Resources for Revitalization

CCLR remains funded and committed to supporting environmental and social justice

As 2024 comes to an end, I reflect on how our team, partners, and the communities we serve have made such progress to transform brownfields from liability to possibility this year. I am looking forward to what 2025 holds for the advancement of just and resilient communities.

While we anticipate many changes to federal priorities, I am confident that solutions to environmental and social issues will continue where they started: at the local level. Brownfield reuse will remain an important component to progress, and the Center for Creative Land Recycling will be here to support land reuse champions as we have for the past 26 years.

This autumn, CCLR reviewed the highest number of EPA brownfield grant applications in our organization’s history. We anticipate that high-levels of brownfield funding will continue next year. We encourage you to pursue this funding, and to connect with us early next year to start preparing for your grant application. CCLR’s team looks forward to continuing to support your land reuse project and collaborate on actionable solutions in 2025 and beyond.

Jean Hamerman

Executive Director

Read about more brownfield project successes on our blog.

This plan was used to support applications for EPA Brownfield Revitalization Funding and a Community Change Grant. Watch CCLR's video on the Plummer Vision to Action process.

Oregon: Sherwood Awarded EPA Cleanup Grant

The City of Sherwood was awarded a $5 million dollar EPA FY24 Cleanup Grant to remediate the former Frontier Leather Tannery.

Through community engagement and remediation, the City will protect natural resources, and provide future opportunities for greenspace, a public works and emergency operations center, and community space and resilience hub. CCLR is proud to have supported Sherwood with an EPA Assessment grant application review, which was awarded in May 2024. We congratulate Sherwood on their successful grant application!

Congrats ARC Applicants!

Congratulations to everyone who submitted their FY25 ARC Grant application! Our team reviewed 60 applications (that's over 600 pages) to make sure applicants are maximizing their chances for awards.

After a well earned break, remember that it’s never too early to start thinking about the next cycle, schedule a call with CCLR and review our Funding Redevelopment page to learn more about options for FY26.

Soil is more than just dirt; it is the backbone of our ecosystems and an essential component of human life. But widespread urbanization, deforestation, and industrial farming have depleted soil quality worldwide...

EVENTS & WEBINARS

Whether you’re an environmental professional, community advocate, or policy-maker, this webinar will provide valuable insights into transforming degraded sites into vibrant, healthy ecosystems with benefits that extend beyond clean soil and water to social and economic resilience.

Check out slides and recordings from CCLR and CCEEJ's latest webinar Game Changers: Crafting Community Outreach MVPs (Most Valuable Plans)

EPA is hosting a series of webinars for assistance agreement grant applicants and recipients.

Individuals and nonprofit organizations in Washington can apply for up to $60K in grant funding from Washington Ecology 

Orientation webinar Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 10 a.m. Pacific. | Register now

This funding is for two types of projects: those that engage the public in contaminated site cleanups, and those that improve waste management practices.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

EPA Seeks Public Comment on Framework to Advance Consideration of Cumulative Impacts on Communities



The EPA has released a new draft framework on approaches to incorporate cumulative impacts in delivering public health and environmental protections for communities and Tribes. Many brownfield communities are overburdened by multiple sources of pollution. This Framework is the latest steps in EPAs efforts to better understand and address the impacts such pollution burdens on communities. Learn more and comment.

Turn your EJ plan into reality: Grants up to $350,000! Apply by December 15

Rural and urban organizations in EPA Region 10 can apply for funding through Philanthropy Northwest to develop and implement environmental justice plans. 

Organizations can apply if they 1) already have a strong understanding of their local environmental and/or public health issues, 2) already have formulated a community-wide plan to address them, and 3) are ready to develop and implement technical aspects of the project.

Read the request for applications.

Apply by Sunday Dec. 15 through Philanthropy Northwest's portal. 

Mitigate urban heat islands: Submit letter of interest by December 12   

EPA is accepting letters of interest from new or existing partnerships between a local, county, or tribal government and a neighborhood or community group to receive technical assistance through the Building Blocks program.

EPA funding to address emerging contaminants in small or disadvantaged community water systems to promote access to safe and clean water in small, rural, and disadvantaged communities while supporting local economies. 

Eligibility: States and territories

Deadline: Rolling

Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Communities

EPA is offering awards of $500,000 to $5,000,000 to fund projects that implement the “building a circular economy for all strategy series,” improve local post-consumer materials management programs, and make improvements to local waste management systems.



Eligibility: Political subdivisions of states & territories 

Deadline: December 20, 2024