Goshen’s Jason Kauffman receives Excellence in Stormwater Management Award

GOSHEN, Ind. — Goshen’s work to strengthen stormwater management has earned statewide recognition for Stormwater Coordinator Jason Kauffman.

Kauffman received the Excellence in Stormwater Management Award from the Indiana Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management.

The association presented Kauffman the award Sept. 16 at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie.

The award recognizes outstanding stormwater managers or programs that demonstrate leadership and proactive water resources management.

Excellence in Stormwater Management Award recognizes leadership

Kauffman has worked in stormwater management for nearly a decade. He previously spent more than eight years with the Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District.

In Goshen, Kauffman helps the City prepare for flooding before high water arrives.

He alerts City departments when forecasts and river conditions could create problems. He also identifies areas that could face flooding.

Kauffman plays a key role in Goshen’s emergency flood response planning, coordinating responsibilities across several City departments.

“Jason goes above and beyond the required duties and responsibilities,” City Stormwater Specialist Ryan Miller wrote in nominating Kauffman. “He does not complain about what needs done, he just does it.”

Mayor Gina Leichty said Kauffman’s recognition reflects both his leadership and the strong work happening across City government.

“Jason brings knowledge, commitment and a sense of responsibility to work that directly protects our community,” Leichty said. “This recognition is well deserved. It also reflects the strong team we have built across City departments. That structure allows talented people like Jason to succeed, collaborate and do their best work for Goshen residents.”

Kauffman’s work also contributed to the City’s climate change vulnerability assessment and Flood Resilience Plan.

The Flood Resilience Plan followed Goshen’s historic 2018 flood. The City developed the plan with Christopher B. Burke Engineering.

Goshen City Council unanimously approved the plan in July 2022.

Kauffman was part of the City team that received INAFSM’s Outstanding Floodplain Project Award in 2023. The association recognized Goshen’s Flood Resilience Plan.

Goshen Public Works & Utilities Director Dustin Sailor said Kauffman’s impact on the City was evident early in his tenure.

“From the day Jason joined the City of Goshen, it was clear he would make a lasting impact,” Sailor said. “His passion for stormwater management, commitment to public service, and innovative approach to protecting our waterways have made him a respected leader in the profession. Jason works tirelessly to improve our community’s relationship with water, and I couldn’t be more proud to see him recognized with the Excellence in Stormwater Management Award.”

Work extends beyond Goshen

Kauffman also works with stormwater professionals throughout Elkhart County and Indiana.

He participates in the Indiana MS4 Partnership and INAFSM inspectors group. He also serves as secretary of the Elkhart River Restoration Association.

Kauffman helps lead local collaboration among Elkhart County communities responsible for municipal stormwater programs.

His work also supports the annual Pay Dirt Conference. The program received INAFSM’s Outreach and Education Award at this year’s conference.

The Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District organizes the conference.

INAFSM established the Excellence in Stormwater Management Award in 1997. It recognizes consistent leadership and proactive approaches to stormwater management.

The award highlights Kauffman’s work to prepare Goshen for flooding, strengthen regional partnerships and improve the City’s stormwater program.