Mayor Paul Young Joins the Mayors for Parks Coalition

Memphis, TN. Mayor Paul Young joined the Mayors for Parks Coalition, a coalition managed by City Parks Alliance. The national bipartisan coalition was created in 2013 and includes mayors from large and small cities across the country who advocate for increased federal funding for our nation’s urban parks. The Coalition is chaired by Fort Worth, TX Mayor Mattie Parker.

 

The Coalition advocates for increased funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Stateside and Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) programs. These programs provide matching grants to create and expand parks, develop recreation facilities, and further local recreation plans. 

 

“I believe in the power of parks and green spaces; I’m excited to become part of this important coalition,” said Mayor Young. “Historic disinvestment has impacted many low-income communities and communities of color. I believe in doing all we can to help restore equity of access to the health, economic, and environmental benefits of these spaces.”

 

“Mayor Young knows the important role that parks play in improving the health and vitality of Memphis, and we are thrilled to have him join our Mayors for Parks Coalition,” states Catherine Nagel, City Parks Alliance’s Executive Director. 

 

The Mayors for Parks Coalition had a historic win in 2020 when the Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law. The law provides $900 million in permanent and dedicated annual funding for the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF provides funding for national, state, and local parks and is funded through revenues from offshore oil and gas drilling royalties, a portion of which is matched by state and local contributions – increasing the return on investment without using federal tax dollars. The LWCF has supported more than 44,000 projects in 98% of the nation’s counties. It is a smart and effective use of federal funds for all Americans.

 

###

 

City Parks Alliance is the only independent, nationwide membership organization solely dedicated to urban parks and manages the Mayors for Parks Coalition. The Alliance’s mission is to educate and elevate a diverse constituency to leverage the power of parks in shaping equitable, resilient, and thriving cities.