RECOMMENDATION #7
SUGGESTED ACTION STEPS • Conduct a review of current green infrastructure goals among federal agencies. • Identify gaps in knowledge and green infrastructure opportunities in urban ecosystem management. • Examine existing initiatives that could be used as models to integrate the work of different agencies (see Examples). • Continue to work with state and local governments to standardize the use of urban forests and green infrastructure as tools to meet stormwater quality, clean air, energy efficiency and carbon dioxide mitigation objectives, targets or goals. • Work with state and local governments to strengthen understanding of urban forest systems and green infrastructure as vehicles to improve public health, perhaps coordinating with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) or National Institutes of Health (NIH). • Work with state and local governments to support alternatives or enhancements to existing utilities. Look for and evaluate highly innovative options. • Coordinate with state and local governments and private partners to develop a green infrastructure fund, implemented as federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) or through other innovative mechanisms.
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