Brownfields Redevelopment

Welcome to the brownfields section of Community Lots, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy’s online information source for community-based organizations (CBOs) on brownfields redevelopment issues.

This Web site provides information specifically tailored for the needs and concerns of nonprofit CBOs that want to undertake brownfield redevelopment. This Site also sponsors a Forum for “peer-to-peer” exchange of information on brownfield redevelopment challenges and solutions. Through questions and comments, the Forum acts as a virtual “kiosk” for CBOs, which can post questions and obtain answers from others who have experienced the same challenges. You may want to ask questions about: how to build your organizational capacity to undertake brownfields; what do you need to assess environmental conditions and remediate your property; when to partner with the public and private sectors; what public programs are available; how to integrate different financing sources; how to manage liability; or how to hire a consultant. This information exchange opportunity will be mutually beneficial for CBOs already involved in the business of brownfield redevelopment and for those who want to get into the brownfields business.

The impetus for this Web site grew out of a Lincoln Institute sponsored series of workshops on brownfield redevelopment practices for CBOs. Attended by CBO staff nationwide, these workshops are available particularly for CBOs that lack broad experience with completed brownfield redevelopment projects. The workshops feature expert panelists and speakers. But equally important, participants have gotten the benefit of informal conversations with their peers. This Web site seeks to provide a vehicle for continuing these exchanges in a “virtual” mode and an opportunity to initiate new discussions that improve community redevelopment prospects.