Bringing a brownfield back to life begins with understanding how a community’s vision for reuse fits within its economic realities, infrastructure, social context, and environmental conditions. Focused planning efforts help identify which redevelopment options are practical for the site. This step is critical, as the intended reuse will shape how the property is evaluated, cleaned up, and safely managed moving forward.

The good news is that planning efforts centered on brownfield reuse can qualify for funding through an EPA Brownfields Assessment or Multipurpose Grant. The following 15 fact sheets outline eligible planning activities that can help kick-start revitalization and position a site for successful reuse.