Jen Cotting

For more than 20 years, Jennifer has worked to inform policy and finance decision making with unbiased research and analysis, rooted in science. As Director of the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center, she applies a finance lens to addressing environmental challenges using a wholistic, cross-disciplinary approach to identifying solutions that create efficiency and reduce implementation costs while advancing community priorities. Her body of work has involved research and analysis on resource management, government operations, organizational business planning, public education, and community engagement. Jennifer holds a MS in Sustainable Development and Conservation Biology from the University of Maryland and a BA in Communications from Marymount University.

Research Interests: 

• Financing strategies for stormwater management and green infrastructure, water systems infrastructure and climate resilience solutions
• Capacity building for local governments, community-based organizations and land trusts
• research and analysis for informing improving programs and developing legislation

Affiliations:

• Chesapeake Bay Program Local Leadership Workgroup
• Maryland Watershed Assistance Collaborative (founding member)
• Environmental Finance Center Network, President