Sustainable Growth – A Partner in Building the “Communities of the Future”. Cincinnati MSD's Approach to Align Economies, Communities and the Environment

This paper discusses the methodology used by the utility to develop a comprehensive approach to identify opportunities for wet weather reduction and economic revitalization. Particular attention will be given to a case study where this approach is used, the challenges faced and how those challenges are being resolved. Watershed characterization, assessment and solutions identification and will be examined. How the case study was developed and carried out and used as a model for the utility will be of high interest to the conference audience.MSD defines its “Communities of the Future” approach to stress the point that MSD is replacing the sewer infrastructure that was built to support the agrarian society of the late 1800s to a highly industrialized society. We are now in another transitional phase; we are likely in middle of another revolution – our grandchildren will name it – depending on how sustainable the outcomes are, from the revolution we are leading.MSD is developing economic development opportunities by partnering with other local agencies, both public and private, in providing local economic growth for today and the future. Because we are building the infrastructure for future generations, we should not be replacing sewer infrastructure in kind but rather we should support and follow community thought leaders.Collectively we will have to assure that all the planning, zoning and other building permits will not stand on the way of facilitating the principles of sustainable smart growth.