• H.R. 709
The URLC provides federal grant funding, a portion of which local governments are required to match, to revitalize urban areas through local park and recreation projects and programs. Funding is provided through a competitive grant process administered by the Department of Housing and
Urban Development.
Nearly 80 percent of the U.S. population lives in urban areas, many of which are struggling with declining economies, poor public health, and higher rates of crime and at-risk youth.
Access to parks, green space, and recreation opportunities has proven to be a vital part of the solution of many of these issues. Yet, most urban areas suffer from deteriorating community infrastructure, a lack of green space, neglected parks, unsafe playgrounds, and inadequate recreation resources.
Support the Urban Revitalization and Livable Communities
Act, H.R. 709 (URLC) to revitalize urban areas by making them healthier, more livable, and economically competitive through improved access to parks, green space, and recreation opportunities.
Numerous studies have shown that urban parks, recreation, and green space help grow local economies by attracting businesses, improving property values, increasing tax revenues, and creating jobs. By directing resources toward urban parks and recreation, Congress can effectively address many of our nation’s most costly problems at the local community level.
Industry Foundation reveals that the Recreation
Economy supports over 6.5 million jobs and contributes
$730 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
• PARKS INCREASE PROPERTY VALUES AND GROW TAX
REVENUES: Parks and green space positively affect real property values for adjacent properties by as much as
25 percent. They also increase local tax revenue and attract tourism dollars.
• PARKS ATTRACT BUSINESSES: Corporate CEOs say that employee quality of life is one of the three most important factors in locating a new business. Small companies indicate that parks, recreation, and open spaces are a top priority in choosing where to start up.
• PARKS CREATE JOBS: In addition to attracting businesses and the jobs that come with them, a study by The Political Economy and Research Institute of the
University of Massachusetts shows that investment in parks, reforestation, and land restoration generates jobs at a much higher rate than most other sectors including new highway construction, Wall Street, and conventional
energy sources. Overall, a report by the Outdoor
• PARKS IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH: The CDC reports that childhood obesity has tripled in the last 30 years, less than 25 percent of adults engage in recommended levels of physical activity, and that obesity is a leading cause of chronic disease. Increased access to parks, green space, and recreation opportunities is essential to becoming a healthier nation and reducing unsustainable health care costs.
• PARKS PROTECT NATRURAL RESOURCES: Funding for parks and recreation contributes to reduced storm water runoff, enhanced groundwater recharge, urban heat island mitigation, and reduced energy demands.
They also make communities and neighborhoods safer by protecting against environmental contamination.
NRPA Public Policy Office | www.NRPA.org | 703.858.0784 | March 2011