KANSAS CITY, Mo. — KC Water has been named a finalist in the ESRI 2025 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition, earning recognition out of more than 500 entries submitted from around the world. The utility’s StoryMap, “Building Resilient Stormwater Infrastructure,” was selected as a standout entry in the infrastructure category, highlighting Kansas City’s innovative approach to managing stormwater through green infrastructure technology.
The StoryMap helps users explore how Kansas City is implementing nature-based solutions to stormwater management as part of the city’s Smart Sewer program — a long-term initiative designed reduce the volume of sewer overflows and protect our natural environment.
“Strategic green infrastructure investments help us meet regulatory compliance while also enriching our communities themselves,” said Andy Shively, Deputy Director of KC Water. “By the time the Smart Sewer program is complete in 2040, it will have installed approximately 35 green infrastructure sites that will capture stormwater from around 750 green acres.”
ESRI’s annual StoryMaps Competition challenges individuals and organizations worldwide to tell place-based stories about local communities, challenges, and innovative solutions. This year’s competition, which ran from September 10 to December 12, 2025, drew entries spanning topics from environmental conservation to community infrastructure — all united by a focus on the connections between people, the built environment, and the natural world.
The public is invited to view all finalists and cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award by March 10: http://2025-arcgis-storymaps-competition-story.hub.arcgis.com/pages/arcgis-living-atlas-1
