Environmental Justice (EJ)
Workgroup
EPA Local Government Advisory
Committee's
EJ Best Practices for Local
Government
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Message from the LGAC Chair:
EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee is chartered for
30 local elected and appointed officials across the nation,
representing the perspectives of large, small and diverse
communities. We bring the perspectives of our communities
to EPA through our collective and collaborative work.
Environmental justice is an issue we care deeply about and it
is reflected in all of our recommendations to the EPA.
I want to thank the work of the LGAC Environmental Justice
Workgroup, especially Mayor Lisa Wong, Chairwoman and Dr.
Hector Gonzalez, Vice-chair, for their work in spear-heading
this report. This report contains many examples of the
successful work in our communities in order to further
sustainability and resiliency. It also illustrates the creative
solutions we find in local government to address
environmental challenges. We hope that by sharing this
information it will be helpful to other communities as they
work to solve their own environmental justice challenges. We
firmly believe that by working together we will achieve
sustainability so that all can share in our common wealth.
- Mayor Robert Dixson, Chair of LGAC
Message from the Workgroup Chairwoman:
Environmental justice is a major issue that is
often overlooked. The unfortunate reality is
that many local cities and towns across
America have low-income and minority
communities that are especially vulnerable
to public health disparities, environmental
damage, and other related problems. LGAC
members have noticed this disparity, and
have worked within our own communities to
develop plans to revitalize vulnerable
communities and encourage economic
growth in these areas using innovative
strategies and to also share these successes
with the EPA. -Mayor Lisa Wong,
Chairwoman of LGAC Environmental Justice
Workgroup
Photo sources for cover (clockwise): City of Laredo Dept. of Public Health Website; Mayor Johnny Dupree; Michael Wenstrom, EPA Region 8; EPA, City of Greensburg
website
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Executive Summary
A clean and safe environment is essential for
communities to thrive and prosper. In local
governments we share a vision that
environmental protection and health are
integrated and can be a reality for all of our
citizens. When gaps arise, we take deliberate
actions to reduce health disparities and
safeguard our environment, especially for those
most vulnerable to adverse environmental
conditions. For low-income, minority, and rural
residents however, there remains the risk of
exposure to pollution, hazardous run-off and
lack of resources for clean air and water. These
residents only make up a small subset of
America's total population, but they have had
to pay the greatest price in terms of health risks
and environmental damage because their
communities are involuntarily located near
pollution sources and hazardous emissions.
In this Report, we have outlined some of these
present challenges; we have also put forward
case studies of innovative problem solving
strategies in our LGAC Members' communities
where we have documented positive
environmental and public health outcomes. In
our advisory role to the EPA, we put forward
recommendations coming from our unique
perspectives in order to strengthen our
partnership for positive environmental
outcomes. We hope that by sharing our story, it
will inspire others to overcome environmental
justice challenges to promote environmental
and economic vitality for all our nation's
communities.
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Contents
Message from LGAC Chair and EJ Chairwoman
Executive Summary 2
Contents 3
What is Environmental Justice? 5
Environmental Justice Matters to Local Governments.. 5
Challenges to Local Communities 5
Infrastructure 5
Sustainability 7
Green Infrastructure 7
Brownfields 8
Access to Resources 8
Public Health 8
Climate Change/Adaptation 9
EPA Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) 10
EPA's Plan EJ 2014 10
Challenges of Rural Communities 11
Salmon, Idaho 11
Arcadia, Oklahoma 12
Ulysses, New York 12
Local Communities Take Action 13
Connecting Communities and Local Government 13
Kansas City, Missouri 13
Bridgeport, Connecticut 14
Salt Lake City, Utah 14
Fitchburg, Massachusetts 15
Prince George's County 15
Mississippi Mayors Encourage Collaborative Problem Solving
Laredo, Texas 16
Greensburg, Kansas 17
Santa Barbara, California 17
Gary, Indiana 18
LGAC Findings and Recommendations 18
Forum to discuss and collaborate on solutions 18
Lack of basic infrastructure 19
Access to resources to address community problems. 19
EPA's Plan EJ 2014 as a strategic plan for EJ issues 20
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Conclusion
Acknowledgements
Appendix- Best Practices
20
21
21
Photo: City of Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Source: City of Fitchburg Website
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5
What is Environmental Justice?
Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless
of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and
enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.1 Environmental quality affects
people in all communities, regardless of income level, race, identity, religion, or any other social
or demographic factor.
Unfortunately, the benefits of a clean environment are not always equally shared. Many
communities across the nation that are predominately made up of racial minorities and low-
income families still face environmental challenges. These factors greatly affect their quality of
health and well-being.
Environmental Justice Matters to Local Governments
Environmental justice concerns exist all over the country, from urban areas to isolated rural
towns. Sometimes, state or federal initiatives are too broad in scope to adequately address the
specific problems that plague individual communities. This is where local government action can
make a visible difference. Local governments are more familiar with specific needs of their
community, and often have a greater knowledge of physical environmental resources that affect
them. This enables actions to be tailor-made to address the problem and to adjust changes as
necessary. Implementing successful local programs can lead to incorporation of previously
isolated communities into the larger social network, which enables greater access to resources.
This access can help revitalize the communities further and increase the standard of living for
residents.
Challenges to Local Communities
Infrastructure
In order to support and sustain prosperous communities, there has to be reliable infrastructure.
For many communities, however, the basic provision of clean and safe water infrastructure is
often inadequate. And this lack of adequate infrastructure affects communities' ability to attract
businesses and achieve economic prosperity.
1 EPA definition of environmental justice http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/resources/policy/plan-ej-
20147plan-ej-2011-09.pdf
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The cost to replace and upgrade aging water systems can
easily be millions of dollars. Large cities and metropolitan
areas can leverage state grant or loan funds, making it
easier to fund large-scale projects. Local cost share
portions required for grants are often available for larger
populations as well. However, for small communities
(populations fewer than 10,000 people), as well as low-
income and minority communities, the cost per capita
bears an even larger burden on residents, which can
impact cost share options. Therefore, the cost of replacing
water infrastructure takes up a significant portion of a
community's budget. A prime example of this can be
Photo source: commissioner Robert cope found in Salmon, Idaho, where the cost to upgrade the drinking
water system to meet drinking water standard costs
approximately $6 million. Among a small population of 3,000, with 19 percent under the poverty
level, a water bill that constitutes 5 percent of their income is significant.
Drinking Water
Clean and safe drinking water is essential for all people. However, disparities exist in the quality
of drinking water systems. For example, some communities along the U.S.-Mexico Border,
Alaskan Native Villages and other rural, small communities often have poor drinking water
quality, as well as inadequate drinking water infrastructure. Issues that affect drinking water
quality include source water quality, transmission, storage, maintenance, monitoring, and
access to technical and financial resources. It is difficult to identify and assess how to better
address system quality issues because there is a lack of available data on drinking water
systems. There are also documented instances where lead is leached from service lines,
particularly in older neighborhoods and in disproportionately low-income and minority
communities.
In general, affordability is a significant issue for disadvantaged, low-income and rural
communities desiring to improve their drinking water infrastructure. Many small, low-income
communities simply cannot afford the cost required to replace or upgrade drinking water
infrastructure. Regulatory compliance may also create additional burdens on a community
struggling to provide safe, quality drinking water when there are no funds allocated or available
for improvement projects.
Air Emissions
Emissions of harmful and sometimes toxic air pollutants can be found across many industrial
sectors. Power plants and petroleum factories are common emissions sources, but these are not
by any means the only air pollutant sources. The table below lists some other sources of air
pollutants.
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General Source
Specific examples
Agricultural Activities
Agricultural field burning, fertilizer
application
Shipping
Emissions from diesel-fueled vessels and
trucks
Dust
Roads (paved and unpaved), construction
Fire
Wildfires and prescribed burning
Indoor Sources
Cleaning products, building materials
Source: EPA Office of Air and Radiation
Low-income, minority, and rural communities are especially susceptible to adverse air effects
because many facilities that emit air pollutants are sited within or near these communities. A
study conducted by the Government Accountability Office in 1983 confirmed that the
populations of the communities in 3 out of 4 landfill siting locations were predominately African-
American residents. In addition, at least 26 percent of the residents in communities near siting
areas had incomes that were below the poverty level. Having landfills and other hazardous sites
in close proximity to communities often exacerbates exposure to toxic air pollutants that can
severely impact public health.2
Sustainability
Green Infrastructure
From big cities to small towns, stormwater runoff can be a major problem. Excessive,
uncontrolled stormwater runoff can result in extreme flooding that causes contamination and
pollution. Urban areas are especially at risk for this type of pollution. Regardless of the location,
uncontrolled stormwater runoff raises concerns of public health and safety for all members of
the affected community. Green infrastructure can help to mitigate the adverse effects of
stormwater runoff by absorbing and filtering water to reduce pollution. Utilizing vegetation,
soils, and other natural elements, green infrastructure helps urban areas create healthier, more
manageable environments. It can also protect against floods, pollution, and water
contamination. Green infrastructure methods can be applied to buildings, cities, wetlands, or
coastlines. These practices include planting trees, adding vegetation, preserving wetlands, and
monitoring watersheds. By incorporating technology and engineered systems into water
management methodologies, green infrastructure encourages areas of high development to
maintain a natural water cycle. This approach also gives cities and communities opportunities to
create green spaces and parks as multi-use areas.
2 Government Accountability Office: Natural resources and environment: siting of hazardous waste landfills and their correlation with racial and
economic status of surrounding communities (1983)
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Brownfields
In communities throughout America, a legacy of industrial development has left behind
abandoned industrial buildings and abandoned pollution problems. In some cases, this pollution
has left blighted and abandoned waterfronts. For example, communities in the Northeast have
housed paper and plastic mills, while Gulf Coast communities have more recently become oil
refinery hubs. Many of these industries typically require intensive resources and produce large
quantities of byproducts and in some cases toxic wastes. When an industry closes or moves
elsewhere, the land that previously held factories is abandoned, leaving contaminated lands
that bring down community property values and expose community members to harmful
pollutants. These areas most often have communities directly in the pathway of exposure to
potentially harmful emissions.
While they appear to be obstacles upon first glance, these brownfields can offer a great
opportunity to revitalize the land. Cleaning up previously contaminated lands can remove
pollution sources, which can result in cleaner communities. It also opens up economic
opportunities by creating space for commercial redevelopment. For example, these areas can be
converted to public parks, residential neighborhoods, or new businesses.
Access to Resources
Low-income and minority communities often lack access to valuable resources. Such resources
include health care facilities, public utilities, and even grocery stores. These resources are taken
for granted by most communities in America, but they are a luxury for vulnerable communities.
These communities often lack information to avoid the impacts of climate change and/or
exposure to environmental hazards. Such resources could help them avoid harmful impacts to
diminish harm.
Public Health
Public health and well-being is an issue that is of the utmost concern to most citizens.
Environmental justice strives to provide equal access to adequate health services and healthy
environments for all citizens. Numerous studies have shown a relationship between minority
populations, income levels, and overall quality of health. In almost all cases, low-income,
minority populations have reported a greater amount of health issues than higher-income,
predominantly white populations. Common health concerns include:
Increased risk of heart disease
Higher obesity rates
Respiratory problems
Greater occurrence of Type II diabetes
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A study by Taylor et al. examines park arid recreation infrastructure, and the effect that it has on
communities.3 This study concluded that low-income communities generally do not have as
much access to community parks and public pools as higher-income communities. Not only does
this lack of recreational resources reduce a sense of community pride, but it also decreases the
amount of time spent outside, and consequently, the average amount of outdoor physical
activity per individual. This effectively puts community members at a higher risk of developing
heart disease, obesity, or diabetes. Low-income, minority community members who do not
have access to parks experience lower levels of physical activity than more affluent community
members.
In addition to the increased vulnerability to dangerous diseases, there is the lack of available
and affordable resources to treat important health issues in low-income, minority, and rural
communities. Citizens in these vulnerable communities have a decreased quality of life due to
increased risks of health hazards and higher susceptibility to diseases. The environmental justice
movement aims to address these disproportionate health concerns and promote greater access
to helpful resources.
Climate Change/Adaptation
Climate change effects are a pressing matter for all of our nation's communities. However,
minority, low-income, and rural communities are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of
climate change. Furthermore, low-income and minority populations often lack funds for climate
adaption measures, such as flood-proofing homes or other flood control options to address
battle to make their communities' voices heard and
secure protection from the economic and environmental harm resulting from climate change.
One of the major obstacles preventing low-income and minority communities from properly
addressing climate change is the lack of opportunity for public engagement. In many cities and
towns across the country, underserved communities are often underrepresented in public
decisions, if they are even included at all. It is up to local governments to not only engage
City of Bridgeport, CT Photo Source: City of
Bridgeport
adverse climatic events or sea level rise. Mitigation
measures are not always effective for vulnerable
communities. Many individuals have to use the "last
resort" course of action of retreating and moving
elsewhere. However, many low-income residents
lack the financial capital to find a new place
elsewhere. And some are not willing to sacrifice their
personal and cultural identity that is associated with
the land on which they currently reside. This means
that community leaders are often facing an uphill
Taylor, W; Floyd, M; Whitt-Glover, M; Brooks, J. Environmental justice: A framework for collaboration between the public health
and parks and recreation fields to study disparities in physical activity (2007)
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vulnerable communities, but also to empower their citizens to use the public dialogue as a way
to spur change in their communities.
EPA Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ)
The EPA created the Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) in 1992 to further examine issues
pertaining to environmental justice. This office provides many resources to increase public
awareness of environmentally vulnerable communities, such as published reports, fact sheets,
and web tools that identify communities particularly at risk for environmental justice issues.
Over the past few decades, special consideration has been given to the importance of
environmental justice. One landmark moment for the movement occurred in 1994, when
President Clinton signed Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations. The Order requires all Federal
agencies to consider the environmental impacts of any program, policy, or action on minority
and low-income populations in the United States and all associated territories and possessions.
E.O. 12898 also effectively created the Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice to
be convened by the EPA Administrator and comprised of the heads of several major federal
agencies. This workgroup is charged with the following tasks:4
1. Provide criteria to identify disproportionately adverse health or environmental effects on minority and
low-income populations
2. Coordinate with each Federal agency to develop an environmental justice strategy
3. Conduct research in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Health
and Human Services, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other participating
agencies
4. Coordinate data collection; examine data and studies on environmental justice
5. Hold public meetings
6. Develop interagency environmental justice projects
EPA's Plan EJ 2014
Plan EJ 2014 is a roadmap that helped EPA to integrate environmental justice into the Agency's
programs, policies, and activities. Plan EJ 2014 is named in recognition of the 20th anniversary of
President Clinton's issuance of Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations. In implementing the Plan, EPA
sought meaningful engagement with communities and stakeholders. The goals of the plan are
to:
Protect health in communities over-burdened by pollution
4 Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations; Federal Register, Vol. 59,
No. 32. [http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/executive-orders/pdf/12898.pdf]
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Empower communities to take action to improve their health and environment
Establish partnerships with local, state, tribal and federal organizations to achieve
healthy and sustainable communities.
Plan EJ 2014 is not a rule or regulation. It is a strategy to help integrate environmental justice
into EPA's day-to-day activities.5 Plan EJ 2014 provided the agency with a blueprint of EPA's top
EJ priorities and a plan of action to focus assistance on addressing EJ challenges. Plan EJ 2014
actions are tracked within EPA's Strategic Plan.
Environmental Justice- Plan Forward
EPA made great strides in gaining environmental equity by setting forth a course of action to
address EJ challenges through Plan EJ 2014. Local governments benefited immensely by having
access to this clear strategy that aimed at improving the environmental and public health of our
nation's communities. Local governments valued this type of transparency and strategic
direction to assist in planning at the local level. The LGAC looks forward to the next iteration of
EPA's Plan EJ 2014 so that we can continue to progress and
that still struggle with EJ issues.
Challenges of Rural Communities
Salmon, Idaho
The town of Salmon is a small rural community that lies
near the north-central border of Idaho. The Salmon River
runs straight through the area, which is rich with history
of the Lemhi Shoshone culture and is also home to
Sacajawea. The city has seen a decline in the mining and
timber industries, both instrumental to Salmon's
economy, which have left many in the community under-
employed and scrambling to make ends meet.
Approximately 19 percent of Salmon residents live below
the poverty line, a considerable number considering the
fact that the town only has about 3,000 residents. Many
residents tend to work two or three jobs, mainly in the
retail or service sector, to make ends meet. In most cases,
these jobs still are not enough to keep families afloat. Additionally, a large percentage of their
monthly income (up to one-fourth) must be spent just to have basic access to clean, safe
drinking water and proper wastewater management systems.
Local organizations, along with regional state agencies, have stepped in to help Salmon and
other similar towns by setting up food banks. The food banks are open once or twice a week,
and provide staple foods for families and individuals in need. The program was initially
successful, but as more people flocked to food banks after a series of severe layoffs, the food
advance our local goals for areas
Photo source: City of Salmon Webpage
Plan EJ 2014- EPA Office of Environmental Justice [http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/plan-ej/index.html]
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sent to food banks started to run out faster. The food shipments are shipped from far away, so it
has been difficult to keep up with the demand of rural, isolated communities. Many
communities face similar struggles to obtain important resources on a regular basis. For
environmental justice, it is important to connect vulnerable communities to the resources
necessary to promote economic growth and protect community well-being.
Arcadia, Oklahoma
The Town of Arcadia is a rural community of 279 residents
located approximately 15 miles north of Oklahoma City. The
town was created in 1987 by Executive Order action of the
Governor. Arcadia has median income of $26,000 for a
family. The Town of Arcadia was seeking to upgrade its
infrastructure by providing municipal drinking water system
in order to comply with updated drinking water standards,
but lagged behind in its ability to achieve state funds to assist
with this infrastructure. Historically, there had been an
employee of HUD who served as an ombudsman to assist
small communities in obtaining grant resources. That
position was cut, and towns in Oklahoma like Arcadia lost
this valuable assistance. Arcadia was faced with a 1.8 million
dollar price tag on the new drinking water system that would
be shared by the 279 residents, making the infrastructure upgrade goal seem unobtainable. It
was not until EPA Region 6 began work with the town of Arcadia, the state, and an adjacent city
that assistance came through the State DEQto provide assistance that enabled the town of
Arcadia to buy water wholesale through a long term agreement. It is through focused
intergovernmental cooperation that Town of Arcadia was able to secure clean and safe drinking
water service to the community. The Town of Arcadia will soon begin construction on
the municipal water system for the residents of Arcadia.
Arcadia Historic Barn, Photo Source: City of Arcadia
webpage
Photo Source: Elizabeth Thomas
Ulysses, New York
The Town of Ulysses is a rural agricultural
village located in the Finger Lakes region
of New York State, near Cornell University
and Ithaca College. The Town of Ulysses'
water district 3 was built in response to a
leaking gas station tank that
contaminated drinking water wells in the
hamlet of Jacksonville. Unfortunately, this
small system (387 users) consistently
exceeds the federal limits for total
trichloromethane because it is at the end
of the Southern Cayuga Lake Water
System in a rural area where the demand
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is low, allowing water to stay in the pipes for months. This leads to an accumulation of
chlorination by-products. The best solution would be to connect the Jacksonville water district
with Trumansburg a 1 mile connection compared to the 11 miles the water currently travels.
This connection is estimated to cost $1,000,000 to the 387 users in this water district. The area
has a low to middle income range, but exceeds the income threshold to qualify for any grants.
Each household already pays $562 per household to cover the operation, maintenance and
existing loan plus a quarterly usage fee. The costs associated with sewer and water systems is
large, which acts as a disincentive to correct problems, resulting in aging systems. And under
New York State's tax freeze, municipalities are prevented from being able to address the aging
infrastructure problems they know exist.
Local Communities Take Action
Several communities across America have taken steps to overcome the obstacles that pose
major threats to the success of minority, low-income, and rural communities. Community
leaders have used education, public outreach, planning methods, and collaborative measures to
improve their towns and better protect citizens from environmental harm. Many of these
approaches to engage EJ-troubled communities have shown investment upfront, but these
community leaders have demonstrated that there can be economic benefits for the entire
community by addressing EJ concerns.
Connecting Communities and Local Government
Bridging the gap between underrepresented communities and their local government is a vital
step to successfully combat environmental justice issues. This process can be quite challenging
at times, especially when there are cultural, communication and physical barriers between
communities with environmental justice concerns and the larger areas overseen by local
governments. Faced with environmental and public health challenges, we offer the following
case studies, all of which engaged citizens to solve these environmental challenges.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is a good example of how steps to improve environmental sustainability can be
achieved through community engagement. A court order under a Clean Water settlement
required the city to reduce Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) discharges and stop all sanitary
system discharges by 2025. This order was issued in the face of sewer backups and flooding, as
well as increased bacteria levels in Kansas City's water source. Funding for this project was in
short supply, so the local government turned to its citizens to engage them in creating
innovative solutions. This public engagement sparked an outflow of innovative ideas to reduce
stormwater sewage leaks while improving the overall life of the community. After much
deliberation and public input, the city officials developed a plan to reduce stormwater runoff in
an EJ community aimed at revitalization by setting up green infrastructure projects. Such
projects included cultivating rain gardens, installing porous sidewalks and permeable pavers,
and creating stream buffers. These projects were supplemented by home repairs throughout
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the neighborhood. The result was a vastly enhanced area of town, with increased property
values, as well as improved parks and other community spaces. Stormwater runoff was
decreased by a value between 36-76%. The importance of local government and citizen
collaboration cannot be understated.
Bridgeport, Connecticut
The City of Bridgeport, Connecticut developed a plan to revive areas of its town by expanding its
park system. In the eyes of city officials, a more expansive park would help the community in
two ways. The new parks would serve as additional green infrastructure for the city, effectively
reducing stormwater costs, mitigating air pollution, and thereby increasing the city's overall
resiliency to climate change. The project would also increase public accessibility to these
common areas and would subsequently increase property values in various neighborhoods.
Bridgeport created three new parks, complete with waterfront access, improved bike paths,
recreational programming, playgrounds, and sustainable maintenance strategies. The park
created a natural filtering on parkland that reduced stormwater by 97,570,000 cubic feet
annually, which relates to a savings of $751,289 in stormwater treatment. Bridgeport's tree
canopy makes up 27% of the total land, which equates to $860,405 worth of pollutant removal.
Studies have shown that properties located within 0.1 mile of a Bridgeport park are valued
between 8% and 11% higher than those properties located more than 0.1 miles away from a
Bridgeport park. The City of Bridgeport example highlights how public access to parks can
improve the environmental health and economic stability of a community. The City's BGreen
2020 Plan also assures sustainability for all for the future.
Salt Lake City, Utah
The West side community of Salt Lake City, Utah is home to a large refugee community
representing migrants from over 20 countries, most of whom have left oppressive government
regimes and social unrest. A sense of distrust toward government organizations is an issue that
further isolates foreign-born residents who live in the West Side community from the rest of Salt
Lake City at large, causing problems for both the West Side community and for aid
organizations. The West Side community also has significant health disparities in relation to Salt
Lake City as a whole. This public health gap is especially apparent among children, who are at an
extremely high risk for diseases. Effective outreach has been difficult because of cultural and
linguistic barriers. In order to address this issue, EPA Region 8 teamed up with Communidades
Unidas, a local grassroots organization founded by members of the Latino community in West
Side. This partnership delivered a better understanding of community concerns. Programs were
then developed to improve engagement with the West End community and enable community
members to take a more active role in public affairs. The project successfully trained a group of
dedicated individuals who could voice public health and environmental concerns on behalf of
their community. This level of public engagement has helped the city to assist the West Side
community to build environmental resiliency and spur economic growth.
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Fitchburg, Massachusetts
The paper mill industry had historically acted as a major driver of the economy in Fitchburg,
Massachusetts. With the closure of the paper mills in the mid-twentieth century, Fitchburg took
an economic nose dive. Large job layoffs pushed the unemployment level above the state
average. Besides high unemployment came the challenges of contaminated brownfields of the
abandoned paper mill properties. Health concerns have also plagued the community. Childhood
obesity and post-partum depression have become especially prevalent in the community. This
challenge was taken on by Mayor Lisa Wong. Mayor Wong analyzed the trends and put her
knowledge as an economist to use by formulating an innovative economic development
program. This measurement tool was used to collect information and create an impact report
card. The analysis measured the community's overall well-being by looking at both traditional
economic factors and aspects that are not measured by the economy, such as the environment,
socioeconomics, and public health. This assessment allowed local officials to develop strategic
plans that could both spur economic growth and increase social well-being. One plan that was
especially successful for economic growth was a project to revitalize the Nashua Riverfront. This
project involved the creation of a river access point in an area that was previously blocked off by
the paper mills. Having a new access point not only increased revenue through river tourism,
but it also created an outdoor community space, which brought people and businesses back to
the river. This resource, which was once an eyesore, became the thriving natural resource on
which the city flourished. The connection to the river brought people back to nature and
provided pathways for people to explore, improving public health and quality of life. The
Fitchburg example shows that local leadership focused on improving the viability of vulnerable
communities can bring positive outcomes to a community.
Prince George's County
Like many urban and suburban areas, stormwater runoff has become an increasing source of
pollution in the Washington, DC metro region resulting in unswimmable and unfishable
waterways and continued distress of the Chesapeake Bay. Like other jurisdictions nationwide,
the County faced increased regulatory demands to control runoff pollution. To meet these
demands in a manner that reduced costs, maximized efficiencies, and create socio-economic
benefit for local communities, the Prince George's County Department of the Environment, led
by Adam Ortiz and Larry Coffman, turned a regulatory requirement into a thoughtful stimulus
program for the local economy. The agency created a Public Private Partnership (P3) approach
that leveraged the strengths of the public and private sectors to encourage local business
participation in a comprehensive urban stormwater retrofitting program. This innovative model
has won the support and engagement of the White House, private industry schools, local
entrepreneurs, contractors, faith-based communities, non-profits and the local community
college. The partnership has resulted in new management practices that have controlled runoff
and flooding, prevented stream erosion, and reduced pollutants in a manner that have helped
put raingardens and other stormwater devices into the ground, expands local businesses,
creates workforce pipelines.
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Mississippi Mayors Encourage Collaborative Problem Solving
Rural communities in Mississippi have
turned the old adage of "strength in
numbers" into a new solution for
overcoming environmental justice
obstacles. Towns and cities throughout
the state came together in Atlanta,
Georgia on February 5, 2015, to meet
with EPA Region 4 and other federal
agencies and begin to brainstorm
regional approaches to solve EJ issues.
These issues include high rates of
poverty, low median incomes, and aging,
inadequate water infrastructure. The
Mississippi Conference of Black Mayors
has long recognized that there are no
quick fixes to these issues, but by
providing a forum for communities to come together, they can focus on creating infrastructure,
environmental, public health and economic solutions one step at a time. Many of these small
communities have trouble getting access to healthcare, water infrastructure, and other
resources. Such struggles are compounded by the continuous clean-up efforts still left over from
the damage induced by Hurricane Katrina and extreme weather events related to climate
change, such as flooding. In rural Mississippi, local leaders have not been defeated, but have
instead built coalitions among small towns to encourage innovative partnerships aimed at
overcoming these challenges and building sustainable solutions. This network of regional
leaders work together to identify and reduce sources of environmental risks across the area.
This best practices approach of uniting at a regional level ensures that no community is left
behind, regardless of location or demographics.
Photo source: Mayor Johnny Dupree
Laredo, Texas
The city of Laredo, Texas, is the second largest port in the nation and is located on the North
bank of the Rio Grande River in South Texas. Laredo's residents have struggled with a
longstanding condition of health disparities, which can be attributed to the city's location along
the border, limited access to health care services, and medically underserved population. To
address the health care issues, Laredo city officials have worked on several programs to protect
human health, increase public participation in government, and develop Laredo into a
sustainable, thriving community. The Active Living Plan was introduced by city officials as a
strategy to encourage healthier lifestyle decisions for all Laredo residents. Features of the
program include incorporating exercise into employee work schedules and serving healthier
food options at schools for both students and faculty. Active citizen participation in local
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17
government has been supported through the Citizen's Environmental Advisory Committee
(CEAC). CEAC is a group of professionals and environmental advocates hailing from a diverse
range of backgrounds that weighs in on proposed city plans and ordinances, effectively
providing a voice for citizens. All CEAC meetings are publicly announced, and public comment
periods are available for issues brought before the committee. When a consensus is reached on
an issue, a recommendation letter is drafted and sent to the decision-making body, the city
council. Laredo prides itself on committee transparency and active participation among
community members. In addition, the Greenspace Ordinance requires that developers leave
green space when undertaking a new development project. This provides Laredo citizens with
more outdoor community space, which in turn, improves overall health and well-being.
Greensburg, Kansas
The town of Greensburg, located in the
heart of the prairie, is about 60 miles west of
Wichita, Kansas. The town was founded in
1886, with a population size of
approximately 1,400 people. Agricultural, oil,
and gas industries sustain its economy. This
idyllic rural prairie town was nearly
destroyed when a disastrous F-5 tornado
roared through the town in 2007,
demolishing approximately 95% of the city.
The tornado left in its wake a path of
destruction, but the hearty and faithful
people of Greensburg pulled together to rebuild almost immediately. Greensburg residents
immediately began to create a new vision for their town, showcasing new green building and
renewable energy. Eight years after the tornado, Greensburg is the world's leading community
in LEED-certified buildings per capita. The town is home to eight LEED-platinum certified
buildings, including a new City Hall, a business incubator for public-private partnerships, the new
48,500-square-foot Kiowa County Memorial Hospital, and the Kiowa County School in School
District 422. Renewable energy powers the entire community. The streetlights are all LED, and
the sustainability efforts provide unique educational opportunities for youth and the
community. Rather than moving away, the Greensburg residents turned a disaster into
opportunity and succeeded in creating a vision to rebuild a sustainable community.
Greensburg's efforts are paying off; with thirteen Greensburg buildings, the town is saving a
combined total of $200,000 in energy costs per year by utilizing wind energy. Private enterprises
have also embraced the innovative green initiatives.
Santa Barbara, California
Ports are vital hubs of American prosperity through their transport of imports and exports.
However, diesei-fueled cargo ships and transport trucks can emit large quantities of nitrogen
oxides, particulate matter, sulfur, and other greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere and
into the channel of the Santa Barbara County coastline. These emissions are known to have
disproportionately higher effects on low-income and minority populations who live in
surrounding communities, compared to the communities located further away from ports. The
Source: City of Greensburg Website
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18
Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District, NOAA's Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary,
and the Environmental Defense Center addressed this air quality issue by developing the Vessel
Speed Reduction Trial Incentive Program to reduce the speed limit of cargo ships as they enter
ports. The program was inspired by a study that determined a correlation between vessel
speeds and fuel consumption. The study found that reducing ship speeds by any given amount
results in a greater than proportional reduction in fuel consumption. COSCO, Hapag-Lloyd, K-
Line, Maersk, Matson, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and United Arab Shipping Company participated in the
trial program through voluntary agreements to reduce ship speeds from 14-18 knots to 12 knots
for 27 trips through the channel between July and November 2014. Each shipping company
incentive payment was $2,500 per trip. This program has resulted in a 16 ton reduction of
nitrogen oxide and a 20 metric ton reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, a 50 percent drop
from the baseline emissions of each pollutant.6 This comprehensive partnership between local
government, federal government, a non-profit organization, and the shipping industry provided
an inexpensive method to substantially cut down on toxic air emissions. It has also paved the
way for future air emission reduction programs in the area.
Gary, Indiana
Gary, Indiana, is located on the border of Lake Michigan, about 25 miles southeast of Chicago,
Illinois. The city of Gary has its root in the steel industry, which has heavily declined in recent
years. The city shares the difficulties of other rust belt cities, such as unemployment, decaying
infrastructure and educational attainment gaps. The downturn of the steel industry and
declining job opportunities left abandoned industrial sites, bankrupt businesses and vacant
residences. These brownfields originated years ago; businesses lacking sufficient cash flow
would close, leaving behind vacant structures that sat for decades. Through the leadership of
Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, the Gary Redevelopment Division took action. To start the
citywide makeover, the city partnered with the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public
Policy, the Center for Community Progress, and LocalData to launch a comprehensive survey of
the city's 50 square miles. This 18-month survey process involved almost 200 volunteers. The
project not only fueled community pride and education, but also served as a vital source of data
for the planning of future revitalization efforts. The information collected from the survey will
be used in decision-making to formulate a master plan the sustainable rebuilding of the great
City of Gary.
LGAC Findings and Recommendations
Forum to discuss and collaborate on solutions
6 Protecting blue whales and blue skies: results from 2014 ship speed reduction trial in Santa Barbara Channel; Santa
Barbara County Air Pollution District, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, National Marine Sanctuary,
Environmental Defense Fund; Pub. March 3, 2015
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Finding: Low-income, minority, and rural communities often lack the resources to collaborate
with one another on environmental and public health solutions.
Recommendation: EPA regions should facilitate regional meetings with low-income, minority,
and rural communities, bringing together federal and state agencies which may be of assistance
to discuss and brainstorm pathways forward.
Lack of basic infrastructure
Recommendation: EPA should continue to work with Integrated Planning, particularly with low-
income, minority, and rural communities in order to identify funding sources for water
infrastructure and provide low cost options.
Recommendation: EPA should work with USDA to identify strategies for communities to fund
infrastructure needs in low-income, minority, and rural communities.
Recommendation: EPA should look for funding opportunities within the Water Infrastructure
Finance Innovation Authority (WIFIA) under the WRDA to provide funds for water infrastructure
for low-income, minority, and rural communities.
Access to resources to address community problems
Finding: Low-income, minority, and rural communities often lack the capacity to access
resources or often lack information on how to access information. Often, this information is
written in English and is not available in multi-lingual media.
Finding: Low-income, minority, and rural communities are also on a digital divide and may not
have network connections or email accessibility for online trainings or online resources.
Recommendation: EPA should provide online resources and one-to-one training targeted at low-
income, minority, and rural communities to address community issues.
Recommendation: EPA should provide resources to foster peer-to-peer learning and sharing
opportunities to address community issues and challenges.
Recommendation: EPA should foster opportunities to facilitate other federal and state agencies
to come together for the benefit of low-income, minority, and rural communities.
Recommendation: EPA should meet with the low-income, minority, and rural communities to
learn from their perspective what their needs and concerns are.
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EPA's Plan EJ 2014 as a strategic plan for EJ issues
Finding: EPA's Plan EJ 2014 established a set of strategic goals and a statement of concrete
actions the agency will take over a multi-year time to address environmental and public health
disparities. Plan EJ 2014 has been implemented and the agency needs to develop a follow up
plan of action.
Recommendation: The EPA should consider drafting a comprehensive blueprint for advancing
environmental justice, particularly identifying and outlining steps to follow Plan EJ 2014.
Recommendation: The EPA should carefully weigh the impacts of climate change on vulnerable
communities, particularly those with EJ concerns, and address these impacts in a strategic plan
so that no community is left behind.
Conclusion
Environmental justice is a wide-ranging issue that affects low-income, minority, and small rural
communities. Many communities continue to struggle in 2015 without the adequate resources
to address major environmental and public health concerns. These challenges include lack of
access to resources, contaminated land, inadequate water infrastructure, climate change
threats and health disparities. This gap contributes to a divide between "those who have" and
"those who have not," which challenges all of our communities. Some communities struggle to
achieve long-term sustainability, which degrades the overall quality of life for all citizens. Low-
income, minority, and rural communities are left without the means by which they can improve
their situations. Although federal and state governments have acted to improve EJ and rural
issues on a large scale, low-income, minority, and rural communities still have case-specific
issues that have yet to be solved.
Such complex, enormous challenges require creative approaches to encourage success in EJ
impacted and rural communities. Local governments are on the frontline of these solutions. This
report highlights innovative examples where LGAC members have put forth our leadership to
address these challenges and to make a visible difference in our communities. These ideas have
ranged from the creation of private-public partnerships, to forming local networks, to increasing
public health awareness and education. The approaches we have identified in this report can
serve as examples for other vulnerable communities faced with similar environmental justice
obstacles.
The LGAC appreciates that the EPA has worked hand-in-hand with local governments in a
partnership with the states and tribes to address EJ issues. The LGAC recognizes that Plan EJ
2014 was hugely successful in establishing the partnerships at the local level and setting forth a
clear direction of transparent goals. We believe that moving forward with this type of plan can
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further assist communities with environmental justice concerns, and can also be expanded to
address the needs of rural communities.
The LGAC believes that, through the enlightened efforts and vision of local leaders,
organizations, and community members, in partnership with the EPA, states, and tribes, we
have already begun the journey to achieve the American dream of sustainable and thriving
communities for all.
Acknowledgements
The LGAC and the Environmental Justice (EJ) Workgroup thank the EPA and Administrator
Gina McCarthy for engaging communities large and small on the many issues affecting local
government, such as environmental justice. The Committee also would like to acknowledge
Mark Rupp, EPA's Deputy Associate Administrator, Intergovernmental Relations as well as
Charles Lee, Deputy Associate Administrator for Environmental Justice in the Office of
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA), for their continued support of and advocacy
for local governments and environmental justice. We would also like to thank EPA staff,
Victoria Robinson (OEJ), Kevin Olp (OEJ), Carleton Ely (OEJ), Michael Wenstrom (Region 8),
and Shea Jones-Johnson (Region 4).
We also express our utmost appreciation for all of the communities we serve and the
partners all too numerous to name who have made these projects a success. We also want
to thank EPA Interns who have contributed to this Report: Jenna Behrendt, Jincy Varughese,
and Jordyn Giannone. We particularly would like to acknowledge and thank Amrita Spencer,
OCIR Intern, for hearing our interviews, listening to our stories and taking a creative and
lead role in producing this Report. We would also like to acknowledge members of our staff
who have assisted: Nate LaRose, staff assistant for Mayor Lisa Wong; Lisa Valencia
(Supervisor Carbajal's office); Kathleen Hartfield (Mayor Johnny DuPree); Brad Pearson
(Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Circo's office); Chelsea Whittington (Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson's
office); Macheal Brooks (Mayor Elizabeth Kautz); Shirley Posten (Prince George's County-
Director Ortiz' office); Shurley Lazarus and Chris Anastasi (Mayor Bill Finch's office).
Finally, we would like to acknowledge the thousands of people who live with or have
suffered from the impacts of pollution, or live downwind to toxic chemicals, smokestacks,
toxic chemical fires, uncontrolled run-off. The issue of a clean and safe environment may be
an issue of life and death for many with debilitating health issues of asthma, emphysema,
heart disease and other illnesses. We also dedicate this Report to the many people of the
environmental justice community who advocate and work toward a clean environment and
public health on a daily basis: We thank you.
As local leaders, we are in some way taking the steps necessary to promote equity in public
decision-making that will lead to a cleaner and safer environmental where everyone has an
opportunity to live and thrive. We are so encouraged by the dedication, innovation and
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wisdom of our many local government colleagues and partners who are making a visible
difference in communities. Thank you for doing your part!
Bibliography
1. Government Accountability Office: Natural resources and environment: siting of hazardous waste landfills and their
correlation with racial and economic status of surrounding communities (1983)
2. Federal actions to address environmental justice in minority populations and low-income populations; Federal
Register, Vol. 59, No. 32. [http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/executive-orders/pdf/12898.pdf]
3. Santa Barbara County Air Pollution District, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, National Marine Sanctuary,
Environmental Defense Fund; Protecting blue whales and blue skies: Results from 2014 ship speed reduction trial in
Santa Barbara Channel; Pub. March 3, 2015
4. Taylor, W; Floyd, M; Whitt-Glover, M; Brooks, J. Environmental Justice: a framework for collaboration between the
public health and parks and recreation fields to study disparities in physical activity (2007)
City of Fitchburg, Massachusetts (c) 2015 Sentinel & Enterprise. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission of Digital
First Media
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23
Source for photos: Santa Barbara County Website, Agricultural Commissioner/ Weights and Measures Department
http://cosb.countvofsb.org/agcomm/
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LGAC EJ Case Studies Appendix
Photo Sources: Santa Barbara County website (top); Brian Sorg
(bottom-left}; City of Kansas City website (bottom-right)
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25
Appendix- EJ Best Practices for Local Government
Kansas City, Missouri 26
Bridgeport, Connecticut 28
Salt Lake City, Utah 30
Fitchburg, Massachusetts 32
Prince George's County, Maryland 34
Rural Mississippi Small Communities 36
Laredo, Texas 38
Greensburg, Kansas 40
Santa Barbara, California 42
Gary, Indiana 44
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Tip 1: Use of Green Infrastructure
Addressing Storm Water Challenges
Through Community Involvement
TLachyear, an average of 6.5
billion gallons of untreated effluent
are discharged from the sewer
systems in Kansas City, entering
local creeks, streams and rivers.
Sanitary seu-er o vet flows dis-
charge another 100 million gal-
lons annually. Sewer backup and
flood events increase in likelihood
if there is excess water cfter
storms. ^4s a result of these over-
flows surrounding water quality is
impacted, changingflow volume
and bacteria levels. Kansas City
agreed, as part of a Clean Water
^A.ct settlement, to eliminate all
sanitary system discharges and
reduce CSOs discharge by 2025.
The response to this court order
was a movement to reduce green-
house gas emissions, and involve
the community in city decisions.
Now, sustain ability has
become a core principle
and part of Kansas City's
identity. The new plan to reduce
emissions is a citizen directed
effort, with tremendous benefits.
To control floods along the Blue
River, the city asked for 200
stakeholders input. Their sugges-
tions led to use of natural weirs
and jetties, along with natural
buffers, to replace concrete chan-
nelization. This was very effective,
less e>cpensive, and less damaging
for habitat and wildlife.
"We wanted to talk
about the CSOs, but
the residents wanted
to talk about sidewalks
and maintenance.99 -
Mayor Pro Tern Cindy
Circo
An ideas fair in 2013 shared best practice approaches for community improvements bv highlighting citizen
empowerment and innovation.
Source: SustainabiHtr in Kansas City
What's Unique about Kansas City: Why Green
Infrastructure worked
Environmental Justice was not a
goal for Kanasas City but neverthe-
less, was a result of this project.
Originally, it was an attempt to
revitalize a neighborhood by build-
ing a tank for stormwater runoff to
collect and be sent to a wastewater
treatment plant. City Officials'
main goal was for less stormwater
collection in streets, less runoff
entering the treatment system dur-
ing storms, and to abide by the
mandated court order.
Outreach: As the result of community meetings to
find alternatives for funding, the project turned its
focus to green infrastructure. Residents wanted a
project that would increase property values, calm
traffic and have other community improvements.
Location: The community where the pilot took place
was an older neighborhood, with lots of vacant prop-
erty. In addition to the program, officials marketed
home repairs and remedied code violations. Property
values rose, and the neighborhood has grown.
Project HighLighights
The pilot project took place over 744 acres of an
older neighborhood, utilizing green infrastructure to
reduce storm waters. Improvements filtered pollu-
tion from runoff, and slowed down water to enable
percolation through the soil. Projects included:
Rain Gardens
Stream buffers
Planting trees
Green Infrastructure
Permeable pavers
Porous sidewalk
The expansion of the project
to other neighborhoods will
ensure equitable develop-
ment.
A main focus of the program
is preservation of the envi-
ronment through economic
development.
For more information on this project, contact Brad Pearson at brad.pearson@kcmo.org
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Key
Partnerships
Hie Wet Weather Solu-
tions Program of Kansas
City's Water Services De-
partment was responsible
for development of the
plan.
Parks and Recreation and
Public Works were instru-
mental in program imple-
mentation.
Outreach with the public
and community groups
was an essential compo-
nent of the planning pro-
cess.
Public input was given at a
number of meetings. To
ensure continued involve-
ment, timelines and re-
ports on the project are
available to the communi-
ty.
The Blue River Watershed
Association collaborated
with educators to create
an educational program
for school children.
"We work with busi-
nesses to make the city
greenernot because it
is a feel good trend, but
because sustainability is
a good business mod-
el. " City Manager
and Mayor of Kansas
City
Lessons
Learned
Rain Garden Initiative progress
has slowed, due to limited financ-
es.
Funding was a large issue, and
finding an approach that incorpo-
rates local, state and federal fund-
ing would be useful. As would an
increase in sales tax for utilities.
Expected Outcomes
Results from the pilot demonstrate a re-
duction of stormwater bv 36%-76%
The program will now expand into the
rest of the city, and provide similar
amenities
Expansion will replace Gray with Green
Improve infrastructure
Restore side walks
Increase road and sidewalk mainte-
nance
Utilize urban planning and green infra-
structure to revitalize neighborhoods,
further community improvements, and
support economic growth
Reduce flooding
Increase property values and migration
Foster community collaboration
Create innovative ways for utilization of
green infrastructure
Calm Traffic
Design firms now come forward with
suggestions for how it will affect
"other needs within the community in
the area" Mayor Pro Tem Cindy
Circo
Measurements of Progress
Throughout the project, success was determined by impacts on:
Community satisfaction,
through participation in
Bioretention
Sewer Rerouting
Extended Dry
Detention Basin
Extended Wet
Dentention Basin
Rain Gardens
Stormwater Reuse
Strategic Sewer
Separation
Infiltration
trenches
meetings that notified the
public of details regarding
the program
Awards and
Recognition
An educational program for
elementary school children
that explains the water cycle
has been acknowledged for
its success. The US Water
Alliance invited City Staff
to present the Middle Blue
River Pilot Project at the
National Urban Sustaina-
bility Leadership Confer-
ence in 2012. NACO spot-
lighted the Middle Blue
River Basin pilot project in
2012.
Examples of implemented Green Infrastructure
Source: Investing in Kansas City: Improving Water Quality with Green
Solutions
Challenges
Distressed infrastructure in older neigh-
borhoods made adjustments difficult.
Persuading the private sector to discon-
nect from the sewer system was difficult.
There was initial resistance to the devel-
opment of a new system.
Visible Differences
Restoration of a community
Community involvement and empow-
erment
Focusing on the triple line: economic,
social and environmental sustainability,
not the bottom line.
1.100
Linear Fn<
Permeable Pavers
67
R«n Gardens
28
Curb Extension
Rain Gardens
4.300
Y Linear Feet
, Porous Sidewalk
Cascade
Rain Gardens
36
Bioretention
Rain Gardens
For more information on this project, contact Brad Pearson at brad.pearson@kcmo.org
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Bridgeport, Connecticut
Sustainable Development that Mitigates
Community Environmental Justice Issues
The Community
Median income: $37,571
25% living below the pov-
erty Hne
Connecticut Environmental
Justice Act
The Connecticut Environmental
Justice Act (Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 22a-
20a) enacted in 2008 has provided the
process framework for environmental
justice inclusion as a matter of course
and legal rigfct in most major Bridgeport
development projects. This ground-
breaking legislation recognizes 25 low
income municipalities (aka distressed
municipalities such as Bridgeport) and
low income neighborhoods in 34 other
Connecticut towns as environmental
justice communities; and mandates
meaningful public participation in pur-
suit of ensuring appropriate public
input and achieving environmental
benefit agreements whenever siting of
potentially major polluting facilities are
proposed.
Under the Act. applicants who
propose development of major pollut-
ing facilities in these environmental
justice priority locations and file for a
permit or siting approval from the CT
Department of Energy and Environ-
mental Protection or the CT Siting
must develop a public outreach plan
that must be approved, subject to a
public meeting at least 60 days prior to
a final decision. This plan must also
include discussions with the chief elect-
ed official and the EJ community about
mitigation measures to offset the pro-
posed environmental hazards of the
project.
BGREEN 2020: SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE
ENTIRE COMMUNITY
Bridgeport Connecticut's popula-
tion has a median household income
which is almost 30% less than the
national median. There has been a
need for a program that could pro-
mote economic development with-
out exposing low-income and mi-
nority residents to environmental
and health risks. Bridgeport has
responded to this need by develop-
ing BGreen 2020, a comprehensive
sustain ability plan for the entire City.
A key structural element of this
sustain ability plan is its inclusiveness
and grassroots community involve-
ment. The concept arose from a
partnership with the Bridgeport
Regional Business Council
(ceBRBC") and is representative of all
socio-economic strata and commu-
nity stakeholders. As a former heavy
-industrial coastal urban center with
a disproportionatdy tinder-served
and tow income population, Bridge-
port has instituted structural pro-
cesses guaranteed to ensure environ-
mental justice is a cornerstone of the
City's future. A primary component
of Bridgeport's plans for a sustaina-
ble and just environment is commu-
nity participation.
In Bridgeport's green sustainable
development initiatives the impacted
community has been reached out to
and fully engaged to achieve a con-
sensus regarding project scope,
community impact and environmen-
tal benefits to mitigate or offset
negative effects. The goal, and the
result, in each instance has been
smart, eco-sensitive, sustainable
development with climate change
mitigation achievements and envi-
ronmental justice for all stakehold-
ers. The City's environmental justice
community collaboration consistent-
ly has been in compliance with the
letter and spirit of the Connecticut
Environmental Justice Act.
Parks: a form of green infrastructure and source
OF REVITALIZATION
In 2012. the City of Bridgeport
began efforts to significantly increase
its park land in hopes of improving
access for the public while revitaliz-
ing neighborhoods. The city ana-
lyzed access to park land as well as
access to cars, income levels, and
population density in different areas
to assess need.
Bridgeports park expansion includ-
ed planting trees in park areas and
neighboring streets. Tree canopies m
cities help filter common air pollu-
tants like carbon dioxide, ozone.
sulfur dioxide and particulate matter
Bridgeport's tree canopy currendy
makes up 27% of the city's land and
a USDA study found that the pollu-
tant removal done by the city's
canopy is valued at S860,405. The
natural filtering provided by soil on
park land reduces stormwater runoff
by 97,570,000 cubic feet and saves
the citv an estimated $751,289 in
stormwater treatment. An expanded
park system is also expected to
protect Bridgeport's communities
and reduce damage to neighbor-
hoods from floods and other ex-
treme weather events.
These park projects also stimulated
redevelopment in the city, primarily
the east side and downtown. A
recent study found that commercial
and residential properties within .1
mile of a Bridgeport park are valued
11% and 8% higher, respectively,
than properties in the next tenth of a
mile. Therefore, increasing and
improving park spaces is expected to
bring more people as well as greater
investment into these areas.
jtts of Ull
Bridgeport will
win the race to
ZERO WASTE!
Source: Facebook, c
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Partnerships and Engage-
ment
Bridgeport Regional
Business Council
(BBRC)
CT. Dept. of Energy and
Environmental Protec-
tion
Local Citizen Engage-
ment
"In Bridgeport, we're
focused on making our city a
place where companies want
to invest and hire people,
and a place where even more
people choose to live, work,
and raise their families. "
-Mayor Bill Finch
The Neighboorhood Revitalization
Zone (NRZ)
Adoption of the Neighborhood
Revitalization Zone ("'NRZ'7)
model is a further method for
inchisiveness in meeting socie-
ty's current and future sustaina-
bilitv challenges while ensuring
environmental justice. The
NRZ process is a collaborative
system that engages community
representatives to work with
local governments to revitalize
neighborhoods that are dispro-
portionately substandard, un-
safe, blighted, environmentally
contaminated, and susceptible to
the consequences of climate
change and in urgent need of
environmental justice for the
inhabitants of their residential
and commercial districts. The
NRZ concept is dependent
upon community involvement in
planning and action geared to
producing localized comprehen-
sive redevelopment plans. Such
grassroots input is the impetus
for advancing environmental
justice for all, regardless of race,
religious beliefs, income level or
other demographics.
The NRZ process was estab-
lished by CT Public Act 95-340,
as amended by PA.. 99-35 as a
local legislative methodology for
creation of local strategic plans.
The over-riding policy objective
is to revitalize neighborhoods
and create a sustainable environ-
mentally just mini-society
through the joint involvement of
residents, businesses and gov-
ernment to determine and then
fulfill the vision and priorities
established by the individual
neighborhoods. To date, Bridge-
port has formed more than a
half dozen NRZs.
HUD Rebuild By Design Program
This collaborative approach also is
exemplified by Bridgeport's partic-
ipation in HUD's Rebuild by
Design program dedicated to
making the City more resilient to
coastal storm impacts and to pro-
tecting our vulnerable population
from the increasing challenges
presented by climate change.
Sections of Bridgeport notably
the coastal South End, benefit
from being served by both the
Rebuild by Design and NRZ initi-
atives. A major emphasis for this
neighborhood is the replacement
and relocation of high-density
public housing projects sited in
coastal flood zones with signifi-
cant environmental risk from air.
soil and water pollution to smart
growth, environmentally just,
scattered site development.
Bridgeport Projects developed with Public
Engagement
A lay oral Advisory Commit-
tee of community stakehold-
ers to facilitate the transition
of a local power plant from
coal burning to natural gas
consumption
Complete Streets Process to
incorporate public transit,
bicycling and pedestrian
travel into Bridgeport's
transit solutions
A rewards based program to
increase recycling rates
Mayor's Conservation Corps.
a youth outreach program
to encourage citizen partici-
pation in recycling, energy-
audits, storm-water diversion
from our sewer treatment
system and residential solar
panel installation to reduce
the volume of mass burn of
solid waste
Conversion of a closed mu-
nicipal landfill into a renewa-
ble Green Energy Park with
9,000 solar panels producing
2.2 mw of energy and 2.8
mw of clean fuel cell output;
Development of an Eco-
technology Park in the City's
South and West Ends for
sustainable development and
mdustrial symbiosis
Heating & cooling loop that
will provide heat and air condi-
tioning to 6 million sq. ft. of
downtown commercial space
and to the Univ. of Bndgeport
An autoclave system to dis-
pose of non-hazardous hospi-
tal waste in an environmentally
friendly manner
Sewage and food waste anaer-
obic digester
For more information on BGreen 2020, -visit http://www.bridgeportct.gov/content/89019/97299/default.aspx 20
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Salt Lake City, Utah
Partnering with State, local, and grassroot
ORGANIZATIONS TO ADDRESS CHILDREN'S HEALTH
DISPARITIES IN REFUGEE COMMUNITIES
AN UNCONVENTIONAL VENUE TO UNDERSTAND THE
NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY: COMMUNITY SEWING
GROUPS
About the Community
Designated Refugee
Area representative of
over 21 countries
39% minority residents
Approximately 1/4 live
below poverty line
50% of residents
normative English
speakers
The West Side community just
west of Salt Lake City Utah is
home to a sizable population of
refugees. These citizens hail from
many countries around the
world, including, hut not limited
to, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Bur-
ma, and Somalia. In a commu-
nity filled with different cultural
and religious values, there is a
sense of cultural isolation among
many of the residents. The entire
community experiences the same
threats to their overall quality of
life, but there is not enough com-
fort or trust to reach out beyond
their cultural corrrfort level.
ERA's Region 8 partnered with
other local, State, and grass-root
organisations to reach out to the
community, determine their most
pressing concerns, and imple-
ment programs to address their
concerns. What stood out to the
project planners was the vulnera-
bility of children to environmen-
tal and health risks. Programs
were developed to increase protec-
tion of children from several
different threats.
Source: Michael Wenstxom, EPA Region 8
In a community made up of
many different ethnic
groups, outreach and discus-
sions about community
threats is a challenge. This is
exacerbated by a language
barrier that can prevent ef-
fective access to communi-
ties through conventional
social media outlets. To help
bridge the gap between gov-
ernment agencies and com-
munities, EPA teamed up
with Comunidades Unidas, a
local organization committed
Created summary of
health data
Created community
profile report
Organized cleanup of
Jordan River
to serve the needs of the
Latino population in the
West Side. This unusual
collaboration helped shed
some light onto the dispari-
ties present in the refugee
community. Project mem-
bers were brought to a lo-
cal sewing club held in the
local community center.
This provided the chance
to talk with local women
about the matters they were
most concerned with. The
women in the group articu-
Worked with 26 com-
munity leaders and more that
15 partner agencies
Used Community Needs
Assessment as a tool of En-
gagement
lated concerns about pub-
lic health, lack of jobs, and
other factors affecting the
quality of life. This is im-
portant because it allowed
EPA representatives to
reach out to other govern-
ment and non-
governmental agencies
who can more directly
address issues that aren't
related to environmental
protection.
Created I HEART
ROSE PARK program to
advocate for more communi-
ty involvement
Green and Healthy
Homes Project
Project Highlights
-------
31
Active Participating Or-
ganizations:
Comunidades Unidas
UT Department of Envi-
ronmental Quality
Salt Lake City Health De-
partment
UT Society for Environ-
mental Education
Salt Lake City Division of
Sus tainability
Salt Lake City School Dis-
trict
UT Department of Health
National Children's
Study University of Utah
Breathe Utah
Lessons Learned
Partnership building takes
a long time
Most of the Not all con-
cerns of the community are
directly related to the envi-
ronment
Outreach is a learning pro-
cess
You learn to value what the
community values
Must be willing to leave ego
behind
Community Leadership Trainings
The Initiative included an 8-week
community leadership course led by
Comunidades Unidas for parents
and youth in the community. This
course taught parents how to effec-
tively engage with local stakeholders
to address concerns affecting their
children and their communities.
Attendees learned how to utilize
public engagement, partnership de-
velopment, and conflict resolution
as tools to build community support
and unity, as well as express their
concerns to government and local
groups in a manner that would en-
sure swift action. Capstone projects
were included in the course curricu-
lum to give students first-hand expe-
rience in problem resolution. One
example capstone project was
an assignment for parents to
request a stop sign to be
placed on a busy intersection
to increase security for chil-
dren who walk to and from
school. Twenty-one students
graduated from the training
course, thus creating the
first group of empow-
ered citizens who can
use the skills that they
have learned to make
lasting , positive changes
to their community.
Source: Michael Wenstrom. EPA Region 8
Accomplishments
Facilitated working partner-
ships with more than a
dozen local, state. And
community based organi-
zations
Designed a unique commu-
nity engagement model to
fit the needs of the neigh-
borhoods
Created a profile report
characterizing community
environmental and health
concerns
Created an environmental
data map for the West Side
community
Cleaned 1.5 miles of the
Jordan River
Created community-based
website to be used as com-
munity-wide forum
Supported Parent Leader-
ship Training for 20 com-
munity families
Designed and Distributed
500 community-specific
kits for Green and Healthy
Homes
Challenges
One of the major challenges
the Initiative faced was the
process of reaching out to all
parts of the community. With
such a wide variety of ethnic
groups that isolate themselves
from other groups, it was
difficult to seek out members
from all interested parties. In
particular, there was an issue
of "minority within minori-
ties." In the West End com-
munity, Latinos make up over
50% of the total population.
This proves to be a problem
for smaller represented com-
munities, such as those from
Sierra Leone or Nigeria, who
are not comfortable reaching
out to a bigger population
that has different cultural
values. The Latino popula-
tion, on the other hand, is a
little more open to reaching
out to other agencies through
local grass-root organizations
like Comunidades Unidas. As a
result, there was substantially
more input from the Latino
community than from other
communities in the EJ Area.
However; community outreach
is an ever-evolving process.
There will be methods devel-
oped over time that will enable
more communication with
other ethnic groups.
-------
32
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Using economic growth to
EMPOWER LOCAL COMMUNITIES
At a Glance
Older industrial town
Former site of paper mill
industry
Riverfront Re vital ization
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
was established and devel-
oped along the Nashua
River , traditionally relying
on the paper mill industry
as a main source of eco-
nomic growth. During the
mid-twentieth century,
however, the Fitchburg
paper mills closed down in
order to relocate closer to
their associated pulping
plants. This upheaval crip-
pled Fitchburg's economy.
Unemployment levels rose
with the loss of manufac-
turing jobs, which in turn
hurt the commercial sector.
Changes needed to be
made in order to protect
the livelihoods of Fitchburg
citizens. However,
measures taken to improve
the environment also pro-
vided economic stability of
the town had the unantici-
pated effect of benefiting
especially vulnerable com-
munities in the area. This
case study highlights the
importance of connecting
the people back to the riv-
er.
The collective impact re
A NEW MEASURE OF ECONOM
Fitchburg, Massachusetts,
the City on the River, has
historically depended on
the paper mill industry for
economic prosperity.
When the mills closed,
however, Fitchburg's
economy suffered greatly
from the job and revenue
loss. The unemployment
rate rose to levels above
the state average, which
decreased the overall qual-
ity of life for citizens.
What was more alarming
was the health disparities
that were wreaking havoc
on the city*. Childhood-
obesity and post-partum
depression were particu-
larly noticeable. Something
clearly needed to be done
to address Fitchburg's
economic problems, but
there also had to be
measures to protect public
health and the environ-
ment.
The Collective Impact
report Card was developed
to provide a more com-
prehensive measure of
Fitchburg's overall health.
It not only measures eco-
nomic factors, such as
unemployment levels and
per-capita income, but it
also focuses on environ-
ment, socioeconomic sta-
tus, and public health. Put
simply, this report card
aims to measure commu-
nity health both quantita-
tively and qualitatively.
PORT CARD-
IC GROWTH
Source: Nashua Watershed Association
Project Highlights
Brownfields Clean-up
Redevelopment
Use of Green Infrastructure
Improving access to the river
Private sector investments
-------
33
"In some cases, we're not
spending more. In some
cases, we're spending less.
We're spending
differently. And we're
still getting results."
-MayorUsa Wong
Revitalizing the Riverfront-
Cleaning up the Nashua River
Fitchburg is located along the
Nashua River, making the citv a
part of the Nashua River Water
shed. The Nashua River was
historically a polluted river,
mainlv due to storm water run-
off from the 32 communities
that are located within the water-
shed. The river was eventually
cleaned up, but there was not
much activity along the river for
years. Realizing that the Nashua
River could provide economic
benefits, the city of Fitchburg,
along with the city of Nashua in
New Hampshire, developed
community development plans
to revitalize the Nashua River-
front.
One main issue that needed to
be addressed was community
access to the river. Many of the
old Fitchburg paper mills were
built along the river, thus re-
stricting access to the water.
Floodwalls, while necessary to
protect the citv, also served as
barriers to the river. The Fitch-
burg river restoration project
was nominated for and became a
Massachusetts Division of Eco-
logical Restoration (DER) prior-
ity project. With this support,
Fitchburg was able to modify a
floodwall near the Riverfront
Park to create an access point to
the river. By creating an access
point to the river, Fitchburg was
able to increase the total area of
community land. This benefits
the community by providing
more green space, and allowing
more businesses to locate to
areas close to the river.
Source: Nashua Watershed Society
Lessons Learned
Citizen engagement
makes a difference
Cleaning up and re-
storing the river -
provides for economic
opportunities
Providing green infra-
structure and green-
wavs along the river
promotes healthier
lifestyle provides a
high quality of life for
all the citizens
Inside Story Headline
Fitchburg was born of the Nashua River and reached its glory
by tapping into the power of the Nashua River. Again the city
is looking to the river to be the catalyst to its revitalization. -
Fitchburg Urban Renewal Plan
The city of Fitchburg has seen a renewal by citizen and business participation in creating a vision to
reconnect the river back to the citizen. Urban revitalization is flourishing by cleaning up the river,
improving access, instituting green infrastructure, and citizen engagement to recreate the blue ribbon
flowing through the city.
CHALLENGES
Restoring flow and controlling storm water run-off
Improving vital water infrastructure
Improving greenwavs and access to the river
Private sector investments in a clean environment
-------
34
Prince George's County, MD
Innovative Funding for
Water Infrastructure
Alternative Compliance Kickoff Ceremony
Source: Prince George's Count}- Department of the Environment Flikr
An Original Approach to an Increasingly Common
PROBLEM: THE JOURNEY OF PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY
Description of
The Community
With a population of approxi-
mately 890,000, Prince
George's County is the second
most populous county in May-
land. Persons of minority com-
prise 73.4% of the community.
Close to 10% of the residents in
the county fall below the poverty
level and unemployment rates
have hovered at 6°/o for the last
year. It is clear that the county
faces many challenges. One of
the biggest obstacles for the com-
munity in recent years has been
the demand on the aging water
storage and pipe network that
exists below the streets of Prince
George's CountyA
Fast facts
Location: Prince George's
County, Maryland
Who: Adam Ortiz, Director
for the Department of the
Environment for Prince
George's Count}*
When: 2012
What: The launching of a
Public Private Partnership
(P3) to combat the outdated
water infrastructure that
plagued the community
members of Prince George's
County
A series of hot summers and
rainy wet seasons in recent years
have been detrimental to the
stormwater system throughout
Prince George's County. With a
population continuing to ap-
proach almost 900,000 and the
new weather norms, the strain
on the community's aging water
infrastructure has been consid-
erably high. In order to deal
with the threat of crumbling
storage tanks and exploding
pipes, October of 2012, Air.
Ortiz's department launched
an innovative pilot program
for the Maryland county. The
agency implemented a Public
Private Partnership (P3) to
enhance local business partici-
pation in the County's urban
stormwater retrofit program
The program has not only
developed cleaner best prac-
tices, but has also greatly in-
creased community participa-
tion in sustainability pro-
grams. This ground-breaking
approach has fostered new
relationships between both
the private sector and com-
munity participants. The P3
Pilot Program has created an
atmosphere for cooperation
and has allowed the county
to turn combatting the issue
of water infrastructure into a
full-scale, community-wide
effort
Project Highlights
Focus on retrofitting drainage of road-
ways
First use of the P3 Model for urban ret-
rofitting
Received more than $1 million in grants
for 13 new stormwater projects in 2015
Once construction is complete, the esti-
mated 40,000-50,000 practices that will require
continual maintenance
Encourages flexibility and innovation in
businesses
Expected to create 5,000-7,000 new jobs
for the community
1. 'Prince George's County Quickfacts from the U.S. Census Bureau/'" last modified February 5, 2015. http:/ qmckfacts.census.gov/ qfd; states /24/ 24033.html
-------
35
KEY PARTNERSHIPS
Prince George's County looked to
thefollowing types of groups to create
sustainable partnerships:
Private
Faith-Based Communities
Local Banks and Financ-
ing Institutions
Realtors
Non-profits
Local Entrepreneurs
Contractors
Manufacturers
Public
Political Leaders
Public Works
Environmental Resources
Schools
State
"Through this partner-
ship...we are able to imple-
ment projects that not only
reduce polluted runoff
from entering local waters,
but also educate our resi-
dents, neighborhoods,
communities of faith, and
others on how they can
partner with us to help
improve our community.
Director for the Environ-
ment Adam Ortiz
Lessons Learned
Asking for help through
both public and private
partnerships promotes
success
Community-wide efforts
can increase participation,
education, and action to-
wards environmental justice
causes
Innovative approaches to
common problems foster
improvement
Getting the Community involved
Public outreach was a large component of the initial steps in the water infrastructure plan. The countv
recognized the benefit of public involvement and wanted to gamer support from citizens, elected officials
and non-profit partners. Public outreach efforts included citizen focus groups and review groups, public
hearings, and access to materials. By getting the public so heavily involved, the county promoted environ-
mental education and initiated a discussion about a truft* important issue that affected all members of the
communitv.2
Spotlight: On Faith-
based Initiatives
Director Adam Ortiz negotiated with local church leaders
in the community to get them involved in the stormwater
partnership as well Churches can gain an instant discount
on their stormwater fees by adopting green practices that
will reduce runoff amounts, lower pollution levels, and
create a cleaner environment. Approximately 30 churches
have applied for this new rebate deal since the launching
of the partnership since November 2014. Churches can
build rain gardens, plant trees, or participate in other envi-
ronmentally beneficial practices in order to qualify.3
Source: Prince George's County Depart-
ment of the Environment- Flikr
Initial Challenges
Accomplishments
Failing septic systems needed improve-
Newer stormwater management practices
ment
and improvements have been proven to be
Minimal opportunities for traditional
more effective for:
funding
Treatment of nutrients and
Traditional storm water management
other pollutants
intended for flood control did not ade-
Controlling runoff and flooding
quately remove pollutants
Preventing stream erosion
Challenges convincing smaller stake-
Protection of potable water, recreation,
holders and business owners to invest
fishing, agriculture4
in the project
Looking Ahead
* iM' cii
Stream restoration in Prince George's Countv,
MD
Source: Maryland SHA
Updates to the county water infrastructure sys-
tem are ongoing. Future projects include further
conservation efforts on the water systems
throughout the county. Stream restoration and
construction mitigation have been top priorities
for the Department of the Environment. Con-
tinuing to promote the best environmental
stewardship principles is of the utmost im-
portance, as well as the continuation of main-
taining mutually beneficial partnerships with the
public and private sectors.
2. http:/ / resifrency.ku.edu/planning/pnnce-geoiges-countT-green-infrastructure-plan/
3. http:/ /www-washinofonpost.com/local/md-pohtics/churches-receive-stonnwater-fee-discounts-br-st-artinp-OT-f₯*n-
ministriessermons /2014/11/16/^bbb94e4-6914-11 e4-b053-65cea~903f2e storvhtml
4. http:/ /www.pgplanning.org/Assets/Planning/Programs-*-and+Proiects/Special+ Projects/Water+Resources+Master+Plan/
Community+meeting+presentation.pdf
-------
36
Mississippi Mayors
A Regional Approach to
Environmental Justice Issues
Source: EPA
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: TACKLING
Environmental Challenges By Joining
Together With the Neighbors Next Door
About The State
Includes communities
¦with poverty rates of
50%
Median incomes of
about $25,000
Incarceration numbers
can reach 25,000 in
some areas
Mississippi has the
highest rate of heart
disease and cancer
deaths
34% of the state's pop-
ulation are obese
42% have high choles-
terol (the highest per-
centage out of all states
in the nation
Out of every 1,000 indi-
viduals born in the
state, 9 die before the
age of 1
"If you can help people
in Mississippi, you can
help anyone in the US.
We have all of the is-
sues here in .Mississip-
pi, if you can solve
them here, you can
solve them every-
where. " - Mayor John-
ny Dupree, Hattiesburg,
MS
Rural communities in Mississip-
pi face a seemingly insurmount-
able amount of challenges to
acquire even the basic necessi-
ties. Access to health and infra-
structure is particularly difficult
to achieve. The variety of ex-
treme weather events, most
notably Hurricane Katrina, has
compounded the difficulties
individuals are combatting
throughout the state. The Mis-
sissippi Conference of Black
Mayors has committed to the
cause of environmental protec-
tion and economic stability for
Create a network of
African American mayors,
health care providers, pri-
vate businesses, entrepre-
neurs, local legislators, and
community members
all communities. The for-
mation of a network of over
40 mayors has created the
type of atmosphere that pro-
motes innovative ways of
dealing with access issues. The
city of Hattiesburg, for exam-
ple, has agreed to share trucks
and other similar resources
with neighboring towns to
facilitate transport of needed
materials. Other communities
share water infrastructure to
serve areas that are particular-
ly isolated.
Location and demographics
Increasing community
awareness and education
about environmental jus-
tice issues plaguing the
state of ^Mississippi
should not prevent anyone
from gaining the same access
to important resources. Rural
^Mississippi towns have found
that resource pooling enables
small, rural communities the
opportunity to receive the
utilities they need at a more
reasonable cost
Identifying and reduc-
ing sources of environmen-
tal health and safety risks
across rural Mississippi
communities
Highlights Of the Approach
-------
37
Participants2
This initiative arose out of the Xlississip-
pi Conference of Black Mayors. Partici-
patory cities include:
Cities
City of Aberdeen, City of Belzoni,
City of Canton, City of Charles-
ton, City of Clarksdale, City of
Cohimbus, Citv of Drew, Citv of
Durant, City of Fayette, City of
Hattiesburg, City of Hazlehurst,
City of Hollandale, City of Holy
Springs, City of Jackson, City of
Laurel, City of Leland, City of
Lexington, City of Lumberton,
City of Meridian, City of Moor-
head, City of Moss Point, City of
Okolona, City of Philadelphia,
City of Port Gibson, Citv of Quit-
man, City of Rolling Fork, City of
Ruleville. Citv of Shaw, City of
Shelby. City of Vicksburg, Citv of
Yazoo City
Towns
Town of Alligator, Town of Areo-
la, Town of Artesia, Town of
Benoit, Town of Bolton, Town of
Brooksville, Town of Car}*, Town
of Coahoma, Town of Coldwater,
Town of Crawford, Town of
Crosby, Town of Crowder, Town
of Cruger, Town of DoddsviDe,
Town of Duck Hill, Town of
Duncan, Town of Eden, Town of
Edwards, Town of Friars Point,
Town of Glendora, Town of
Gloster, Town of Gunnison,
Town of Heidelberg, Town of
Isola, Town of Itta Bena, Town of
Jonestown, Town of Lambert,
Town of Louise, Town of Lula,
Town of ^Xlaben, Town of Marion,
Town of Mayersville, Town of
Metcalfe, Town of Mound Bavou,
Town of Mount Olive, Town of
Oakland, Town of Pace, Town of
Pickens, Town of Plantersville,
Town of Potts Camp, Town of
Renova, Town of Roxie, Town of
Scooba, Town of Shubuta, Town
of Shuqualak, Town of Sidon,
Town of Sledge, Town of State
Line, Town of Summit, Town of
Sunflower, Town of Tchula, Town
of Terry, Town of Tutwiler, Town
of Utica, Town of Vaiden, Town
of Webb, Town of Wintstonville
Initial
Affordabilitv is the main issue that plagues
the most rural of ^Mississippi communities.
In some areas of the state, the median in-
come level for a familv of four just barely
reaches S25,000. Community projects that
require hundreds of thousands, or even mil-
lions, of dollars are very challenging to ad-
dress. Perhaps most troubling is the fact that
members of these communities do not have
the ability to acquire basic needs required for
healthy lifestyles. Healthy food, access to
public health, updated infrastructure, and
uncontaminated water supplies are essential
to even* community, but are also very costly.
Mayors discuss a new effort to protect the
^Mississippi River.
Accomplishments
Recipient of EPA's 2014 cooperative
agreement to reduce lead exposure and
SI .4 million initiative to provide mitigat-
ing resources for low-income families
living in inadequate, aging housing
Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initia-
tive to address river protection, restora-
tion, and management efforts
The regionalized approach has allowed
for the swapping of ideas, practices, and
strategies across rural communities
"Our challenges are great
in our communities. But
we are not sitting around
feeling sorry about it" -
Mayor Thelma Collins, Itta
Bena, MS
Lessons Learned
Communities can
pool resources pro-
vide water, waste
control, food and
electricity resources
to all residents
Creation of a new,
influential voice for
the state of Missis-
sippi that focuses
on local organizing
Rural areas have an
especially challeng-
ing time gaining ac-
cess to a variety of
resources and are at
a high risk within
the environmental
justice communities
1. http / /mrbmavors org/ahont-iis/
2. http:/ /yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/6D6550DCFEF7059~85257D550061FEQ9
kiy i
A **
im k MVYOW*
Source: EPA
-------
38
Laredo, TX
Strategic Planning to
PROMOTE HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES
About the
Community
Population of 248,000
95.6% Hispanic or
Latino population
91.1% bilingual
30.8% persons below
the poverty level
Laredo, Texas is unique
community" located on the
border between the United
States and Mexico. The city
has several environmental
justice communities that
bear disproportionate bur-
dens of environmental
harm, public health dispari-
ties, and economic prob-
lems. The inflow and out-
flow of people and pollu-
tants from both sides of
the border only add to the
public health disparities
present in the community".
In recent years, Laredo has
turned to strategic planning
to improve the town's eco-
nomic condition and ad-
dress public health issues.
Such planning includes
providing greater access to
outdoor spaces, better edu-
cating the public about
public health, and establish-
ing new developments that
enhance the overall com-
munitv life.
Active Living Plan: Incorporating Public
Health into all aspects of everyday life
Laredo city officials introduced
the Active Living Plan as a
means to encourage more com-
munity members of all ages to
make healthier lifestyle choices.
This plan targets the two main
indicators of public health: diet
and exercise.
One component of the program
is to encourage businesses to
allow employees to incorporate
exercise into their daily work
schedule. One of the biggest
deterrents to maintaining a reg-
ular exercise regime is a conflict
with work schedules. This part
of the Active Living Plan aims
to eliminate this challenge and
offer community members the
opportunity to exercise.
The Laredo Health depart-
ment has already adopted this
program. Workers have par-
ticipated in group Zumba
classes and walking sessions;
this fosters a sense of commu-
nity in die workplace and im-
proves public health, which in
turn increases worker produc-
tivity.
The Active Living Plan has
also challenged schools to
encourage healthier eating
options. This involves replac-
ing conventional vending ma-
chine options (ie. chips, soda,
cookies), with healthier op-
tions (ie. water, peanuts,
whole-fruit juices). This pro-
gram is to be extended to
both students and faculty,
which would ideally spur
behavioral changes in favor
of healthier foods.
Greenspace ordinance
Passed in 2004, the Green space
Ordinance aims to maintain the
balance between economic de-
velopment and environmental
protection. The ordinance re-
quires developers to allow for
green space when constructing a
new development. For instance,
the new outlet mall scheduled to
be built along the Rio Grande
River in Laredo will feature a
community waterpark on the
riverfront. This development
allows businesses to set up shop
in Laredo, but also gives the
community an outdoor public
area that will entice more chil-
dren to play outside. For devel-
opments occurring in areas that
already have designated green
space, developers are encour-
aged to made additions to exist-
ing green space. Overall, the
Green Space ordinance en-
courages more community
areas that encourage more
time spent outdoors.
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39
Key Partnerships:
The City of Laredo
Health Department
EPA Brownfields
Funding
The City of Laredo
School District
Local Businesses
Building Developers
Citizen's Environmental
Advisory Council
Active citizen participation in
local government has been sup-
ported through the Citizen's
Environmental Advisory Com-
mittee (CEAC). CEAC is a
group of professionals and envi-
ronmental advocates hailing
from a diverse range of back-
grounds that weighs in on pro-
posed citv plans and ordinances,
effectively providing a voice for
the people. All CEAC meetings
are publicly announced, and
public comment periods are
available for issues brought be-
fore the committee. When a
consensus is reached on an issue,
a recommendation letter is draft-
ed and sent to the decision-
making body, the citv council.
The CEAC has played a tremen-
dous role in the plastic bag ban
ordinance, as well as a program
to offer deposits on used tires
to prevent tire discards into the
Rio Grande River.
Lessons Learned:
Raising public awareness
about environmental issues
and health risks is vital in
the maintenance of a
healthy community
Prevention is more effec-
tive than taking action after
an incident or health risk
Environmental justice
communities can learn how
to access resources
Haynes Recreation Center
The Haynes Recreation
Center is a state-of-the-
art park in Laredo that
provides open access to
indoor and outdoor exer-
cise areas and community-
spaces. This park, funded
jointly through public
funds, private funds, and
EPA brownfields funds,
is a prime example of
how strategic develop-
ment can uplift emerging
communities.
The primary mission of
the Haynes Center is to
provide the public with
access to recreational
facilities as a way to im-
prove their overall quality
of life. Some facilities
offered by the Center
include an indoor and
outdoor track, a pool.
The presence of a public rec-
reation center has vastly im-
proved the quality of the sur-
rounding community. With
public access to trails and fa-
cilities comes increased public
participation in regular exer-
Challenges
The Active Living Plan,
while overall beneficial for
the well-bring of the com-
munity, does have its fair
share of challenges. One
major challenge is the con-
flict between individual
rights and the obligation
to protect families and the
environment. This is espe-
cially prevalent with the
measure to cut back on
unhealthy foods in
schools. So far, this pro-
gram has only been imple-
mented for children, but it
will soon be extended to
faculty as well Critics ar-
gue that the faculty have
the right to choose what
they want to eat. Propo-
nents of the program
claim that it is a right for
parents and educators to
protect children from
health and environmental
issues. It will take a lot of
discussion and compro-
mise to achieve a balance
between individual rights
and the right to protect
the communitv.
Source: Laredo Health Department
rooftop gardens, and a play-
ground that is equipped for
special needs children.
The Haynes center has been
built with green technology in
mind Building features in-
clude solar energy, retractable
glass walls, and recycled water
(using rain water holding
tanks). These "green" technol-
ogies provide the property-
increased resiliency against the
side affects of climate change
that are prevalent in the area,
such as drought conditions,
and increased strain on energy-
resources due to hot weather.
Source: Dr. Hector Gonzalez
cise regimes and a greater
appreciation for the out-
doors. In addition, A
building like the Haynes
Center promotes unity
and well-being throughout
the entire communitv.
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40
Greensburg, Kansas
Green Rebuilding
Greensburg, Kansas was
originally comprised of 1400
people prior to the tornado
of 2007. The economy in the
rural town was based solely
on the agricultural, oil, and
gas industries. According to
the Greensburg Sustainable
Comprehensive Plan 2008,
Greensburg had 515 single-
family residences, 215 rental
properties, a school, many
businesses along a few
downtown blocks, and city
offices. As the seat of Kiowa
County, Greensburg was also
the location for the county
courthouse, Kiowa County
Memorial Hospital, county
library, and other county
functions. The city of
Greensburg acted as a mu-
nicipal utility, selling electric-
ity, water, sewer, and trash
services to Greensburg cus-
tomers. like so many other
rural towns across America,
Greensburg had been experi-
encing a steady decline in
population over the past
several decades. In contrast
to a disaster that affects iso-
lated parts of a community,
the near-complete devasta-
tion in Greensburg made
long-range and comprehen-
sive community planning
imperative before substantial
rebuilding could begin. But
rather than let the tragic
events of the 2007 tornado
get their spirits down, the
people of Greensburg decid-
ed to rebuild. The resulting
energy-efficient Greensburg
is not just new, but im-
proved.
Rebuilding It Green: Combining
Energy and Infrastructure Goals
Source: Greensburg. KS VTebsite http: .greensburgks.org
On May 4, 2007, Greens-
burg, Kansas suffered a mas-
sive tornado that destroyed
95% of the city. Rather than
giving up in the face of ad-
versity, city and community
officials saw the destruction
as an opportunity. Since
then, town citizens and lead-
ers have been committed to
rebuilding the town as a
model sustainable communi-
ty. Experts from the U.S.
Department of Energy
(DOE) and the National
Renewable Energy Laborato-
ry (NRF.T.) worked with a
variety of community mem-
bers to make the dream of
creating green buildings and
energy efficient structures
that fully express the envi-
ronmentally advanced senti-
ment of Greensburg. The
town showcases energy-
saving best practices that can
be replicated not only in oth-
er communities recovering
from disaster, but any loca-
tion focused on sustainabil-
ity. This process demonstrat-
ed the commitment of
Greensburg5s city leaders to
sustainable rebuilding, which
encouraged other Greens-
burg commercial and public
projects to consider similar
goals and to foster a sustaina-
ble business environment.
Project Highlights
Greensburg reached out to
experts in the Department of
Energy (DOE) and the Na-
tional Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NRF.T,), to begin
the process of rebuilding.
The town first created a mas-
ter plan for community rede-
velopment. Incorporating
energy efficiency targets and
clear implementation recom-
mendations into the master
planning process was vital to
Greensburg officials and
leaders, all of whom wanted
the town to reach its energy
efficiency and renewable
energy goals. Each building
in Greensburg is uniquely
tailored to best meet its ener-
gy efficiency and renewable
energy standards, while still
striking an economic balance.
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41
SPOTLIGHT: GREENSBURG ClTY HALL
Greensburg City Hall
Built to LEED Platinum standards, this building
acts as the perfect example of Greensburg's com-
mitment to sustainability. It strikes an environ-
mental and economic balance, while also serving
many practical purposes. The building is home to
the administrative offices and council chambers
for the city, as well as a town meeting gathering
hall.
Key Features:
Well-insulated and air-sealed walls and roof
High performance windows
4.8-kW photovoltaic system on the roof
High-efficiency ground-source heat pumps
Humidity sensors allow heat pumps to slow
fan speeds and provide dehumidification
Incorporates daylighting and lighting con-
trols.
Source: Greensburg. KS Website
fattp: / ' w\vw.greepsbuigks-Ocr
Outcomes of Project
Key Partnerships
Experts from the U.S. De-
partment of Energy (DOE)
and the National Renewable
Energy Laboratory (NREL)
worked to establish connec-
tions with Greensburg politi-
cal leaders, business own-
ers, and residents to incor-
porate energy efficiency and
renewable energy technolo-
gies into the rebuilding pro-
cess.
"It's about us as a
society surviving and
the ability to endure,
and that's what true
sustainability is." -
Bob Dixson, Mayor
of Greensburg, KS
Lessons Learned:
Set Community-Scale
Goals
Use an Integrated De-
sign Approach
Incorporate Daylighting
and Energy-Efficient
Lighting
Invest in Simple Build-
ing Systems
The Architecture 2030 Chal-
lenge, a pledge for cities to reach
a net-2ero eneigy goal by 2030,
sets a target of 60% energy sav-
ings compared to the national
average of eneigy usage for a
type of building. In Greensburg,
the annual savings, including
renewables, for five of Greens-
burg's buildings went far beyond
the Architecture 2030 Challenge
target of 60% savings. Out of
the five, four of the buildings in
Greensburg go beyond the 70%
target of 2015. Six additional
buildings are within 10% of
meeting the 60% taiget. Eight of
the 13 buildings analvzed are
also LEED Certified (five of the
13 are LEED Platinum). Three
more Greensburg buildings are
anticipated to achieve a LEED
Platinum certification in the
near future. Bv pursuing LEED
certification and the city-wide
initiative for sustainable design,
these 13 buildings save a total of
$200,000 per year in energy
costs.
Moving Forward
In the future, Greensburg leaders and building maintenance operators plan to continue making
the city the greenest it can be by:
Placing daylighting sensors in all spaces that receive abundant daylight
Placing occupancy sensors in locations with electrical lighting
Lowering setpoints (when appropriate) for all building controls during times when the build-
ing is unoccupied
Turning off all electronics and other plug loads at night to prevent energy waste
Reviewing utility bills annually and comparing the energy consumption to past years
Sources relied upon for this report: http: / / www-nreLgov/docs / ifvl 2osti / 53539.pdf
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42
Santa Barbara, California
Reducing ship emissions to address
PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES IN PORT CITIES
Air Quality Quick Facts
30 million Americans have
been currents diagnosed
with asthma
Children and elders are p ar-
ticular Iv at-risk for respirato-
ry problems resulting from
poor air quality
Air pollutants are known to
thin out the ozone layer,
leading to increased expo-
sure to skin cancer and cata-
racts
Port cities have a complex
transport system that include
diesel-powered cargo ships and
transport trucks. Large quanti-
ties of air pollutants are emitted
into the atmosphere, which then
concentrates in surrounding
areas Studies have shown that
low-income and minoritv popu-
lations bear a greater burden of
air pollution than other commu-
nities. The proportion of low-
income household in affected
areas was 20 percent higher than
that of the general population.
Similarly, minority communities
have been shown to make up a
greater proportion of the affect-
ed areas than non-minority
groups.
The Ports of Long Beach and
Los Angeles responded bv en-
acting the Clean Air Action Plan
to cut down on diesel emissions.
However, critics assert that the
plan mav be too stringent for
ports with lower emission levels.
The Santa Barbara Air pollution
Control District rose to the
challenge by proposing a pro-
gram to reduce ship speeds as
thev enter ports.
The Vessel Speed Reduction
Trial Incentive Program
Large cargo ships produce
large amounts of nitrogen
oxides, particulate matter,
sulfur, air toxics, and other
greenhouse gases as they
transport goods to and from
ports. Not only do these
emissions weaken the Earth's
ozone layer, but the accumu-
lation of these emissions
exacerbate public health is-
sues for humans, particularly
in terms of respiratory health.
The Santa Barbara County
Air Pollution Control Dis-
trict developed a trial pro-
gram to slow- down ship
speeds to 12 knots as a way
to cut back on greenhouse
gas emissions.
This program arose out of
apparent gaps in current air
regulations for ports. Plans
such as CAAP outline strate-
gies to cut back on particu-
late matter and sulfur emis-
sions in the short-term, but
they do not address solutions
to reduce nitrogen oxides or
other green-
house gases.
Research and a
trial action
program have
shown that
reducing ship
speeds, espe-
cially as they
enter major
ports, effec-
tively reduces
greenhouse gas and nitrogen
oxide emissions as well as
particulate and other toxic
emissions. This is mainly
because reducing speeds by a
certain amount results in a
fuel consumption decrease
that is equivalent to the cube
of the speed reduction. Less
fuel burning leads to less
toxic air emissions.
Source: EPA
Objectives of Vessel Speed Reduction
trial Incentive Program
Assess potential air qual-
ity and whale protection
benefits from a volun-
tary slow down program
in the Santa Barbara
Channel
Test the shipping indus-
try's willingness to par-
ticipate in this kind of a
program
Refine data collection
and tracking mecha-
nisms
Lay the foundation for a
larger-scale program in
the future
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43
"I think that as local
officials of a community\
we want all of our
residents to live a
healthy and safe life."
-Supervisor Salud Carbajal
Clean Air Action Plan- Strategy to
Reduce Air Pollutants from Ports
The ports of Long Beach and
Los Angeles came out with
the Clean Air Action Plan
(CAAP) to address the emis-
sions from die sel-fueled car-
go ships. The CAAP consists
of four main parts:
1) a Clean Trucks Program to
phase out older diesel trucks
from the ports "within fire
years and replace them with a
new generation of clean or
retrofitted vehicles;
2) recommendations to eliminate
emissions of ultrafine particu-
late matter;
3) a technology advancement
program to reduce emissions
from other equipment includ-
ing commitments to develop
shore power for ships
4) a public participation process
with environmental organiza-
tions and the business commu-
nity
Other features of the plan
include a ban on trucks older
than 2007 that transports
goods to and from the ports
and a requirement to equip
all diesel-fueled heavy-duty
trucks with particulate filters.
The goal of CAAP is to re-
duce emissions by 45% over
the next 5 years.
Benefits of Vessel Speed Reduction
Reductions in emissions of
greenhouse gases, nitrogen
oxides, particulate matter,
sulfur, air toxics
Public health benefits
Climate protection benefits
Can be implemented by all
ships, and without capital
investment
Can be implemented in a
relatively short timeframe.
Has proven to be a successful
strategy at California ports.
Employs well-understood ship
speed compliance tracking and
emission reduction calcula-
tions.
Could help prevent the prob-
lem of backsliding. As the
economy improves, and fuel
prices fluctuate, ship speeds
could increase above their
current speeds.
Protection of endangered
whale species that are of criti-
cal importance to the pristine
marine environments off the
California coast, especially the
national marine sanctuaries.
Improved ability of coastal air
districts to meet air standards;
improved business climate in
those regions by achieving
pollution reductions through
means other than regulating
businesses.
Reducing Vessel speeds Protects the
Whales As well as EJ Troubled Areas
The Vessel Speed Reduction
Trial Incentive Program ef-
fectively reduced toxic air
emissions, which will un-
doubtedly conserve the
ozone layer and protect hu-
man health. However, this
program also reaps some
benefits for the conservation
movement Reducing ship
speeds have served to reduce
whale strikes. This is espe-
cially critical seeing as the
Santa Barbara Channel is
part of a migration route
for a few whale species.
One major take away is
that local governments
can develop programs
that can protect em-iron-
mental and health rights
of underrepresented pop-
ulations and conserve Source: John Calambokidis, Cascadia
i ii Research
animals species as well.
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44
Gary, Indiana
Land Redevelopment
Fast Facts about the
Community:
Population: 78.,450
Land area: 49.87
square miles
Percent of Popula-
tion that is African-
American: 84.8%
Median household
income: 526,885
Old Land, New Uses: Partnering with
Academic Institutions On a Land Survey
Project
NEIGHBORHOOD EXAMPU
iitiatxves-asi
"Gary has a list of priori-
ties, we understand our
assets and the financial
incentives available, and
we are ready to embrace
all partners local, re-
gional and national, pub-
lic and privatewho see
the same potential in
Gary that we do, "
Mayor Freeman-Wilson
Brownfields are just one
of the social and econom-
ic challenges residents of
Gar)' face on a daily basis,
one of them. In addition
to the presence of con-
taminated and vacant
land, the city is plagued
with issues of poverty,
crime, unemployment,
and educational concerns.
These impediments to
success are common
problems shared by urban
communities in America.
Source: Garr. Indiana Website, htt]
It may be a small town, but
Gary, Indiana is full of big
ideas. Mayor Karen Free-
man-Wilson and Redevelop-
ment Director Joseph Van
dyk came up with a plan to
turn the abandoned struc-
tures found throughout their
town into useful areas that
could help spur community
success. Through a partner-
ship with the University of
Chicago and LocalData De-
troit, the Department of Re-
Gary was one of four com-
munities selected nationally
by Community Progress to
receive support through the
spring 2015 Technical Assis-
tance Scholarship Program
(TASP). Specifically, Com-
munity Progress helped the
development conducted a
parcel-by-parcel assessment
of the entire City of Gar}*.
The data collected will help
the city make better informed
decisions, match solutions
with funding, and quantify
the scope of their work with
the existing vacant proper-
ties. Partnering with academ-
ic institutions added a layer
of community involvement,
as volunteers, and students
of all ages combed the streets
City of Gar}- with data collec-
tion and information man-
agement (LSI), looking at
both organizational and de-
partmental L\1 infrastructure
and practices. Representa-
tives also worked with the
town to identify strategies
of Gar}" for 18 months to
complete this survey. The
results will be directly applied
when brainstorming solu-
tions for land redevelopment
within the community.
and solutions for more effec-
tive data collection, sharing
and analysis as part of a
broader, more comprehen-
sive blight prevention strate-
gy-
Project Highlights And Goals
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45
Key Partnerships
Students and professors from
the University of Chicago
truly spearheaded this project
by partnering with the local
government and LocalData
Detroit to perform a compre-
hensive survey of the city.
Key players in this process are
listed below.
flavor Karen Freeman-Wilson | Joseph Van
Dyk | Tyshon Outlaw | Darius Stevens | Alexis
Pops | iEchael Morgan | Chris Harris | Jean-
Francois Xdomb | Chang Yu | Sabrina Rich-
ards | Brandon Whvte | Teresa Zalewski | Carrol
Pirtle | Richard Leveritt | Sam Bamett | Katie
Bui.trago | Tom Piagge | Kingston Wong | Erin
Watts | Estela Carbaial | Bemice Lee | Mchelle
Robinson | Jack Eskin | Valintina Torre; | Aaron
Rosenberg | Quanic | Alicia ^.lanlev | James
Dillon | David Smith | Cassie Carpenter | Eric
Ta\rney | Aida Pacheco | Abbev Delgadil-
lo | Doug Nagy | Claire Pritchard | Elnaz
Moshfeghian | Aahron Whitehead | Lin
Xia | Sandra Hall Smith | Crystal W. | Knstme
Clark | Peter Fogel | Christina Baughman | Dami
Ovedele | Joyce Lam 12kIoira Albanese | Liz
StovaD | Ellen Szarleta | Carol Brovrn | Alatt
Repka Justin Webster | Ian Ludwig | Eva
Thiveos | Michael Cro\rter | Parul Kama | Atta
Ceesay | Erin Rapoport | Kathi AlarshaH | Robert
Contsk | Brittanv Miller | Mariana Pereira | Qi
Dong | Christine Mabone | Mitt Stegeman | Siru
Liu | Sleghan !McXaIlv| Shana Mabone | Michael
Azmera I Xue Gong | Vane3se Dabney Jennifer
Deak | Venkatesh Pillai | Hirokazu Tsu-
da 1!Mana | Roy Cast | EIHott Balch | Victor
Chan | Federico Pelayo | Annie McNair | Laura
Merer | Robert iManduca | Weichenhu | Vicki
Chou | Loretta ^larstranzi | Jason
Huang | Zhaosong Ruab | David
McQuown | Ling Ge | Jordan
Besek | ^lartin | Gretchen Reyes | Shafia Imti-
az | Ann Li | Adam Lechnir |Jocelyn Hare | Colin
Lago | Sheila Vemmer | Zach T | Crystal
L | Daisuke Seki | Buwei He | Man | Jiyoung
Choi | Arlene Colvin | Christopher | Constance
Boozer | Giancarlo Lazzaro | ^Mengsin
Sun | Kenva ^ la clan | Beckv Spavins | Christian
Pecaut | Joe Quifle | Nohelv Arteaga | Sheila
Tavlor | Becca Sherman | Annika John-
son | Ah'ssa | Corev Chan | Santiago
Matallana | Eric Baxter | David Wel-
gus | Fumi | Yang Xu | Kvle Prisby | Russ
Hare | Charles Smith | F.mfly Bao | Jose Re-
quena | Yangfan
Gao | Kazeem | Fumiaki | Daniel Hughes | EHsa
Blanco | Greg Mance | AprQ VanmiBi-
gan | Fiona | WenWen | Virginia Pod-
kul | T xia | Matt Hampel | Sara Ellis | Kvle Ter-
ry | Jimmv Bodv | Paty Sprague | Cecelia
Black | Gregory Henrv | Asmurquhart | Sharon
Kim | Xiaorui Tang j Barrv Rapoport |Jor
HoDiday | Marnie van der Voort | Kotaro
Uegaki j Steve Broadwefl | Aleiandro Albanez
Rivas | Yvette Williamson Jessica Pal-
fi | Davion | Marcus | Larissa Dragu | Bradlev
Crawford | Zach Honoroff | Masahiro Ma-
miya [ Jonathan Guy | Ben Keys | Hector
Dox | Seven Torres | Binghui Gong | Dhathri
Chunduru | Angetque Parrott | ChaYra | Karen
iMorns | Gia Hunt | Rudv !More-
no | Ursina | Trumere But-
ler | Derrick | Shernette | Marcel Ev-
ans | Esperanza Johnson | Chen Lin
Results
58,235 Parcels surveyed
Is there a structure? Occupancy
Yes (33,227)
No structure (25,008)
Property condition
Excellent (9,095)
Good (11,738)
| Fair (7,755)
Poor (3,093)
Occupied (26,325)
Vacant (6,902)
Fire damage on blighted buildings
| No damage (3,348)
| Some fire damage (735)
| Significant fire damage (497)
Dangerous (1,546)
Not applicable (53,655)
Lessons Learned
Utilizing the many resources available
to a local community are enhanced by
its ability to work with neighboring
development partners.
Collecting such comprehensive data
allows the city to make smarter more
calculated decisions on how to best
address demolition and redevelop-
ment.
Partnering with academic institutions
and other private partnerships is a
great resource for communities strug-
gling with environmental justice issues.
Two students survey the Gary, IN area.
Source: University of Chicago
http: 'csl.uchicago.edu feature/graduate-students-take-policy-
challenges-garv
Moving Forward
The completion of this survey marks the first step towards a comprehensive land redevelopment
program. Next steps that the City of Gary has prioritized include:
1. Organize key city stakeholders and leaders into a Brownfield/Redevelopment Working
Group that will make commitments of time and resources and be accountable to city leadership.
2. Prioritize redevelopment projects. There is a need for the city planning and economic de-
velopment staff to have a clear road map of priority projects. Using the working group for this
task will help to bolster collaborative communication.
3. Develop specific Master Plans for each prioritized site. Once site prioritization has been
established, a very specific, site-oriented master plan should be developed for each area of rede-
velopment.
Sources relied upon for this report U.S. Census Bureau, http://garvmaps.com/reports/. http: /' / v.Avw.garv.in.us /redevelopment/initiatives.asp
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