Fifteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

Previous research has shown that the distribution of green space, such as green stormwater infrastructure, in areas of racial diversity, economic hardship, and lower educational standing may result in more benefits to the society. This study assesses the associations between total green infrastructure density and socio-demographic factors such as age, race, education, income, and percent unemployment in three cities that have implemented a green stormwater infrastructure installment program. These cities include Portland, Oregon, New York City, New York, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. U.S. Census block groups and green infrastructure density in each city were used for the assessment. Based on the results, all three cities show that total green infrastructure have been placed in areas where the population is younger, has more minorities, and has lower economic standing. Results from New York and Philadelphia also show that green infrastructure density is higher in areas where the population has lower education. These relationships may imply that the green infrastructure installment programs may be influencing cities in placing green infrastructure in areas with more racial diversity, economic hardship, and lower educational standing.