New CAFS Resource: Cleaning Up Contaminated Soil

Cleaning Up Contaminated Soil:

How the City of Phoenix Used State and Federal Brownfields Funding to Transform Vacant Lots into Land for Urban Agriculture

A new CAFS case study examines how Phoenix accessed state and federal brownfields funding for site assessment and cleanup planning to help turn vacant lots into land for urban agriculture. Written by Liz Turner, visiting assistant professor at Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS), and former CAFS intern Grace McGuire JD’27, this case study shows how brownfield “recycling” can open up a land access opportunity for urban food production and community gardens, particularly if city officials who apply for EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant funding connect with a local network of farmers, landowners, and established community organizations.

The case study is part of a CAFS project supported by the USDA Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production that identifies policy strategies to support policymakers and food producers working to strengthen local food production in U.S. cities.