Progressive Cities: Models for Using Public Land for Community Gardens

Abstract

Community gardens enhance the quality of life and well-being of people living in cities. Known benefits include decreased crime rates, decreased blight, decreased poverty levels, decreased rates of obesity, increased access to good food for poor residents, increased jobs and job-training, and increased educational opportunities. Cities across the nation with the common goal of sustainability have formed partnerships with various entities in various configurations in furtherance of this progressive ideal: sustainable living through community gardening. This paper sets out the local laws, state laws, and funding mechanisms cities have created or used to create community gardens. Part I will provide some background and a brief overview of the community garden concept in general. Part II will explain: (1) the types of entities that create community gardens, citing examples of successful city partnerships; (2) the logistics involved in creating community gardens, with a focus on land acquisition and basic planning, again citing examples of various approaches taken by cities; and (3) city policies and ordinances that have created, funded, or otherwise supported community gardens, again providing examples of the process and achievements of select municipalities in this area. Part III will list current California Law on point for cities to draw upon in their community garden efforts, summarize the challenges and barriers facing city leaders in their sustainability efforts, and offer ten basic recommendations for cities interested in sustainability.