Track 5 at MuniCon 2025 focuses on the latest developments in permit compliance and stormwater planning. This track will highlight innovative approaches to stormwater cost recovery, watershed restoration, regulatory compliance, and more. With practical solutions for addressing the most pressing challenges in stormwater management, these sessions are designed for professionals looking to stay ahead of regulatory changes, improve planning strategies, and enhance community engagement.
Innovative Approaches to Stormwater Cost Recovery: Tiered Residential Rates & Capital Facilities Charges
Tage Aaker and John Ghilarducci (FCS Group) discuss the rising costs of stormwater management and explore new approaches to cost recovery, including tiered residential rates and stormwater capital facilities charges (CFCs). Learn how utilities are moving away from uniform rates towards more nuanced structures that reflect actual impervious area, and gain insights from case studies and jurisdictional surveys on implementing these changes.
Daylight Your Data: How Tacoma Unlocked BMP Asset Data to Streamline and Communicate Stormwater Planning Solutions
Austin Orr (Geosyntec Consultants) and Brandi Lubliner (City of Tacoma) present the Tacoma Watershed Insights tool, an innovative platform that integrates BMP asset data with runoff and pollutant loading data to streamline stormwater planning. Discover how this tool supports decision-making while aligning with Tacoma’s 2025 Strategic Plan to enhance equity, livability, and the environment.
Pervasive Discussion on the Evolution of Stormwater Regulation
James (Trey) George III (City of Spokane) takes us through a high-level historical overview of the evolution of stormwater regulation. Learn how the NPDES stormwater permitting program has developed over the last 34 years and how Washington’s current regulations have been shaped by federal legislation and multiple revisions.
Advancing the Use of Optimizer for Integrated System Planning in Portland, Oregon
Jamie Feldman (Geosyntec Consultants) and Binhong Wu (City of Portland) share how the City of Portland uses an optimization platform called Optimizer to identify cost-effective system improvements for their combined sewer collection system. This innovative tool combines asset management and hydraulic models to streamline integrated planning and improve stormwater management outcomes.
Beyond Jurisdictional Boundaries: A Data-Driven Watershed Restoration Effort
Peter Holte (City of Redmond) and Viktor Hlas (Opti RTC) present the collaborative effort between King County and Redmond to enhance stormwater facilities in the Bear Creek Basin. With continuous monitoring and adaptive control (CMAC) systems, this multi-jurisdictional project has achieved significant peak flow reductions and is paving the way for compliance with stormwater management for existing development regulations.
Stormwater Management for Existing Development (SMED) Panel: Permit Requirements, Lessons Learned, and Regional Tool Development
Join Rebecca Dugopolski (Herrera Environmental Consultants), Carly Greyell and Blair Scott (King County), and Don McQuilliams (City of Bellevue) for a panel discussion on the Stormwater Management for Existing Development (SMED) requirements. This session will review permit basics, share lessons from Phase I jurisdictions, and discuss tools to help with planning, reporting, and regional collaboration to meet Ecology’s requirements.
Decade of Progress: Celebrating Stormwater Action Monitoring (SAM) Program and Stormwater Insights
Raghu Namburi and Chelsea Morris (Washington State Department of Ecology) celebrate 10 years of the Stormwater Action Monitoring (SAM) program. This session will highlight key insights and advancements in stormwater management, offering an opportunity to engage with BMP effectiveness research and its impact on Washington’s stormwater management practices.
Introduction to the Stormwater Mentorship Program
Diane Hennebert (King County) and Jason Quigley (Skagit County) introduce the Stormwater Mentorship Program, designed to support knowledge transfer and career development. Whether you’re new to stormwater or a seasoned professional, this mentorship program provides a valuable networking opportunity and promotes professional growth within Washington’s local governments.
Improving Stormwater Reviews and Avoiding Senate Bill 5290 Penalties
Dan Gariepy and Kripa Chandran (TYLin) share best practices for improving stormwater reviews and avoiding penalties under Senate Bill 5290. This session will focus on compliance strategies, lessons learned from real-world applications, and tips for staying ahead of regulatory requirements.
What Exactly is a Stormwater Tree? Considerations for Compliance with the New NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit Tree Canopy Requirements
Julie Brandt (Parametrix), Paul Fendt (Parametrix), and Michael Posey (City of Des Moines) explore the new tree canopy requirements in the NPDES Phase I and Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permits. Learn what the new regulations mean for urban forest management, how tree canopy inventories differ from forestry management plans, and actionable strategies for compliance.
Track 5 at MuniCon 2025 offers essential insights into stormwater permit compliance and planning. Whether you’re focused on optimizing stormwater cost recovery, developing data-driven planning tools, or navigating new regulatory requirements, this track provides the knowledge and practical strategies you need to succeed. Register now to secure your spot and take advantage of these valuable learning opportunities!
