Culturally Informed Brownfield Redevelopment: A methodology for learning about communities
Citation:
Kiessling, B. AND K. Maxwell. Culturally Informed Brownfield Redevelopment: A methodology for learning about communities. National Brownfields Training Conference, Oklahoma City, OK, August 16 - 19, 2022.
Impact/Purpose:
The purpose of this poster is to inform conference attendees about a methodology developed by EPA scientists. The methodology is to aid cleanup and redevelopment practitioners in conducting culturally informed processes. The poster details the five parts of the methodology.
Description:
Brownfield redevelopments take place in many contexts, requiring interactions with diverse communities. Getting to know nearby communities, cultures, and affected populations has a positive effect on redevelopment processes and outcomes. It builds trust, increases buy-in, facilitates risk communication, and supports equitable decision-making. This poster presents a methodology that federal, state, local, or tribal brownfield practitioners can follow to achieve a culturally informed redevelopment project. The methodology has five components: 1) familiarizing yourself with relevant community characteristics, 2) prioritizing learning about local contexts, 3) learning about the community, 4) analyzing for cross-cultural understanding, and 5) creating an on-going cultural learning plan.