![The Urban Design Project | Groundwork Buffalo [header images/logo]](../../images/headerGroundwork.jpg)
Groundwork Buffalo Feasibility Study
The Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) has contracted with The Urban Design Project to conduct a feasibility study for starting a Groundwork Trust in Buffalo. Groundwork organizations’ purpose is to build sustainable communities through joint environmental action thereby empowering people, creating better places, and helping to bring about prosperity. The Groundwork USA network is built on partnership and linked together by the Groundwork USA national office, with support from the Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Program and the National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program. Projects and activities are organized into six program areas as part of our integrated approach to community rejuvenation: land, brownfields, education, business, youth, and communities.
The Urban Design Project will conduct a Feasibility Study to determine whether a Groundwork Trust is appropriate for Buffalo and how it will operate. The Urban Design Project will determine how Groundwork Buffalo can act as an umbrella organization to coordinate resources and collaboration between public, private, and community partners. The Urban Design Project will seek ways to improve communication amongst these groups so that important work is not duplicated or missed altogether. This is especially important given that this organization is supposed to join together those concerned about ecological and social justice—not usual partners. Groundwork Buffalo can build upon existing assets and work to fulfill community needs identified by this Feasibility Study.
A wiki-site with additional information and a discussion forum is available at http://groundworkbuffalo.wikispaces.com/
The Role of Groundwork Buffalo:
As both convener and implementer, a Groundwork Buffalo (GWB), with representation from existing greening and environmental organizations, has the prospect of adding much value to the process of reclaiming underutilized and neglected open space throughout the city. The reality of resource limitations, however, should be neither overlooked nor understated. It will be crucial for GWB, and its partner agencies to tailor their efforts to communities where their work can have a substantial and sustainable impact. By leveraging and connecting existing assets, greening efforts can serve as more than active and passive recreation spaces, but can serve as catalysts for community involvement and anchors for future investment.
