The Grow America EPA-supported Technical Assistance for Brownfields Collaboration
According to the EPA, a “brownfield” is defined as “a property where expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances or other contaminants.”
About this Collaboration
This initiative by Grow America and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) provides financial technical assistance to strengthen EPA Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) programs. Leveraging proven expertise, the program supports both new and existing grantees in establishing long-term successful RLF programs, focusing on financial capacity, networking, and training.
Program Goals
Partner to build successful, long-term RLF programs
Develop RLF cooperative agreement recipient (CAR) expertise through outreach, training, and coaching
Connect new RLF CARs with experienced RLF CARs who have successfully implemented long-term RLF Programs and have expertise in brownfields assessment, cleanup, and reuse
Facilitate meetings between potential and existing RLF CARs and other RLF stakeholders, including developers, lenders, and environmental justice organizations, to increase capacity and understanding of how to build a successful RLF Program
Support RLF CARs by developing an easily accessible toolkit with templates (e.g., model loan and subgrant agreements), examples, and other outreach materials that will benefit both new and established RLF programs
Key Activities
Research Existing RLF Programs: Conduct stakeholder interviews across EPA regions and other entities (e.g., HUD, CDFIs) to identify needs, assess current programs, and establish best practices for public-sector lending.
Build Partnerships: Launch a training series with webinars and materials tailored for new and existing RLF applicants to improve program success; create an on-ramp for new RLF applicants.
Cultivate Expertise: Establish a cohort training program, provide on-demand technical assistance, and develop online training modules.
Facilitate Peer-to-Peer Exchanges: Build an online resource bank, including best practices, tools, and materials, accessible through a dedicated portal.
Develop a Network: Establish an RLF Advisory Council that meets monthly to expand the capabilities of the team. We will use this as an opportunity to enhance the online portal and its offerings.
Create Toolkits: Develop and provide training on toolkits, including templates and resources, to streamline RLF program implementation and management.
Program Benefits
Brownfield cleanup and reuse are integral components of EPA’s mission of protecting human health and the environment. By definition, brownfield sites are a potential source of environmental contaminants that could negatively affect human health and the environment.
Grow America’s technical assistance will provide existing and potential RLF Grant recipients with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to tackle brownfields thereby reducing threats to human health and the environment, supporting Goal 6 – Safeguard and Revitalize Communities, Objective 6.1: Clean Up and Restore Land for Productive Uses and Healthy Communities of EPA’s Strategic Plan.
This Technical Assistance for Brownfields Collaboration is operated by Grow America using Federal funds from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EPA.
