Brownfields Toolbox

Local Government Offices
Since most Brownfields Job Development and Training programs are local, it is important to involve local governments as a source of technical assistance. Maintaining contact with the local environmental agency will help you receive the highest level of detail regarding brownfields employment and economic development projects in the community. Local environmental agencies can provide links to service providers, contractors, advisors, and potential employers. As with state agencies, they can become an excellent resource for trainers, speakers, and technical assistance. 

Local environmental offices are often organized according to population. The size of local agencies usually correlates to the size of the jurisdiction. For example, in rural or sparsely populated areas, environmental and other non-environmental services are located in county offices. In small communities, environmental, health, and public safety departments may be combined.

Urban areas usually have comprehensive local agencies. In many cases, the mayor's office is the organizational hub for city services, including environment, health, labor, community planning, and economic development. Often the local environmental agency is located in the mayor's office, but whether the agency is consolidated or independent, it is still of utmost importance to visit other departments within the mayor's office. Departments of health, economic development, neighborhood planning and relations, human resources, and public assistance are just a few of the many offices that may contain a wealth of information and assistance. First-hire ordinances (related to hiring local workers first), block grants administration, enterprise, community/enterprise zone planning, and many other local programs that directly influence Brownfields Job Development and Training programs are administered from these offices.

Regardless of the size of your community, the mayor's office provides the best entry to local resources and assistance. Phone calls followed by personal visits remain the best way to access local government.

Successful Brownfields Job Development and Training programs have established relationships with each of the organizations discussed. EPA headquarters, regional EPA offices, state environmental agencies, and local government offices are all interwoven to provide access and assistance as you develop and maintain your program.


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