Unlocking Potential Through Regional Partnerships: The Rio Reimagined Vision Planning Process

Posted September 20, 2024.

Today I want to dive into a topic that’s always on my mind—regional partnerships, their transformative power, and the catalytic potential of a regional-scale vision plan for Rio Reimagined to increase federal funding into the river corridor.

Our work, as well as our success, is interdependent. The power of collaboration cannot be overstated. Regional partnerships are more than just a trend; they’re a vital strategy for fostering innovation, economic growth, and sustainability. When we have this conversation in context of successfully competing for federal funding, it’s essential.

Many federal programs require projects that demonstrate collaborative efforts to address complex issues. Partnerships often align better with these goals than individual or isolated efforts. Federal funding programs also may have explicit requirements for partnerships. For example, certain grants such as the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Community Change Grant, may only be available to consortia of organizations rather than single entities.

Equally important though, collaborating with various partners and stakeholders, including tribal and local governments, non-profits, and community groups, can demonstrate widespread support and a greater potential for impact. Enhanced community engagement and involvement is also critical for projects aimed at local or regional issues.

Integrating Federal funding with regional goals

For those who haven’t been following this groundbreaking project, scoping for a Rio Reimagined Vision Plan is in the works. Since 2018, RIO communities have independently invested in planning and projects, but without a regional focus. The exciting news is that we are working together now from the foundation we’ve created, to develop a regional-scale vision plan. Your voice is needed in this process – stay informed about how to participate at rioreimagined.org.

In my role as Ambassador, I bring federal funding expertise to the discussion. During the vision planning process, I will remain focused on identifying federal funding opportunities to support the needs and priorities of the Rio Reimagined partners that could include priority projects that address environmental justice, ecosystem restoration, brownfields redevelopment, parks and trails systems, workforce, economic and community development among others.

Connecting a federal funds plan to a regional-scale vision plan for Rio Reimagined is crucial for ensuring that the allocation and utilization of federal funds align with our long-term goals and objectives. It also ensures that funding is not just an isolated financial transaction but is connected to those broader regional goals. This integration enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of projects funded by federal grants and other fund sources, such as philanthropy, as well. Here’s how we are beginning to establish this connection:

1. Identifying Relevant Federal Programs: In our preliminary research, we’ve identified several programs managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of the Interior (DOI), and the United States Forest Service (USFS). As we move through the planning process, we will refine a list of federal programs and match them with the needs and goals identified during the planning process to develop a long-term RIO Funding Strategy;
2. Sustainability Planning: Ensuring that the use of federal funds contributes to long-term sustainability. This may involve developing strategies for sustaining the benefits of funded projects beyond the life of the grant.
3. Leveraging results: Using the outcomes and success stories from federal funding to leverage additional funding, partnerships, and support for future initiatives.

Fostering Collaborative Solutions

Many of our challenges, such as systemic inequity or environmental sustainability, are complex and require coordinated efforts across different sectors. Rio Reimagined is powerful in its diversity of partnerships and innovative problem solving. We need everyone at the table!

I’m here to support your work and am happy to provide technical assistance and advice should you have a project for which you are seeking federal funding. Let’s continue to collaborate across sectors—public, private, nonprofit, community-based organizations, and academic institutions—and drive positive change in our RIO communities. Please reach out to me at [email protected].

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