City Parks: America's New Infrastructure

Adopted at the 86th Annual Meeting in 2018

  • WHEREAS, 80 percent of Americans live in metropolitan areas, and as cities become more densely populated, planners, elected officials, and community advocates are taking a fresh look at parks and their potential to help address critical urban infrastructure and public health issues; and

    WHEREAS, investment in mixed-use infrastructure projects -- those that include both parks and green space -- is building a strong track record of leveraging public funds with private capital to address many urban challenges, including those relating to transportation, stormwater management, and access to recreation; and

    WHEREAS, investments in community parks help grow local economies by creating jobs, increasing property values, and improving quality of life that attracts and retains the kinds of businesses, workforces, and private capital that make metropolitan areas competitive in today's global economy; and

    WHEREAS, urban parks take on different forms, from signature downtown parks to reclaimed industrial railways and corridors, and are coming to be recognized as an important part of modernized transportation systems, connecting neighborhoods to businesses; and

    WHEREAS, cities are rediscovering their waterfronts and other industrial roots and leveraging parks to help with major redevelopment projects; and

    WHEREAS, in addition to the environmental and economic benefits of mixed-use infrastructure, there are the well documented human health benefits of proximity to nature; and

    WHEREAS, cities are using parks as a way to stay competitive in the global market and to attract residents and businesses; and

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors views urban parks as essential infrastructure for 21st century cities; and

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors believes in equitable access; that everyone living in urban areas should have equal access to beauty, nature, healthy environments, recreational opportunities, and an array of park choices.

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors urges Congress to include urban parks in any infrastructure package; and

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors stand ready to work in partnership with the President, all members of the administration, and Congress to ensure that urban parks are included with other infrastructure in an integrated, coordinated approach to help create sustainable, prosperous communities with equal access for all inhabitants.
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