Institutional stakeholder interviews (Portland, Oregon) on the uncertainties, concerns and challenges the limit implementation of Blue-Green infrastructure

Abstract

This is a qualitative data collection. These data were collected as part of an interdisciplinary project undertaken by the Blue-Green Cities (B-GC) Research Consortium with the Portland-Vancouver ULTRA (Urban Long-term Research Area) project (PVU), as part of the “Clean Water for All” initiative. The project examined the sources of uncertainty responsible for current concerns and challenges to widespread adoption of Blue-Green Infrastructure in urban flood risk management. The study consisted of eleven semi-structured interviews with institutional stakeholders in the City of Portland, Oregon, USA. Broadly, the research aim was to identify and classify the key concerns, challenges and uncertainties faced by the interviewees in implementing sustainable flood risk management and Blue-Green infrastructure. We used the Relevant Dominant Uncertainty approach and identified numerous physical science and socio-political uncertainties that hamper decision making. We then addressed how decision makers can reduce their levels of concern and overcome the associated challenges to widen the implementation of Blue-Green infrastructure.