Reviewing Stormwater Utility Fees for Efficiency, Equity, Adequacy and Feasibility

Reviewing Stormwater Utility Fees for Efficiency, Equity, Adequacy and Feasibility

  • April 2019
  • Journal Brief
  • Jerry Zhao, Camila Fonseca, and Raihana Zeerak

Stormwater utility fees (SUFs) are on the rise among US municipalities. What do local decision makers need to know about SUFs and how should they be thinking about SUFs in relation to key public financing criteria including efficiency, equity, adequacy, and feasibility? This study undertakes a review of existing literature to provide answers to the above noted questions while also providing a practical synthesis of relevant rate structures, credit programs, and mechanisms for setting fees.

Download the two-page journal brief using the link at the bottom of this page. 

This brief is adapted from the following peer-reviewed journal article: Zhao, J.Z., Fonseca, C., & R. Zeerak. (2019). Stormwater Utility Fees and Credits: A Funding Strategy for Sustainability. Sustainability, 11(7). Access the full article here.

A views of a green roof with natural plantings, surrounded by taller buildings.
A green roof in New York City. Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Aloha Jon

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