One Water Framework for New York City - Spring

Team Members: Sarah Chin (Manager), Raleigh Ricart (Deputy Manager), Cassidy Childs, Gianna Parisi, Nicole Eliaschev, Karen Zaklama, Chelsea Gómez, Johnluca Fenton, Nick Venezia, Deanna Coleman, Kate Champion, Blake Carroll, Namir Ahmad

Integrated water management is essential to address climate risks, aging infrastructure, and inequities in water access and affordability. New York City’s One Water strategy seeks to unify water supply, wastewater, and stormwater management, but implementation requires stronger equity integration and stakeholder coordination. Analysis identified gaps in how vulnerable communities are identified and prioritized, as well as limitations in stakeholder engagement and workforce development. Without improved tools and planning, integrated water management risks reinforcing existing inequalities rather than addressing environmental and social vulnerabilities.

Strengthening implementation requires improved data tools, stakeholder partnerships, and workforce strategies. An equity screening tool was developed to identify vulnerable communities and guide investment prioritization. A stakeholder engagement framework improves coordination across agencies and communities, while workforce development strategies help build long-term capacity. Case study comparisons with other cities demonstrated how integrated approaches improve water system resilience and equity outcomes. Strengthening planning, data integration, and stakeholder engagement enhances the effectiveness of water management systems while improving environmental justice, climate resilience, and long-term infrastructure sustainability.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Capstone projects.