2018 Reports

St. Peters, Missouri, Invests in Nature to Manage Stormwater

Brooke, Roy; Cairns, Stephanie

The City of St. Peters, Missouri, is using nature-based solutions to manage stormwater and increase urban resilience in the face of climate change. By assessing and restoring 75 km of stream corridors and natural drainage systems, the city integrates natural assets into its stormwater management strategy, providing cost-effective alternatives to engineered infrastructure. This approach, supported by public funding through Proposition P, enhances water quality, reduces flooding, and maintains ecological functions while aligning with community values for parks and recreation. St. Peters’ experience demonstrates that preserving and managing natural systems as municipal assets can improve climate adaptation, reduce costs, and strengthen urban ecosystem services.