Chicago Moves to Update its Green Stormwater Infrastructure Strategy

The City of Chicago is taking a significant step forward to modernize its Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) approach with the release last week of a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting consultants to help develop its updated GSI strategy. Friends’ policy team played an active role in advocating for this project as part of our work with the city on the updated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit announced in April, which governs 184 city-owned outfalls that discharge into the reaches of the Chicago-Calumet River system and the Des Plaines River in Chicago. Among the new requirements of the permit is the establishment sensitive areas around 10 priority outfalls in high recreation areas, and the prioritization of green infrastructure for environmental justice communities. 

The last Green Stormwater Infrastructure strategy announced by the city was in 2014.

Proposals are due by November 15. Please share this with your networks about this impactful opportunity to maximize the co-benefits of green stormwater infrastructure in communities.