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PROGRAM MOMENTUM

PROGRAM MOMENTUM

Press, visibility and more frequent flooding has raised awareness and attention in the rain barrel movement.

In 2019 the rain barrel program gained in popularity to the point that Green Light New Orleans was able to increase nearly every metric used to measure success. The organization installed 340 rain barrels in 2019, a 73 percent increase over the previous year. Increased funding for the program (see chart) has allowed Green Light to provide the community with a steady program implementation. The wait time throughout the year was consistently between 2-4 weeks, and every installation generally triggered additional applications. Press, visibility and increased flooding raised awareness and interest in the program. The July 10th flooding that affected many parts of the city and caused widespread home and vehicle damage, led to an uptick in the number of applications for the program. Green Light received 49 applications in July, compared to 17 in June and 36 in May. At community and neighborhood meetings throughout the city, residents continued to express interest in the program and in managing their own stormwater. Volunteer events throughout the fall helped further increase program implementation and capacity. Throughout the second half of 2019 the rain barrel program gained more visibility and established itself as the rain barrel program in New Orleans.

PRESS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

In the wake of the July 10th flooding, City Council Member Joe Giarusso invited Green Light Executive Director Andreas Hoffmann to give a presentation to council about the program and its impacts. “After recent rainstorms caused serious localized flooding throughout the city, it was vital to highlight the community efforts already in-place to help reduce flooding and improve the city’s stormwater drainage,” Giarusso said. “Green Light, along with several other essential volunteer organizations, are helping bridge the gap between city-directed drainage improvements and resident-led changes. Together, these changes improve our quality of life and reduce the dangers of flooding.” Watch the City Council presentation. Green Light also made numerous media appearances, including spots on WDSU and WGNO programs. Green Light, along with several other “

essential volunteer organizations, are helping bridge the gap between citydirected drainage improvements and resident-led changes. Together, these changes improve our quality of life and reduce the dangers of flooding.”

– Joe Giarusso,

Council Member

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