The City of Goleta is committed to investing in projects that protect our community members and our environment, and that add as many benefits to our community as possible. One such project being considered is a multi-benefit watershed project (MBWP). A MBWP, as defined by the Department of Water Resources, is a project designed to deliver a variety of positive outcomes across different areas, such as environmental protection, community development, economic growth, and social well-being, essentially creating multiple benefits from a single initiative; often seen in areas like water management where a project can simultaneously reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat.

In Goleta, we are incredibly fortunate to have twelve creeks within our City, which are home to dozens of native fish, birds, insects, trees, scrubs, and wildlife. Importantly, these creeks provide water resources, recreation, and habitat to all those who call Goleta home, but can also represent flooding and pollution hazards in developed areas and need to be protected and managed carefully. 

Most MBWPs include green infrastructure, a wide variety of technologies that aim to slow the speed of stormwater runoff, capture stormwater, filter pollutants, and infiltrate water resources into underground aquifers. Examples of green infrastructure elements include permeable pavement, planter boxes, bioswales, rainwater harvesting systems, and rain gardens. 

How do MBWPs and green infrastructure protect the environment and human health? Slowing and capturing stormwater mitigates flood risk, prevents erosion, and reduces sediment and pollutants in runoff. This results in healthier, resilient habitats and recreational spaces for plants, animals, and humans to enjoy. Filtering pollutants improves water quality, resulting in clean, nontoxic water for drinking, swimming, fishing, and recreation. Additionally, promoting infiltration allows stormwater runoff to replenish underground aquifers, resulting in sustainable groundwater supplies to support local ecosystems and meet community water demands. 

MBWPs generally consist of dedicated green spaces, which are commonly used for recreation, education, beautification, and community placemaking for all residents, regardless of economic background. These projects create learning and employment opportunities for local students, and support economic vitality in the environmental, construction, and watershed planning sectors. MBWPs can further help the economy by attracting businesses, residents, and tourists seeking beautiful, sustainable living and tourism. By adopting a multi-benefit approach to project planning, design, and implementation, the City can maximize public dollars to address a variety of environmental, public health, safety and community concerns simultaneously 

Multi-benefit projects are being evaluated for some of the City’s parks, creeks, and drainage infrastructure.

MBWP example from Contra Costa County