# Revitalizing Cities Through Parks Enhancement Act

This bill creates a federal grant program to help turn abandoned vacant lots in cities into parks and green spaces. The Department of Housing and Urban Development would give money to nonprofit community organizations that want to transform empty, neglected properties owned by local governments into places where people can gather, play, and relax.

The problem this bill addresses is pretty straightforward: many inner cities have lots of vacant land sitting empty, often because of tax foreclosures or economic downturns. These abandoned lots become eyesores and attract crime like drug dealing, which drives down property values and makes neighborhoods less safe. The bill's supporters believe that converting these spaces into maintained parks and gardens would improve quality of life, give young people positive places to spend time, and actually increase property values in struggling neighborhoods.

Here's how it would work in practice: A local nonprofit organization focused on community improvement would apply for a grant of up to $250,000 per year. They'd need to have a track record of serving their neighborhood and include local residents in their planning. The organization would then use the grant money to clean up a city-owned vacant lot, remove debris, and develop it into a park or garden space. The money could also cover ongoing maintenance and some administrative costs. The city would have to commit to keeping the property available as a park for at least seven years. The bill sets aside $10 million per year for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 to fund these grants, though Congress would need to actually approve this spending.

The bill emphasizes community involvement throughout the process—residents would have a say in what gets built and how the space gets managed. Organizations receiving grants would need to prove they're financially responsible and accountable to the neighborhoods they serve.

Revitalizing Cities Through Parks Enhancement Act

Maloney, Carolyn B.

Revitalizing Cities Through Parks Enhancement Act This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to award grants for qualified community organizations to establish community open spaces, such as parks or playgrounds, in urban areas.