Green infrastructure is a cost effective method to manage stormwater by preventing pollution of our waterways before it happens. NYC’s urban environment is lined with pavement, concrete, and empty roofs that drain rainfall immediately to sewers. In contrast, more porous surfaces, such as vegetated roofs, street trees, bioswales and rain gardens, can slow or capture stormwater before it enters the sewer system. These types of green infrastructure also have co-benefits, like filtering air and reducing local heat during the summer. When the community is a stakeholder in its development, green infrastructure can also mean green jobs and community cohesion.