Brownfields Definition

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Brownfields: Abandoned, idled or under-used real property where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by the presence or potential presence of environmental contamination.

Once thriving areas of economic activity, today brownfields lie abandoned often contaminated from past uses. Sitting unused or under-utilized, brownfields are impediments to economic development in rural and urban communities across our Nation. But redeveloped, brownfields can be catalysts for community revitalization. To help communities address brownfields, the Brownfields National Partnership was established in 1997. The National Partnership brings together Federal agencies to address brownfields cleanup and redevelopment in a more coordinated approach.

HUD is working with community organizations, the private sector, local and State governments and other federal agencies to stimulate reinvestment in communities by restoring brownfields to productive use.