The EPA is offering an exciting program to create walkable, healthy, and economically vibrant neighborhoods though local food systems development. Local Foods, Local Places is the new program that offers technical assistance during a  two day workshop while developing a plan of action for communities who want to develop local food systems.

The Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR) is preparing a grant proposal to be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide technical assistance to tribal communities impacted by brownfields. CCLR seeks to augment team capabilities with contractor expertise.

On September 20th, the Center for Creative Land Recycling, in partnership with U.S. EPA, and Nevada DEP & Northern Nevada Development Authority held a pre-conference workshop focused on supporting economic development through brownfields funds & technical assistance.

On August 2nd, the Center for Creative Land Recycling, in partnership with Tuskegee University and U.S. EPA, held a workshop focused on rural brownfield redevelopment to help drive the establishment of a rural transit system.

The Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR) has been awarded a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address environmental justice issues arising from failing decentralized septic systems and their impact on vulnerable populations (low income, minority, elderly and the very young) in Lowndes County, Alabama.  CCLR is hereby requesting – in accordance with 40 CFR Part 30 as appropriate for a not-for- profit organization – Statements of Qualification (SOQ) from interested non-profit organizations, educational institutions, private firms and individual consultants to be a part of the CCLR team that will execute the EPA grant. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) shall be open August 3, 2016 through August 18, 2016.

USDA Rural Development’s Socially Disadvantaged Group Grants (SDGG) provides financial support for community groups to conduct leadership trainings, craft business plans or conduct strategic planning sessions. The program prioritizes projects that provide technical assistance to socially-disadvantaged groups through co-ops and cooperative development centers. Members of cooperative or a cooperative development center should contact their local rural development office with questions or apply. Application Deadline: August 5th (paper submission); August 1 (electronic submission)

On June 15th, the Center for Creative Land Recycling hosted its first workshop in Western New York! Our free, informative half-day workshop at the SUNY Buffalo campus focused on the latest trends in brownfield and infill redevelopment. Over 80 municipal planners, environmental professionals and consultants, local community organizers and developers all came together to share strategies for leveraging technology and the natural environment, as well as to form and build on collaborative relationships in the area.

The Land Policy Institute has released a robust and FREE guidebook: "Placemaking as an Economic Development Tool". The Placemaking Guidebook seeks to assist neighborhoods and communities with quickly reshaping their thinking and acting on how effective placemaking can greatly enhance community and economic development. The tool is a fantastic resource for communities of any size; and particularly valuable to states, regions and localities that are attempting to reshape their communities to be competitive again in the new global economy because of its emphasis on economic aspects of placemaking. The techniques and strategies discussed within can be used to drive improved "sense of place," enhance local quality of life, attract talented workers, and establish an environment for economic competitiveness. It can also assist in the redevelopment of vibrant places where people are drawn to live, work, play, shop, learn and visit. 

Tune in for a rich discussion among three leading-edge practitioners about how their programs promote wealth building, job placement and training, job creation, and increase access to financing and supports for small businesses and social enterprises. These programs respond to the needs of low-income people and people of color, and are making tangible impacts in everyday lives, helping long-marginalized families keep pace with place-based investments in their neighborhoods, and advancing equitable development more broadly in long-marginalized American communities.

Date & Time: July 20, 2016 | 1:30pm - 3:00pm EST

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is soliciting proposals for Coastal Ecosystem Resiliency Grants to implement projects to improve or restore coastal habitat to: 1) strengthen the resilience of U.S. marine and coastal ecosystems and decrease the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather and 2) support sustainable fisheries and contribute to the recovery of protected resources. Application Deadline: August 16.