Community Parks Revitalization Act

Bill Number: H.R. 4985
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Housing and Community Development
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-08-15: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2025-09-19T15:27:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Community Parks Revitalization Act (H.R. 4985) aims to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create programs that help communities invest in parks, recreational areas, facilities, and programs. These investments target urban health issues (like obesity and chronic diseases), economic growth, crime reduction, youth development, support for military families and veterans, and environmental conservation (such as stormwater management and green spaces). The bill promotes collaboration across agencies and encourages sustainable, accessible designs to improve quality of life in urban areas.

Key Provisions

The bill is divided into two titles, focusing on grants and financing tools.

Title I: Community Parks Revitalization Program

Grant Types (awarded competitively by HUD):
Rehabilitation and Construction Grants: Fund rebuilding, expanding, or developing parks and facilities, including security improvements like lighting (up to 10% of funds for land acquisition).
Innovation and Recreation Program Grants: Support creative programs for at-risk youth, veterans, and military families, such as hiring veterans or expanding therapeutic recreation (limited to 10% of total funds).
Recovery Action Program Grants: Help plan local park recovery strategies, including needs assessments and public involvement (limited to 3% of total funds).
Eligibility: Primarily local governments (cities, counties, etc.) in metropolitan areas; up to 15% of funds can extend to non-metropolitan areas. Insular areas (e.g., Guam, Puerto Rico) get special allocations up to 2% without matching requirements.
Matching Requirements: Grantees must provide at least 3/7 of grant funds from non-federal sources (e.g., state revenues, donations); waivers for rural or economically hard-hit areas. States can add up to 15% more federal matching.
Priorities for Selection:
Projects in high-density, high-unemployment, or low-income areas.
Focus on accessibility (e.g., ADA compliance for disabilities), environmental benefits (e.g., tree planting, energy-efficient designs), connections to transit/schools, and community involvement.
Innovation grants prioritize crime prevention, youth alternatives to crime, and integration with social services.
Local Requirements: Grantees must submit 5-year recovery action plans showing commitment to maintenance, coordination with other programs, and sustained funding levels. No converting funded properties to non-recreation uses without HUD approval and replacement.
Administration: HUD coordinates with other federal agencies (e.g., on climate, housing); requires annual reports, audits, and public participation. Regulations due within 180 days of enactment.
Funding: Authorizes necessary sums for fiscal years 2026–2035.

Title II: Secured Loans and Loan Guarantees for Parks and Recreation Infrastructure

Financial Assistance: HUD provides secured loans (direct loans) or loan guarantees to eligible entities for large-scale projects (minimum $20 million cost).
Eligible Entities: Corporations, partnerships, governments, or state financing authorities.
Eligible Projects: Parks, trails, bike/pedestrian infrastructure, safe routes for non-drivers, rail-to-trail conversions, and viewing areas (excluding commercial sports venues).
Uses of Funds: Covers planning, construction, land acquisition, equipment, and refinancing (up to 49% of project costs; total federal aid capped at 80%).
Selection Criteria: Projects must be creditworthy (investment-grade rating potential), have dedicated revenue (e.g., user fees), and promote innovation, private investment, environmental protection, and regional significance. Public sponsorship required for private projects.
Loan Terms: Fixed interest rate (at least Treasury yield), up to 35-year maturity, repayable from revenues; allows deferrals/prepayments without penalty. HUD can sell loans post-completion.
Administration: Uniform servicing system; fees to cover costs. Does not override state/local permits or regulations.
Funding: $50 million authorized annually from 2026–2030 via Land and Water Conservation Fund (up to $2.2 million for admin); biennial reports to Congress.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new HUD-administered programs not previously authorized at this scale for urban parks. It builds on existing laws like the Housing and Community Development Act (allowing CDBG funds for matching) and Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (diverting funds for Title II loans). Key additions include:

Specific grant priorities for health, equity (e.g., minority/low-income access), and sustainability (e.g., LEED guidelines, recycled materials).
Loan/guarantee mechanisms modeled on infrastructure finance laws (e.g., Federal Credit Reform Act), but tailored to recreation with revenue-based repayment.
Mandates 5-year local recovery plans and coordination with non-HUD programs (e.g., juvenile justice, energy efficiency block grants), enhancing integration over fragmented prior funding.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: HUD gains new responsibilities for grant/loan administration, coordination with agencies like Interior (National Park Service) and Justice, and reporting to Congress (interim in 5 years, final in 10). States/localities must commit to maintenance, potentially straining budgets but leveraging federal dollars.
Citizens: Urban residents, especially in underserved areas, gain better access to safe, green spaces, potentially reducing chronic diseases, crime, and youth delinquency while boosting physical activity and mental health. Veterans, disabled individuals, and low-income families benefit from targeted programs; economic opportunities arise via jobs in construction/programming.
International Relations: No direct impacts; focus is domestic urban revitalization.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Local Governments and Communities: Primary recipients (urban/rural), responsible for planning, matching funds, and maintenance; benefits neighborhoods with high poverty/crime.
Nonprofits and Private Entities: Can receive grant transfers or loans; partner in operations and youth/veteran programs.
Youth and At-Risk Populations: Gain recreation alternatives to prevent crime/delinquency.
Military Families and Veterans: Access therapeutic and inclusive facilities.
Environmental and Health Advocates: Supported by green infrastructure mandates.
States and Federal Agencies: Provide matching/incentives; HUD/OMB oversee implementation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Ensures compliance with federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (accessibility standards) and environmental reviews; prohibits fund misuse via audits/penalties (e.g., grant rescission). Property conversions require HUD approval to protect public use.
Constitutional: Aligns with Spending Clause authority for federal grants/loans to states/locals, with matching/non-federal source rules promoting fiscal responsibility. No federalism issues, as it encourages (but does not mandate) state involvement.
Political: Bipartisan introduction signals broad appeal for urban equity and green jobs amid climate concerns. Could face debates over HUD's expanded role (vs. traditional Interior Department oversight of parks) and funding diversions from conservation funds, but emphasizes cost-effective, innovative solutions without new taxes.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]

Recent Actions

2025-08-15: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-08-15: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-08-15: Introduced in House
2025-08-15: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Community Parks Revitalization Act — issued 2025-08-15 — PDF (53 pages)