters 1 – 3 (30 pages).

Innovations in Design Learning Circle: In August 2023, we had a presentation on GSI Outlet Structure Weirs from Philadelphia. In September, there was a presentation on outlet and right of way projects by Portland, Oregon. In October, Portland also shared their inlet projects throughout the city. In November, Philadelphia discussed infiltration in sewer and combined systems. In January 2024, Pittsburgh and the Exchange shared their presentation from the 3 Rivers Wet Weather Sewer Conference on the State of Public Sector Green Stormwater Infrastructure from the perspective of the survey results and also from the Pittsburgh perspective featuring projects, funding, and levers. In March, there was a round robin on permeable pavement with a focus on road, right of way, and pedestrian clearways. In April, we looked back at the year and gathered ideas for next year.

Innovations in Funding & Financing Learning Circle: In August 2023, we had a presentation from Baltimore about lessons learned in their funding context over the last two decades with a stormwater fee implementation. In October, Washington, DC presented on financing GI through their DC Green Bank. In November, Pittsburgh and the Exchange shared their presentation from the 3 Rivers Wet Weather Sewer Conference on the State of Public Sector Green Stormwater Infrastructure from the perspective of the survey results and also from the Pittsburgh perspective featuring projects, funding, and levers. In December, there was a presentation by Rainplan on their Incentive Program Administrator. In March 2024, Philadelphia presented on their pre-development grant process. In April, Portland, Oregon shared the implementations they made after their rate analysis.

Leadership Learning Circle: In August 2023, we did a value-based activity during the meeting and discussed how values relate to leadership. In September, we discussed the 16 Personalities results to consider how well the results connect and also how the results relate leadership. In October we began the “Leadership Self-Assessment” form. In November we discussed managing conflict along with two article: “What Is Psychological Safety at Work? How Leaders Can Build Psychologically Safe Workplaces” and “Leading a Multicultural Team.”

New Member Learning Circle: Throughout the 2023-2024 year, new and re-orientating members dropped in for an orientation to the Exchange with one or two SPPC (Strategic Planning & Policy Committee) members. During the meetings, experienced members of the Exchange shared their GSI experience and how to make the most of being a member of the Exchange. In July 2023, the city of New Orleans walked us through their Interactive Guide To Green Infrastructure and Climate Resilient City Tool. Potential water utility members from the south east joined the call in November 2023.

Maximizing GSI Performance Learning Circle: In August 2023, members brought 1-2 images to present how they measure infiltration. The group then discussed the various practices and methods that are used to measure infiltration. In September, we discussed data that was collected by learning circle members that included stormwater flow, water quality, infiltration, and plant health. In October, Vancouver presented on soil health and wetland ecosystems. In November, the “International Stormwater BMP Database” joined us to talk about their database and other tools and resources. In December, there was a presentation from Philadelphia about their web-based apps (SHINY) used for GSI monitoring. In March 2024, we did a round robin on what members are currently working on. In April, we discussed the Bioretention Plant Selection Tool Framework that Exchange members worked on in 2023.

Placing Equity at the Center Learning Circle: In August 2023, we used these two questions to generate topics for the year: (1) what are you able to give to this learning circle? (e.g., resources, experience, presentation, topic discussion, knowledge, etc.) and (2) what would you like to receive from this learning circle? In September, three members (Boulder County, CO; Grand Rapids, MI; and Washington, DC) presented on their equity work in practice. In October, Tucson presented on their community equity work. In November, we did a round robin on equity issues that are coming up recently, which included hiring practices, up/downstream funding differences, and the US federal Justice 40 initiative. In December, there was a presentation from Washington, DC about their resilience matrix and Philadelphia presented on their current equity-focused programs. In March and April 2024, we worked with the Equity course designer team and the GSI Equity course will pilot this summer.

Planning & Resilience Learning Circle: In August 2023, we gathered topics from the group to plan for the year, which included urban heat islands, flood resiliency, climate gentrification, and collaboration across/within departments related to the structures of organizations and how plans are implemented. In September, we discussed the Exchange’s Climate Resilience Resources Guide: Part 1. In October, Pittsburgh, Toronto and Vancouver presented on their organizational structures at different levels and scales (e.g., context, demographics, geographies, small and large institutional frameworks). In November, St. Louis, New Orleans, and Charlotte presented on their organizational structures and in January 2024, Boston and MARC (Mid-America Regional Council in Kansas City region) presented on their organizational structures. In March, we did a round robin on what members are currently working on and in April, we looked back at the year and gathered ideas for next year.

Below is a summary of monthly Learning Circles. Exchange members can drop in on any Learning Circle. The monthly Exchange newsletter has dates and Zoom links. April will be the last month of Learning Circles for the season before taking a break during summer.

Asset Management: In March, Portland shared an update on their history and perspectives on workforce models. In April, we will look back at the year and gather ideas for next year.

Innovations in Design: In March, there was a round robin on permeable pavement with a focus on road, right of way, and pedestrian clearways. In April, we will look back at the year and gather ideas for next year.

Placing Equity at the Center: In March, we started to work with the Equity course designer team and we will continue in the April meeting. We will also look back at the year and gather ideas for next year.

Innovations in Funding & Financing: In March, Philadelphia presented on their pre-development grant process. In April, Portland will share the implementations they made after their rate analysis. We will also look back at the year and gather ideas for next year.

New Member: In April, new members can drop in for an orientation to the Exchange.

Maximizing GSI Performance: In March, we did a round robin on what members are currently working on. In April, we will discuss the Bioretention Plant Selection Tool Framework that Exchange members worked on in 2023. We will also look back at the year and gather ideas for next year.

Planning & Resilience: In March, we did a round robin on what members are currently working on. In April, we will discuss the Climate Resilience Resources Guide that Exchange members worked on in 2023. We will also look back at the year and gather ideas for next year.

Guest Blog Post for Greenprint Partners

This February, Exchange members provided input on the Framework at four Learning Circles. We extend our gratitude to the Exchange members who provided invaluable insights. If you were unable to attend the Learning Circles and provide your input, there are a number of ways to engage with the ongoing development of the Framework:

• Exchange members are invited to participate in a dedicated Learning Circle focusing on the Framework. If you would like to join this Learning Circle, complete this Zoom registration link. Meetings are on the 3rd Wednesday (Mar 20, Apr 17, May 15) at 10-11am pacific / 11-12pm mountain / 12-1pm central / and 1-2pm eastern.
• Engage with the development of the Framework at the Annual Member Meeting.
• Provide asynchronous feedback via this Google Form. Please submit by March 19.

The Evolution of the Framework: Scaling up green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) as a practice requires a thoughtful and well-structured approach. The Exchange’s vision for the Framework is based on insights from Peter Plastrick’s “Connect, Innovate, Scale Up”. It’s intended to serve as an organizing framework for GSI principles, best practices, and case examples. It’s a starting point for what happens next: developing the strategies that will support innovation and continuous learning.

The Exchange has turned to resources like Learning Circles topics and the State of Public Sector GSI report to inform the GSI topics that the Framework will offer principles, best practices, and case examples around. This ensures that the Framework is grounded in real-world insights and experiences, and the hard-won lessons learned from practitioners across the USA and Canada.

Unveiling the Framework Topics: The Framework takes shape through the identification of key topics categorized into three pillars: WHY, WHAT, and HOW.

The topics addressed in WHY support members members seeking to center equity, build buy-in, and have sustainable GSI investments by leveraging known drivers for GSI. Current Framework topics include: (1) Center Equity, (2) Build Buy-In, and (3) Advance Sustainability.

The topics addressed in WHAT support members seeking to craft a tailored strategy that aligns policies, programs, procurement, funding, and workforce. Current Framework topics include: (4) Align Policy, Program + Procurement, (5) Fund, and (6) Build Workforce + Capacity.

The topics addressed in HOW support members as they approach GSI planning, design, construction, and management for successful delivery. Current Framework topics include: (7) Plan, (8) Design and Build, and (9) Maintain, Monitor and Manage.

These categories are the core concepts necessary for the successful scaling up of green infrastructure projects. Let’s dig into each a bit more:

Center Equity: This topic focuses on embedding equity principles in GSI initiatives. Equity will be integrated and considered in every framework topic, and it will also have its own section, because it’s so critical to the Exchange, and the GSI sector at large. This topic explores preparing teams for equitable GSI delivery, centering community, ensuring project selection, siting, and investments enhance equity, designing projects and programs for lasting community benefits, fostering economic stability and wealth building, mitigating displacement risks, identifying equitable policies and programs, addressing racial equity, combatting biases in urban planning, and promoting equitable distribution of assets and benefits. Key elements include anti-displacement, wealth building, workforce development, community engagement, and considerations for public health and environmental justice.

Build Buy-In: This topic addresses making a compelling case for GSI, 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, and providing education and training.

Advance Sustainability: This topic centers on advancing GSI as part of overarching sustainability goals, enhancing urban environments for cooler, safer, and more biodiverse cities, and seamlessly integrating GSI strategies with other sustainability and resilience efforts, such as energy production. Key considerations include addressing climate resilience, emergency preparedness, recovery, and implementing designs that are sustainable and adaptable to climate change.

Align Policy, Program + Procurement: This topic focuses on understanding the regulatory environment at federal, state, and local levels, leveraging existing conditions to inform policies and programs, identifying effective policy tools, exploring program and procurement models, coordinating across departments and agencies, centering equity in policies and programs, and considering private property easements, incentives, rebates, trading, grants, public-private partnerships, performance contracting, and public procurement.

Build Workforce + Capacity: This topic explores avenues for workforce training, ensuring confidence in knowledge and skills, the potential need for mentor/protege, internship, or apprenticeship programs, increasing opportunities in disadvantaged communities, forging partnerships and program models for workforce development.

Fund: This topic covers determining how to pay for GSI, building public support for stormwater fees, identifying funding and financing tools aligned with program models, exploring funding accelerators, considering stormwater fees, evaluating new financing approaches, obtaining loans and grants, securing funding for ongoing maintenance and asset management, ensuring funding accessibility and equitable distribution, optimizing the use of capital dollars, improving state and federal funding mechanisms for GSI, and emphasizing co-benefits within financing programs.

Plan: This topic is dedicated to strategically planning GI. It involves determining optimal locations, assessing quantity and types of GSI, integrating equity considerations, planning for lasting community benefits, mitigating displacement risks, defining design considerations, and aligning GSI with broader planning efforts. The focus includes integrated planning, change management, long-range planning, modeling, GIS evaluation/prioritization, and overcoming challenges like space limitations, siloes, and ensuring planning translates into implementation-ready recommendations.

Design and Build: This topic revolves around the design and construction of GSI. It includes adhering to national and local design standards, designing for lasting community benefits, emphasizing maintenance in design, reducing the chances of community displacement, involving communities in the design process, implementing best practices for GSI construction, addressing design barriers, fostering innovation and accelerators, designing with maintenance in mind, incorporating placemaking principles, selecting and optimizing plant and soil performance, detailing specifications, and exploring new technology.

Manage, Monitor and Maintain: This includes understanding asset management systems and their benefits, planning and executing maintenance strategies, addressing funding for monitoring and maintenance, considering data standardization, and delving into various elements such as lifecycle costs, criticality, levels of service, capital project rehabilitation, public and private inspections, and ongoing monitoring efforts.

Below is a summary of monthly Learning Circles. Exchange members can drop in on any Learning Circle. The monthly Exchange newsletter has dates and Zoom links. In February, there were four meetings with Greenprint Partners for ongoing work on the GSI Framework (aka Playbook). Most regular circle programing took a break in February and repurposed their meeting time for the Framework.

Asset Management: In March, Portland will share an update on their history and perspectives on workforce models.

Innovations in Design: In March, there will be a round robin on permeable pavement with a focus on road, right of way, and pedestrian clearways.

Placing Equity at the Center: In March, we will start to work with the Equity course designer team!

Innovations in Funding & Financing: In March, Philadelphia will present on their grant development process.

New Member: In March, new members can drop in for an orientations to the Exchange.

Maximizing GSI Performance: In March, we will do a round robin on what members are currently working on. Bring your current project, questions and ideas.

Planning & Resilience: In March, we will do a round robin on what members are currently working on. Bring your current project, questions and ideas.