Breaking Barriers to Green Stormwater Infrastructure: Understanding Resident Stewardship Intentions in Three Major U.S. Cities

Abstract

Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) is recognized as a sustainable urban water management solution. However, community stewardship remains low for various reasons, many of which are socio-cognitive and context-specific. This research applies the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explore the role of knowledge, experience, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and demographic factors in predicting residents’ GSI stewardship intentions. Through an online survey and multilevel regression modeling, we analyzed data from 418 participants across three U.S. cities: Baltimore, MD, Pittsburgh, PA, and Portland, OR. Results show that perceived behavioral control and subjective norms significantly predicted GSI stewardship intentions, while attitudes did not. GSI knowledge affected stewardship intentions while positively influencing all other TPB constructs, particularly perceived behavioral control. Demographics, including homeownership, income, political ideology, race, and housing type, influenced TPB constructs, particularly attitudes. Findings highlight the importance of resource accessibility, social influence, and targeted knowledge dissemination in promoting GSI stewardship.