City streets and plazas present an opportunity to reduce stormwater runoff, manage pollutants, and beautify the public realm. How are cities integrating trees, bioswales, rain gardens, and landscaping to treat streets as ecosystems and integrate nature into city life? Given that capital reconstruction is often necessary to realize the benefits of low-impact stormwater infrastructure, what are effective strategies to institutionalize a green streets approach over the long term?  

7:45 AM, Social & Breakfast (provided)
8:15 AM, Presentation

Event Speaker:  Ariel Ben-Amos - Strategic Planner, Philadelphia Water Department

Serving as a coordinator and liaison between the Office of Watersheds and SEPTA, the Streets Department, the PPA and other agencies, Ben-Amos ensures that green stormwater management infrastructure is integrated in transportation infrastructure investments.

Previsusly, Ben-Amos was a planner and analyst for the Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities. He has a long history of working in Philadelphia’s CDC (Community Development Corporation) community and currently serves on the boards of Crossroads Music and the Gershman Y. Ariel served two years in the Peace Corps in Albania before returning to his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania for a dual degree in City and Regional Planning and Government Administration.

Sponsored by City of Austin Office of Sustainability & Watershed Protection Department.