Gateway Gardens: Local Clean Water Investment Model

Gateway Gardens: A Local Investment Model For Clean Water

As communities across the country are facing needed upgrades to their water infrastructure, many are turning to green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) for a more integrated approach to clean water, greening, and public health. But GSI presents some unique challenges to existing pathways for public infrastructure funding. At the same time, there are unique benefits that, if visible, can be leveraged to draw support from the private sector.

American Rivers’ Gateway Garden model is an innovative approach to attracting private investment to benefit communities and help municipalities overcome stormwater management challenges. Gateway Gardens are a type of GSI that is strategically located at the entranceway or “gateway” to a community for maximum visibility. They provide opportunities for local businesses to invest in clean water projects in exchange for the direct benefit of sign advertisement and the indirect benefit of an enhanced community.