Action Model. A grassroots, community-level tool that you can use to improve and redevelop your community. Using the Action Model will help you work with your team and target your approach and goals.

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. An organization that gives grants for economic and community development that preserves, enhances, and sustains the country’s historic resources.

Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR). A federal public health agency that’s responsible for evaluating and protecting community health from the effects of exposure to hazardous substances in the environment. ATSDR created the Action Model.

Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Program. A program that gives technical assistance to communities with brownfields to help people improve their quality of life.

Brownfields. Abandoned or underused industrial or commercial properties (like old factories) that might contain harmful substances. Brownfields can’t be redeveloped until any harmful substances are cleaned up.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A government agency that works to create sustainable, affordable homes that boost the local economy and quality of life. Specific HUD programs include the Community Renewal/Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Initiative (RC/EZ/EC), the Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI), and others.

Development Community. A group of people (that might include residents, planners, city agencies, developers, and others) who work together on a redevelopment project.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The federal agency in charge of protecting human health and the environment.

EPA Brownfields Program. An EPA program that offers funding and help for cleaning up and reusing brownfields, like old industrial sites.

Health department. A local or state department that protects and improves people’s health by preventing and controlling disease.

Land Reuse Sites. Old commercial or industrial properties (like old factories) that might contain harmful substances but can’t get funding from the EPA Brownfield Program or may be able to get funding but have not yet applied for it.

National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH). A federal agency that promotes health and quality of life by preventing or controlling disease, injury, and disability related to the interactions between people and their environment outside the workplace.

Preserve America. An organization that offers grants to communities that sustainably promote community revitalization, tourism, and education by using historic resources.

Redevelopment. Building something new on a site that was used for something else in the past. For example, tearing down old buildings and putting up new ones.

Stakeholders. Anyone with an interest in your project who might have an influence on how it develops. Stakeholders are often part of a Development Community.

State Environmental Protection Agencies. Agencies that are in charge of protecting the environment and human health in specific states.

Stewardship. With the Action Model, this means managing and planning your project over time.

Workshop. When you’re developing an Action Model, the workshop is a formal meeting with the Development Community. You’ll finalize your goals and approach and create an Action Model.