With 700 urban farms and gardens in New York City, a new report calls for a comprehensive approach to managing the city's urban agriculture, and offers recommendations for maximizing coordination between city agencies and urban farmers.
The report, called "Five Borough Farm: Seeding the Future of Urban Agriculture" seeks to coalesce key stakeholders in support of urban agriculture. Jared Green reports, "[t]he project seeks to create a comprehensive 'road map' with the goal of helping stakeholders - policymakers, community groups, farmers, and designers - 'understand and weigh the benefits' of urban agriculture, while making a compelling case for significantly ramping up local government support for this growing field. Basically, if you've been looking for a thorough examination of all the policy aspects of urban farming, this is it."
The benefits of urban gardening have been well-understood for some time, and the practice has been growing in popularity across the U.S. "But, unfortunately, in New York and so many other cities, there's still a disconnect between official policy and the bottom-up grassroots movement being led by gardeners, farmers, and landscape architects," writes Green.
Some of the greatest "obstacles to future growth" include challenges in obtaining resources (soil, growing space, tools), financing, and race and class issues. Proponents hope a comprehensive approach will help increase local government support, financing, and promote a better understanding of urban agriculture's role in the city's economy and public health.
FULL STORY: A road map for urban agriculture in NYC

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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