Insights and Innovations from the California Land Recycling Conference

The 2024 California Land Recycling Conference (CALRC) opened with a powerful question posed by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 Administrator Martha Guzman: “How many of you believe in redemption?” Her reference to the reinvestment in brownfields set the tone for the event, which explored the transformative potential of land reuse in communities. Nearly 400 attendees gathered in Carson, California, to learn from 80 speakers across 32 sessions. This year’s theme, From the Ground Up, highlighted brownfield redevelopment as a way to empower communities through environmental, social, and economic innovations while advancing equity.

A standout session was the Women Visionaries panel, where prominent female leaders like the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Director Dr. Meredith Williams, EPA Deputy Administrator Cheree Peterson, and Greenlining Institute CEO Debra Gore-Mann shared their experiences of navigating non-traditional career paths. They encouraged young professionals to use their voices, embrace bravery, and work toward justice. Scholars Leah and Richard Rothstein emphasized the need to address segregation through policy changes and innovative land reuse, advocating for dense zoning and mixed-income housing to create more equitable communities.

Interactive sessions at CALRC also introduced participants to new tools and strategies for land reuse. Workshops focused on funding strategies, community engagement, and housing entitlement processes, while technical sessions discussed the environmental impact of land cleanup efforts. Attendees were inspired by case studies from Fresno, West Sacramento, and Oakland, showcasing how revitalizing parks and creating affordable housing can uplift underserved areas. The conference closed with a call to action, urging participants to apply the knowledge and connections they gained to continue building a more just and sustainable future.