Keep Philly Green & Water Clean: Sign the Petition

Philadelphia is a national leader in using green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) such as rain gardens, tree trenches, and green roofs to reduce runoff that pollutes our rivers and streams. These projects are integral to Philadelphia’s economy, environment, and social equity.

As a result of Green City, Clean Waters  – Philadelphia's 25-year plan to address pollution entering local creeks and rivers using living landscapes to naturally filter rainfall – But we can't take Green City, Clean Waters early successes for granted. 

De-prioritizing GSI may result in fewer green jobs in our local economy, a degradation of our rivers and creeks we use for recreation, and poorer air quality as climate change intensifies.

We ask you – Philadelphia's elected leaders – to prioritize green stormwater infrastructure because, unlike conventional "gray" infrastructure, it reduces crime and blight, improves public health, and creates inviting places to live, work, and play. 

Together we can continue to maintain our reputation as a leader in GSI and build a robust program that enhances the quality of life for all Philadelphians. You can take meaningful action by: 

• Promoting equitable distribution of GSI across neighborhoods and ensuring that it is a priority in Philadelphia's underserved areas.
• Directing all city department heads overseeing public land to develop numeric targets and implementation plans to install and maintain GSI on their respective properties. 
• Improving and expanding existing successful private development incentives for GSI with a focus on vegetated practices and a preference for local contractors.
• Taking advantage of all available state and federal grant and low-cost financing programs to support Green City, Clean Waters implementation.  

As our City Council representatives, we urge you to make the right choice for our community. Strengthening Philadelphia's green stormwater infrastructure program means investing in the future of our city, and we believe this must be a priority for all. 

Please prioritize GSI and enact policies that support Green City, Clean Waters. With City Council leadership, we can safeguard the economic, environmental, and social benefits that Green City, Clean Waters provides.