Building a More Resilient Raleigh, North Carolina: A site-suitability analysis to find locations to implement green infrastructure

Abstract

Raleigh, NC has experienced substantial growth over the last ten years leading to more impervious features being part of the urban landscape. Additionally, the city continues to be impacted by climate change. Because of Raleigh’s population growth, urban development, and climate change issues more stress is put on the existing stormwater infrastructure. Green Infrastructure (GI) can be implemented to reduce the stress on the existing stormwater infrastructure by using various technologies and landscaping techniques. GI also provides social and economic benefits, so it is essential that GI is implemented equitably. An ArcGIS spatial analysis was conducted to find locations where GI is equitable and achieves the desired environmental impacts. To ensure the locations do not continue the misjustice of urban planning and benefit the environment, the Hoover and Hopton 2019 Framework was followed. Ultimately, this spatial analysis assists Raleigh’s efforts in creating an urban ecosystem that is more resilient to stormwater management issues in the future.