Rain gardens, green roofs and tree plantings are examples of community planning practices used to reduce water runoff. Often called green infrastructure, these practices rely on soil, plants and natural processes such as infiltration, evaporation, and transpiration to manage rain and storm water runoff.

Green infrastructure is a cost-effective way to help create sustainable communities and has many social, economic, public health, and environmental benefits, all while beautifying the neighborhood. It serves to reduce the burden on existing infrastructures by protecting, restoring or mimicking the natural water cycle.

Also consider this - when rain is accompanied by damaging winds and storm surges, planning can also help to reduce the impact of natural disasters by identifying vulnerabilities and understanding risks before a storm strikes. Proactive planning for the future helps to mitigate damage, making communities safer and more resilient.

Good planning creates communities where people want to live, work and play. Please help us educate the public by airing this PSA about how they can better understand, manage and plan for a safer, more resilient, and more just future in our communities.

To learn more about how planners are making their communities safer and more resilient, visit planning.org.