Last month, staff from across the Groundwork Network joined hundreds of other land use professionals in Chicago for the 2025 National Brownfields Conference. With so much change happening, four days of learning, connecting, and sharing new ideas for brownfield redevelopment was exactly what we needed. Our CEO, Heather McMann, was among those that joined the conference to share insights and learn. Here are her top takeaways from this years’ convening:

• If we want land reuse to be transformational, residents must be included in every step of the process. They need a seat at the table to help direct how their neighborhood is shaped – their voices are essential. At the conference, our team shared how a resident coalition in Paris, KY collaborated with us and other technical assistance providers to reclaim a former incinerator and transform it into a community asset. Their story continues to evolve today. Explore their timeline here. 

• Brownfields sites can double as classrooms. Did you know that EPA Brownfields grants can do more than just fund land transformations? These grants can also provide job training for local residents, doubling the positive impact of brownfields redevelopment on the community. As part of their training, local workforces can even use the funding to attend conferences like this one. Learn more here.

• Every sector has a unique role to play in land reuse projects. Brownfield redevelopment is not a one person job. The most impactful projects bring together government, businesses, community organizations, and residents together to tackle this work. Intermediary organizations and technical assistance providers, like us, help coordinate across stakeholders, streamline collaboration, and bring skills and financial resources to projects.  Our resource hub provides lots of tools to help navigate stakeholder relations.

• Never underestimate the power of relationships and human connection. Despite all the logistics, operations, and planning that goes into the work – at the end of the day we are creating spaces that bring people together. Building and maintaining connections is needed throughout this complicated process because it keeps you grounded in your why and serves as a motivator to keep pushing towards shared goals.

This work isn’t easy, but it is worthwhile. We’re deeply appreciative of the sense of community and connection we find at this conference. We hope to catch all of you next time!