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Pathways to Greening Border Cities: A Policy Analysis for Green Infrastructure in Ambos Nogales

Author

Listed:
  • Patricia Schwartz

    (School of Geography, Development & Environment, University of Arizona, 1064 E. Lowell St., Tucson, AZ 85721, USA)

  • Adriana A. Zuniga-Teran

    (School of Geography, Development & Environment, University of Arizona, 1064 E. Lowell St., Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
    Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, University of Arizona, 803 E. First St., Tucson, AZ 85719, USA)

  • Francisco Lara-Valencia

    (School of Transborder Studies, Arizona State University, 1120 Cady Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA)

  • Hilda García-Pérez

    (Department of Population Studies, El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Sede Nogales, Reforma esq. con Blvd. Luis Donaldo Colosio Del Rosario, Nogales 84020, Sonora, Mexico)

  • Gabriel Díaz Montemayor

    (Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, University of Arkansas, 120 Vol Walker Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA)

  • Claudia Gil Anaya

    (Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, 1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA)

  • Joaquin Marruffo

    (Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, 1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA)

  • Oscar A. Rodriguez Ponce

    (School of Landscape Architecture, University of Arizona, 1040 N. Olive Rd., Tucson, AZ 85719, USA)

  • Zoe Holtzman

    (Department of Political Science, Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Dr, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA)

Abstract

Green infrastructure (GI) has been proposed as a decentralized solution to complex urban water management issues. However, public policy remains a critical challenge for the wide adoption of GI, which is exacerbated in transboundary settings. We draw from public policy theory to analyze GI policies at the US–Mexico border. We examine the case of Ambos Nogales—two sister cities grappling with complex water management challenges. We examined existing policies and evaluated their impact on the implementation of GI at multiple levels (local, state, national, and binational). We also conducted interviews and a focus group with stakeholders. Our analysis unveils a set of barriers to the adoption of GI and a suite of opportunities for the enactment of GI policies. We outline five pathways for greening border cities, including (i) creating market-based GI incentives, (ii) adopting the net-zero urban water approach, (iii) engaging with existing institutions for greening efforts, (iv) planning for a GI network at the watershed scale, and (v) supporting local champions. By addressing shortcomings of policy and regulatory frameworks hindering local capacity, border cities will be more likely to adopt and widely implement GI solutions for more sustainable urban water management.

Suggested Citation

  • Patricia Schwartz & Adriana A. Zuniga-Teran & Francisco Lara-Valencia & Hilda García-Pérez & Gabriel Díaz Montemayor & Claudia Gil Anaya & Joaquin Marruffo & Oscar A. Rodriguez Ponce & Zoe Holtzman, 2023. "Pathways to Greening Border Cities: A Policy Analysis for Green Infrastructure in Ambos Nogales," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-21, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:12:y:2023:i:4:p:781-:d:1111578
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    References listed on IDEAS

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