The West and Southwest Stormwater Management Program in Winnetka, Illinois, has been awarded an APWA National Small Cities/Rural Communities Public Works Project of the Year Award in the Environment category.

The Village of Winnetka has a long, documented history of flooding, dating back to the early 1900s. With more than 85 percent of the community built without stormwater management, the village experienced widespread flooding and significant property damage when hit with historic rainfall events in 2008, 2011, and 2013. In response, the Village adopted a Stormwater Management Program and formed key partnerships with local public agencies to develop major stormwater facilities. The Village completed three major projects that provide long-term stormwater protection and meet community and partner land use goals. These projects include more than 150 acre-feet of stormwater storage, reducing flood risks and enhancing environmental and community spaces. The interconnected system helps prevent $1.9 million in annual flood damage, protecting hundreds of homes and public facilities while maintaining stormwater release rates that also prevent downstream flooding.

The Village’s efforts toward reinforcing community relations during planning, design, and construction are a significant reason for the success of these projects.

• Awareness – Phase 1 entailed a series of public open houses and presentations used to explain the history of stormwater management in the village and to expose the root causes of frequent flooding the community experienced.
• Exploration – Phase 2 was also a series of public open houses and presentations where a spectrum of potential stormwater and flood control improvements and projects were presented. The relative effectiveness and feasibility of these applications were explained, and public input and partnerships were solicited.
• Vision – Phase 3 was a series of presentations shared with the public that discussed the final Stormwater Management Program, which was made possible through their participation and support.

This extensive public engagement process enhanced understanding of the issues and positive perception of the Village’s efforts to bring multiple improvements to the community through the cooperation and coordination of multiple agencies. This public understanding and support was critical to the overall success of these projects.

This project also won an ACEC IL Special Achievement Award. Read more here: West and Southwest Stormwater Management Program Wins ACEC IL Special Achievement Award – Strand Associates, Inc.