URBAN WATERS FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP

URBAN WATERS FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP

About the Urban Waters Federal Partnership

The Urban Waters Federal Partnership reconnects urban communities, particularly those that are overburdened or economically distressed, with their waterways by improving coordination among federal agencies. The federal program, administered out of the EPA, collaborates with community-led revitalization efforts to improve our nation’s water systems, and promote their economic, environmental, and social benefits.

There are 21 Urban Waters locations across the United States.  Rio Reimagined was designated as the 20th location of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership in 2020, providing local partners with expedited grant and technical assistance from 15 federal agencies and 28 national non-profits that participate in the program.  Information about the local initiative resides on a Rio Reimagined Urban Waters webpage.

LEARN MORE: Urban Waters Federal Partnership Overview Fact Sheet

Urban Waters Federal Partnership Locations

How the Urban Waters Federal Partnership Benefits Rio Reimagined Partners

Peer-to-peer network

As one of 21 Urban Waters locations, the Rio Reimagined partnership has access to a community of 20 other urban waterway locations that can provide “best practices” in areas of interest for Rio Reimagined: regional and strategic planning, workforce development, urban forestry, community engagement and sustainable development. 

Learning opportunities & technical assistance

The Urban Waters Learning Network is a nationwide peer-to-peer network of people and organizations working to conserve, restore, and revitalize America’s urban waterways. Rio Reimagined partners can benefit from tools, training, mentoring, and financial assistance to collaborate, develop solutions, and elevate community priorities.

Learn more about the Urban Waters Learning Network

The Ambassador to Urban Waters

The Urban Waters Federal Partnership created the Urban Waters Ambassador position in every designated location to accelerate and coordinate on-the-ground projects, promote community engagement, and advance water and land protection and restoration.

Roles of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership Ambassador

Every Urban Waters location has a point of contact serving as the local liaison to the national program. This graphic illustrates some possible roles for an Urban Waters Ambassador. 

Urban Waters Program Accomplishments Report

In May 2024, on behalf of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the national program’s 2022 Accomplishments Report.

In 2022, the Urban Waters Federal Partnership locations collectively:
  • Reached more than 200,000 community members across 124 community events and engaged more than 5,000 volunteers; 
  • Protected or restored more than 32,000 acres of habitat; 
  • Planted more than 27,000 native trees and plants; 
  • Collected more than 27,000 pounds of trash; and 
  • Created 183 job training opportunities in the environmental restoration sector. 

This report highlights the value of the Urban Waters Ambassadors who take on many different roles to effectively manage multi-stakeholder partnerships and enable organizations to realize the benefits of partnership for watershed protection and restoration. The report also highlights the Urban Waters Learning Network, which is made up of people and organizations working to conserve, restore and revitalize America’s urban waterways. The Urban Waters Learning Network delivers tools, training and impact stories from Urban Waters partners and membership has grown by 85% since 2016. Lastly, the report highlights collaborative activities and accomplishments in the areas of Water Quality and Habitat Restoration, Environmental Justice, Climate Resilience, Workforce Development and Outreach and Education.

More information is available on the  Urban Waters Federal Partnership website.  

Ambassador’s Corner

Meet Cindi Ptak, RIO’s Ambassador to the Urban Waters Federal Partnership

As your Ambassador to the Urban Waters Federal Partnership, Cindi identifies federal funding opportunities and connects tools and resources to local needs in collaboration with local partners. Visit the Ambassador’s Corner to learn more about her role and how your organizations can get involved.

Ambassador’s Corner

Meet Cindi Ptak, RIO’s Ambassador to the Urban Waters Federal Partnership
As your Ambassador to the Urban Waters Federal Partnership, Cindi identifies federal funding opportunities and connects tools and resources to local needs in collaboration with local partners. Visit the Ambassador’s Corner to learn more about her role and how your organizations can get involved.

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