Brownfields are typically abandoned or underutilized industrial or commercial properties where redevelopment is hampered due to the real or perceived presence of environmental hazards. Cleaning up and putting these properties back into productive use provides a wide variety of public health, environmental and economic benefits–it not only cleans up impacted soils and groundwater, it also reduces urban blight, creates jobs, and restores local economies.

The California Chapter of the National Brownfields Association has been formed to promote the responsible cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields in California. To accomplish this goal, the Chapter will conduct educational programs, disseminate information regarding the various aspects of the brownfields discussion, sponsor and facilitate and professional networking opportunities, and host events to advance the California brownfield market.

The Chapter’s action agenda will include:

• Reviewing and promoting successful brownfield business practices in California and translating these examples into a set of best management practices.
• Providing a forum where all stakeholders in California brownfield redevelopment can come together in a collaborative environment to discuss the many issues related to the cleanup and development of brownfields in California’s unique and often challenging political, economic, social, environmental and regulatory climate, building consensus where possible, and fostering better understanding of the unique perspectives of California’s variety of stakeholders.
• Studying issues regarding how best to protect public health and the environment, while encouraging the most productive redevelopment of brownfield properties.
• Working with state regulators, local government and others to develop and disseminate information about the workings and effectiveness of existing legislative, financial and regulatory programs for brownfield development in California.
• Hosting educational opportunities, which bring the best practices and innovative tools to a wider spectrum of California’s brownfields stakeholders.
• Providing a professional networking forum where all stakeholders (property owners, developers, local community groups, local government, environmental groups, environmental justice advocates, lenders and regulators) have an opportunity to speak to and learn from other stakeholders regarding their perspectives related to the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields in California.
• Developing a peer match system to connect experienced California brownfield stakeholders with new entrants in the market.