Support for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant Program
Adopted at the 93rd Annual Meeting in 2025
WHEREAS, the ORLP is managed by the National Park Service and funded entirely through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which uses no taxpayer dollars, drawing instead from revenues generated by energy companies operating on the Outer Continental Shelf; and
WHEREAS, ORLP grants support land acquisition, new park development, and the renovation of existing parks in underserved urban areas, with the goal of reconnecting people with the outdoors and improving quality of life for current and future generations; and
WHEREAS, ORLP projects are driven by local needs and priorities, ensuring that community members have a voice in shaping projects that meet their unique park and recreation challenges, often as part of broader visions for community development and revitalization; and
WHEREAS, ORLP investments create strong economic returns, including job creation, increased property values, expanded local tourism, and greater appeal to families and businesses, with local parks generating over $200 billion annually in economic activity and supporting more than 1.1 million jobs nationwide; and
WHEREAS, ORLP projects also improve public health and reduce healthcare costs by encouraging physical activity, reducing rates of chronic disease, lowering childhood asthma through increased tree cover, and enhancing mental well-being for both adults and children; and
WHEREAS, thoughtfully designed parks contribute to disaster resilience and climate adaptation by reducing urban heat, improving stormwater management, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating flood risks, providing infrastructure solutions that are more cost-effective than traditional "grey" infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the ORLP encourages partnerships between public, private, and philanthropic entities, maximizing federal investments through a one-to-one matching requirement and fostering innovation in park planning and funding; and
WHEREAS, the ORLP supports a diverse range of park projects including playgrounds, sports fields, recreation centers, amphitheaters, and community green spaces, all tailored to the specific needs of individual communities; and
WHEREAS, communities are empowered to meet the match requirement through flexible funding sources-including city and state funds, private donations, in-kind contributions, land donations, and federal programs such as HUD's Community Development Block Grants; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that U.S. Conference of Mayors affirms its strong support for the Land & Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program and urges continued and expanded federal investment in this vital program that strengthens our neighborhoods, supports local economies, promotes public private partnerships, and ensures equitable access to outdoor spaces;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors urges the U.S. Department of the Interior to continue its strong support for this critical program and to prioritize funding for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP).