Greening streets, gaining insights: Unpacking resident perceptions of urban greening

Abstract

As the world becomes more urbanized, the need for managing urban stormwater runoff has increased. Cities are increasingly adopting green infrastructure (GI), such as rain gardens and street trees, to capture and treat stormwater on-site more cost-effectively than traditional gray infrastructure, such as sewers and pipes, which are designed to convey stormwater to nearby waterbodies. In addition to managing stormwater, GI offers co-benefits, including improved air quality, reduced heat, and enhanced neighborhood aesthetics. Streets are often a primary target for GI implementation, as they comprise a large portion of impervious surfaces in urban areas. Previous studies suggest that increasing public awareness of GI benefits can boost support for such projects, encourage participation, and even influence behavior change. However, misunderstanding or a lack of awareness about GI can create additional barriers, amplifying public concerns and hindering implementation progress. Addressing these misconceptions and understanding public concerns are critical steps in overcoming potential obstacles to support. This study synthesizes literature on anticipated co-benefits from GI and investigates general perceptions toward GI on streets and factors in influencing perception, the specific benefits and concerns that are valued, as well as how these relate to familiarity with GI or environmental awareness. We conducted resident surveys in two cities, New York City and Philadelphia, that have implemented GI on streets since around the 2010s. The results suggest that understanding the purpose of GI can increase both awareness of its benefits and doubts about its potential concerns. The findings imply that effective community communication, which clearly explains the benefits provided and addresses concerns, can better foster public support for GI. This study provides valuable insights for urban planners and GI practitioners, offering a more nuanced understanding to guide the development of targeted community engagement and education strategies.