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Meramec Funding Sources

Greening America’s Communities

Greening America’s Communities

Aug. 1, 2019
By EPA

Story summary:

  • Each year the EPA helps 3-4 cities and towns develop an implementable vision of environmentally friendly neighborhoods that incorporate innovative green infrastructure and other sustainable design strategies.

Quick Facts

EPA Mission
To protect human health and the environment 

Eligibility
Local governments, Cities, Counties, Nonprofits partnering with a city or county 

Services Provided
Project Design, Project Illustrations, Policy Guidance, Implementation Plan Development, Project Strategy Development 

Timing
Typically annually, watch for call for proposals in 2020

About

Greening America’s Communities is an EPA program that funds a team of designers to visit 3-4 communities to help them develop designs and illustrations to kick-start or align with a larger planning process for the pilot neighborhood.

The pilot projects are often the starting point for larger city-wide actions like local code or ordinance changes that better support sustainable growth and green infrastructure.

The EPA and other federal agency partners also help city staff develop implementation strategies.

The basic criteria for eligibility for Green America’s Communities technical assistance is laid out in the request for letters of interest that goes out with each new round. However, projects need to have a clear project area and need for design assistance, as well as broad community commitment to implementation.

 Project Examples

Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City explored using green infrastructure to minimize flooding from a local stream and make improvements to streets in four neighborhoods that will increase safety and improve quality of life for residents. Project Page

Des Moines, IA

Des Moines incorporated GI into a streetscape plan that has positive impacts on the Des Moines River. Project Page

Jefferson City, MO

Jefferson City developed a design for restoration of Wears Creek and Millbottom, a flood-prone area near the capitol. The design provides community and water quality benefits and reuse of vacant lands. Project Page

More Info/Resources

Contact Info

EPA, Region 7 Office, Smart Growth/Sustainable Development
David Doyle
913-551-7667
doyle.david@epa.gov 

EPA, Office of Community Revitalization
Clark Wilson
202-566-2880
wilson.clark@epa.gov

Consult your community’s attorney and financial advisors prior to moving forward with any of these funding options. Any reference in this website to any person, or organization, or activities, products, or services related to such person or organization, or any linkages from this website to the website of another party, do not constitute or imply the endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of companies or organizations.
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