URBANWATERS

FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP

Restoring Urban Waters, Revitalizing Communities

ABOUT THE URBAN WATERS FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP

This partnership reconnects urban communities, particularly those that are overburdened or economically
distressed, with their waterways by improving coordination among federal agencies and collaborating with
community-led revitalization efforts to improve our Nation's water systems and promote their economic,
environmental and social benefits. Specifically, the Urban Waters Federal Partnership:

•	Breaks down federal program silos to promote more efficient and effective use of federal resources
through better coordination and targeting of federal investments.

•	Recognizes and builds on local efforts and leadership, by engaging and serving community partners.

•	Works with local officials and effective community-based organizations to leverage area resources
and stimulate local economies to create local jobs.

•	Learns from early and visible victories to fuel long-term action.

WHY ARE URBAN WATERS IMPORTANT?

In many urban areas- especially those that are overburdened or underserved — every resource counts. Clean
water is the one resource that is often taken for granted but is also most vital. Each of us relies on clean water
every day-from the water we drink, shower, and swim in, to the water we use to feed our crops. But its value is
larger than that. Clean water helps communities thrive, playing a key role in helping grow local businesses and
enhance educational, recreational, and social opportunities in the areas through which they pass. Urban
communities know this, and all across the country, local groups are working to restore their water resources
and reconnect their communities to them. The Urban Waters Federal Partnership is committed to supporting
these communities in that action-helping them reclaim the water resources that are vital to their success.

DESIGNATED LOCATIONS FOR ACTION

For more information, visit www.urbanwaters.gov.

November 2014


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URBAN WATERS PARTNERSHIP PRINCIPLES

These principles guide the work of the partnership, both nationally and in partnership locations:

•	Promote clean urban waters.

•	Reconnect people to their waterways.

•	Water conservation.

•	Use urban water systems to promote economic revitalization and prosperity.

•	Encourage community improvements through active partnerships.

•	Be open and honest: listening to communities is the best way to engage them.

•	Focus on measuring results and evaluation to fuel future success.

FEDERAL PARTNERS

•	US Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army (USACE-DA)

•	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services (CDC-HHS)

•	Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)

•	US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

•	US Department of Education (ED)

•	US Department of Energy: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (US DOE)

•	US Department of Housing and Urban Development (US HUD)

•	US Department of the Interior (US DOI)

•	US Department of Transportation (US DOT)

•	US Economic Development Administration, US Department of Commerce (EDA-DOC)

•	US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)

•	Federal Emergency Management Agency, US Department of Homeland Security (FEMA-DHS)

•	National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US Department of Health and Human Services (NIEHS-HHS)

•	National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, US Department of Commerce (NOAA-DOC)

Led by federal agencies and coordinated by the White House Council on Environmental Quality and Domestic
Policy Council, the Urban Waters Federal Partnership closely aligns with and advances the work of the White
House's place-based efforts, including the Partnership for Sustainable Communities and the Strong Cities,
Strong Communities (SC2) Initiative, to revitalize communities, create jobs and improve the quality of life in
cities and towns across the nation.

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION AND ASSOCIATION PARTNERS

In December 2014, 28 non-governmental organizations and association partners signed a statement of support
of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership Vision, Mission, and Principles. These partners will support the
federal agencies by aligning resources, funding, and expertise to restore urban waters, parks, and
greenspaces; increase outdoor recreation; engage youth and residents at pilot sites; and create new initiatives
or projects nationally or at the state or local levels that achieve complementary results.

Alliance for Community Trees
American Forests
American Planning Association
American Rivers

American Society of Landscape Architects

Amigos de los Rios

Arbor Day Foundation

City Parks Alliance

Earth Force

Groundwork USA

Izaak Walton League

National Association of Clean Water Agencies
National Recreation and Park Association
National Wildlife Federation

Restore America's Estuaries
River Network
SavAT ree
Sierra Club

Society of Municipal Arborists
The Chesapeake Conservancy
The Conservation Fund
The Intertwine Alliance
The Nature Conservancy
The Trust for Public Land
Tree Care Industry Association
US Water Alliance
Wilderness Inquiry
Wildlife Conservation Society

For more information, visit: www.urbanwaters.gov.

November 2014


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