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Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI): A Tool for Economic Recovery and Growth in Pennsylvania

Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia
Economic Resilience

The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) is a nonprofit organization that brings together a network of businesses to advance a triple bottom line (people, planet, profit) economy in the Greater Philadelphia Area.

Fourth Economy first engaged with SBN in 2010 as they worked with the Philadelphia Water Department to assess how a $1.6 billion investment in green stormwater infrastructure could create local employment opportunities. Then, in 2021, they asked us to return to help analyze the economic impact of the resulting actions both in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania. We worked directly with a steering committee of Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) businesses to examine the size and scale of Pennsylvania’s green stormwater infrastructure industry over the last ten years.

SBN wanted to measure the size, scale, and economic impact of the Green Stormwater Infrastructure workforce across Pennsylvania. Beyond the growing workforce, SBN wanted to evaluate stormwater management needs and opportunities in urban and rural areas throughout the state, and provide policy recommendations to further strengthen and grow GSI infrastructure investment.

Our Approach

The SBN report examines ten years of GSI industry growth. We engaged with GSI businesses and policymakers to assess current and historical investment trends. We also conducted research on GSI’s impact in other communities.

The Results

Our report showed that additional GSI investment could generate billions in economic activity, supporting small businesses and creating jobs, while improving public spaces, rivers, streams, managing agricultural runoff, and enhancing climate resilience. GSI sector growth has outpaced overall Pennsylvania employment growth.


A key report element was a timeline of GSI industry milestones. Another was a two-page spread, usable as a standalone one-pager for policymakers and investors, positioning GSI as an economic recovery and growth tool.

Location

Philadelphia, PA

Project Type

Economic Development Strategy

Client Type

Nonprofit

Scale

City

Final Deliverable Design Samples (Click to Enlarge)

Email: [email protected]

 

Fourth Economy Consulting
PO Box 81620
Pittsburgh, PA 15217

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